Potential Patriots free-agent targets with connections to Bill Belichick

Possible Addition on Offense: Cordarrelle Patterson

Speaking of career seasons, Cordarrelle Patterson just had his best and it was oddly reminiscent of his time with the Patriots when he was deployed as a hybrid running back/wide receiver. Patterson just racked up 618 rushing yards and 548 receiving yards in 16 games with the Atlanta Falcons but was overshadowing by Deebo Samuel’s insane production with the 49ers.

Is this where the Patriots would be willing to spend, though? Patterson can return kicks, too, so perhaps. A weapon like this for Mac Jones in an offense that will no longer be called by Josh McDaniels would help on a multitude of fronts. Patterson would provide a change of pace in the rushing attack and open up the field for fellow receivers Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor. Patterson over N’Keal Harry? The possibilities are endless.

Then again, New England needs more of a No. 1 receiving option rather than a Swiss Army knife like Patterson, who’s entering his age-31 season. Maybe they clear enough of the budget to make both acquisitions possible? Either way, Patterson has the Patriots to thank for whatever happens in his free agency endeavors for because it’s led to arguably the best four seasons of his career.