Patriots discussion: 2017 free agents, D.J. Foster

Welcome to our weekly site discussion, Musket Fire Thursday Roundtable. Listen in as the Musket Fire team talks 2017 free agents, D.J. Foster, veteran additions on offense and… well, you’ll see for yourself. Enjoy.

"Andre Menice – If only two of the three key free-agents to be (Hightower, Collins, and Butler) can be signed, which one, in your opinions, is the odd man out? Why?"

Connor Fulton – Tough decision here, but have to go with Butler. Collins is the top priority because he is a scary talent and should never leave New England; Hightower is not far behind him since he is the Luke Kuechly of the AFC. He also wears No. 54, making him this generation’s Tedy Bruschi. The Patriots must retain both of those defensive keystones. What makes Butler partially expendable is the cornerback depth the Patriots have been stockpiling this offseason. Possibly, the drafting of Cyrus Jones with the Patriots’ first selection in the 2016 NFL Draft was a proactive measure in case Butler departs next offseason. There’s also promising sophomore pros Darryl Roberts and Justin Coleman, and of course Logan Ryan. Whereas at linebacker, the Patriots have next to no depth after Collins and Hightower.

Best value players on Patriots’ roster

Kirk von Kreisler – This is obviously “plan B” for the Patriots. If I had to choose, I would say Butler is the odd man out. Now I know two of these free agents play linebacker and only one is a defensive back, but both Hightower and Collins are superior players to Butler. Butler is progressing well, and, if he stays on track, he will very well develop into a terrific starting cornerback. However, Collins looks like a rare breed of a defender currently and Hightower is a linebacker that is needed on all teams, so they are the priorities for the Patriots to extend. Extending contracts for Hightower and Collins would lock-up the center of the defense (Hightower, Collins, and McCourty) for quite some time, and that would bring the most success to the team. It all comes down to whether or not Butler wants to play for the Patriots organization. The Patriots will likely extend a fair offer to Butler (a restricted free-agent next offseason), but Butler will have to decide if he wants to stay with a winning organization or relocate to a big-spending, rebuilding team.

Next: Connor: Will Foster make 53-man roster?