New England Patriots: Ranking Internal Free Agent Priorities

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LeGarrette Blount:

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates after the game against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. The Patriots won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Blount had a career year in 2016 as one of the biggest bargains in the NFL. As part of the three-headed running back attack, Blount pounded in 18 of the team’s 19 rushing touchdowns in the regular season compiling 1,161 yards. However, he averaged just 3.9 yards per rush in 2016.

Just two years ago Blount left for Pittsburgh and it was a disaster for both sides. Between an arrest for marijuana possession and a tantrum on the sidelines led to his release after just half a season. He came back to New England and has thrived in his “big back” role.

Blount was available last year and no one bit in free agency. Expect him to return to New England on an incentive-laden deal unless some team comes out of left field with a crazy offer.

Alan Branch:

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft celebrates with Patriots defensive lineman Alan Branch (97) after the Patriots’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Branch was one of the big surprises in New England on defense stepping up and taking a Vince Wilfork sized role on the defensive line. With his size, strength, and smarts, Branch teamed with second-year tackle Malcom Brown to form a dynamic duo in the middle of the defensive line.

Branch’s numbers do not jump off the page (49 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three passes defended) but his value in New England’s defense as a run-stuffer cannot be understated. His value to New England (especially since he is turning 33) may not translate to other teams in free agency.

Another team may kick the tires on Branch, but his professional success since being plucked from the obscurity of the discard pile will likely influence his options this offseason. Short of retiring as a Super Bowl champion, Branch should return on a contract heavy with incentives.

Chris Long:

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Long left a lot of money on the table to come to New England and play for Bill Belichick. With a Super Bowl ring in hand, Long–like Martellus Bennett (and Darrelle Revis before them both)–he may use his strong play on the big stage to cash in and get more money than most soon to be 32-year old defensive ends receive in free agency.

Long had just 35 tackles and four sacks as the Patriots used him in a four-man rotation with Jabaal Sheard, Rob Ninkovich and Trey Flowers. However, his strong play in the second half of the Super Bowl where he was leading the charge to pressure Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan as the Patriots erased a 25-point deficit jumped off the television.

Long may choose to stay in New England because of his appreciation for the winning culture and the chance to be back in the playoffs. Of course, he could cash in and take more money somewhere else and latch on with a young up-and-coming team as a veteran leader in the locker room (Tennessee, Tampa Bay, or Oakland jump to mind).

James Develin:

Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Matt Lengel (82) makes the touchdown catch as New York Jets cornerback Juston Burris (32) defends in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

A telling hint about the role of James Develin was his interaction with head coach Bill Belichick on the field after the Super Bowl. NFL Films caught their interaction with Belichick praising Develin’s toughness. New England missed the powerful fullback in 2015 as the running game never got on track without the fullback and fell short in the AFC Championship game.

Develin bounced back from a broken leg to resume a key role in the running game. Despite having no carries and just three regular season receptions, the burly fullback created space for a New England rushing attack which finished seventh in the NFL in total yards.

With literally no free agency frenzy for fullbacks, Develin likely has a small market if he wants to move on. With mutual respect and a good fit for both sides, expect Develin back with the Patriots and number 46 making space in the running game again in 2017.

Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Michael Floyd (14) celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Floyd:

The Patriots invested $1 million in Floyd picking him up off of waivers after his extreme drunk driving arrest and release from the Arizona Cardinals. Projected to be a top free agent prior to 2016, Floyd had a disappointing season with just 33 receptions for 446 yards and a disappointing end to his time in Arizona.

Coming to New England, the Patriots were able to give him extended playing time in the two final games of the regular season and the Divisional Round playoff game against Houston. When Malcolm Mitchell was healthy, he retook his top outside wide receiver role for the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl.

Floyd showed enough to warrant the investment in him and the mutual interest in revitalizing his career should have him back to New England on a one-year “prove-it” kind of deal. A mutually advantageous relationship (even with an expected suspension) should keep Floyd in New England one more year.

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