Patriots: 3 potential cap casualties NE can target this offseason

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after recovering a fumble and running it back for a touchdown during the 1st half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: Preston Smith #91 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after recovering a fumble and running it back for a touchdown during the 1st half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on November 29, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Jamison Crowder #82 of the New York Jets (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

2. Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets

Jamison Crowder would be a huge help for the Patriots’ offense.

Jamison Crowder, who’ll still only be 28 by the time the 2021 NFL season opens, is an elite possession receiver.

He’s also someone the New York Jets probably don’t have that much interest in holding onto.

Crowder’s $10 million, non-guaranteed base salary would look better in a place like New England, where the wideout could slot in at a similar (slightly lesser?) rate and replicate the very best of Julian Edelman, whose future remains up in the air, whether he plays next season with the Pats or not.

This past season, Crowder caught six touchdowns, and though his target share dipped precipitously as the season went on, he began the year fully healthy and explosive; Sam Darnold looked his way either 13 or 10 times in each of the first four weeks.

The speedy ex-Washington Football Teamer is exactly the kind of luxury item New York has no place for during year … two? three? of an ongoing rebuild. However, he could be perfect for a Patriots team that needs experience in its wide receiver corps more than anything else.

Jakobi Meyers’ breakout looked legitimate, and N’Keal Harry made strides and showed flashes as the season dragged on, but neither seems destined to be a rugged leader for the Pats next season. Add Crowder and increase the presence of Edelman, and you’re on the right track.