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Patriots: Which offseason additions will be most impactful in 2016?

By Connor Fulton

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Kearse Patriots
Sep 3, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Stephen Morris (6) attempts a pass as Washington Redskins defensive tackle Frank Kearse (73) pressures during the second half at FedEx Field. The Jacksonville Jaguars won 17 – 16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Frank Kearse

The Patriots pursued Kearse while the Chicago Bears were flirting with Hicks. So when Hicks jumped ship to the NFL’s third-largest media market (now that Los Angeles is in the picture), the Patriots wasted no time in signing Kearse.

In 25 career regular season games with the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, Kearse has totalled 29 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He’s not exactly a household name by any means, but definitely a seasoned veteran.

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Kearse appears to be the least impactful of the eight offseason additions thus far because of the competition at defensive tackle. Sure, Hicks is no longer in the picture, but Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Dominique Easley, Chris Jones and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen are familiar in the Patriots’ system and should all have a leg-up on Kearse in training camp.

That being said, Kearse does have a path to the final roster. If he can prove to be a better fit in the Patriots’ defense than Jones (who missed all of last season) and Kitchen (who has barely played for the Pats since signing late last fall), Kearse will have a shot.

Next: 7. Ramon Humber

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