Bargain bin free agents for the Patriots to pursue in ’23
If the New England Patriots want to go fishing for some cheaper options in free agency, then these three players might be great options for the team. While the Patriots do have some money to spend big and land some big fish, they may also take a look at some cheaper options as well.
Usually, we’re talking about depth guys or players who can even compete for a starting job down the road. They won’t be super expensive at all, and that’s the beauty of it, especially if they come in and outplay their contract.
Who could be some bargain bin free agents that the Patriots can pursue?
Bargain bin free agents for the Patriots to pursue in ’23
Gardner Minshew, QB
This one might not fit the criteria, given his position, but in a way, Minshew would come at a bargain. He’s currently the backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles after spending the beginning of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
I tend to think that Minshew is perhaps the best backup in the NFL, and since this is the end of his rookie deal, he may get paid like one.
I’d even go as far to say that Minshew could compete for a starting job somewhere.
He may end up getting a few million per year on a new deal depending on how many years he’d be able to sign for, but he’s a quality QB2 that could come in the game in a pinch if Mac Jones is not playing the way he should
Sam Martin, P
I don’t know if you all heard, but Jake Bailey was not too good in 2022. After an All-Pro season in 2020 where he averaged nearly 50 yards per punt, Bailey was simply bad in 2022, averaging 42 yards a boot and only 35 yards net.
In fact, his yards per punt total in 2022 was lower than his net yards per punt from 2020 and the same in net from 2021.
The Patriots can get out of his deal and save a hair over two million, so the move to then sign Sam Martin, a quality punter, would fill the punting void.
Martin spent time with the Lions, Broncos, and Bills thus far. He was cut by the Broncos before the 2022 season began for some reason. Broncos’ punter Corliss Waitman was no good, either.
Martin is a veteran and knows how to kick balls.
Eric Fisher, LT
Eric Fisher didn’t play in 2022, but he did sign with the Miami Dolphins for $3 million.
He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and has been one of the more consistent LT’s in the NFL since being drafted back in 2013. He was never elite, but you don’t start in the NFL for a decade without being very good at your position.
Fisher is still just 32 years old and his best days are probably behind him, however, with questions at both tackle spots, the Patriots could do worse than signing Eric Fisher for a year or two for a few million per season.
Fisher could slide in and start if needed but could also serve as a top backup.