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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 Long
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs on to the field before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Chris Long

Chances of being this year’s Sheard: 8.25/10

Long receives the greatest probability of becoming the 2016 version of Sheard for the simple reason that he is entering the same situation that Sheard did in 2015. Also, Long is a proven star, even if he hasn’t had a productive season since 2013.

MUST-READ: In-depth analysis of Patriots’ offseason moves

When Sheard came to New England a year ago, there were two entrenched starters: Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich. Similarly, Long is walking into a situation where there are, again, two entrenched starters: Sheard and Ninkovich. This will mean that Long has paralleling opportunities to produce in his first year as a Patriot.

Best-case scenario for Long in 2016: wards off age, takes advantage of so much surrounding star power in Patriots’ pass rush and reaches double-digit sack numbers, out-producing Sheard’s 2015 total of eight sacks.

Worse-case scenario for Long in 2016: age/injuries take their toll and sophomore pros Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers push out Long in the rotation, and he fails to reach four sacks for the third straight season.

Next: 6 remaining free agents Pats should mull over

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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