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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 Chris Hogan
Dec 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) makes a reception as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Will Compton (51) looks on during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Chris Hogan

Chances of being this year’s Sheard: 6/10

Hogan has a reasonable chance of being this year’s Sheard for a number of reasons.

First off, if Danny Amendola doesn’t take a pay cut, the Patriots will likely trade or release him. The absence of Amendola in the aerial attack will make Hogan the sure-fire No. 2 wideout, and with that will come more looks and thus a greater chance to make good on his signing.

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Even if Amendola sticks around, Hogan should factor prominently into the Patriots’ passing plans in 2016. The Pats gave him a pretty nice deal, indicating that they are keen on Hogan’s abilities and plan to use him early and often this season, or else they wouldn’t have made Hogan an offer that the Buffalo Bills couldn’t match.

The growing number of weapons in the Patriots’ passing attack could push Hogan out of targets, yes, but it also could mean a ton of desirable one-on-one matchups with defenses focused on stopping Julian Edelman, Gronk and Bennett (and Lewis out of the backfield).

Next: 3. Ramon Humber

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