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Patriots free agency: Who will be this year’s Jabaal Sheard?

By Connor Fulton

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency Frank Kearse
Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs with the ball past Washington Redskins defensive end Frank Kearse (73) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Frank Kearse

Chances of being this year’s Sheard: 1.5/10

This writer deemed Kearse to be the least impactful of the Patriots’ offseason additions because of all the stalwarts on the interior defensive line the Patriots already have.

Sure, Akiem 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.

MUST-READ: 6 remaining free agents Patriots should avoid signing

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.

Now, if Kearse manages to squeeze onto the roster, don’t expect him to break out like Sheard did in 2015. More responsibility would have to fall on his shoulders for Kearse to have an opportunity for a career year.

Next: 4. Chris Hogan

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