5 great free agents Patriots could've signed but didn't

Patriots could have signed left tackle Tyron Smith

Because it was made abundantly clear that starting left tackle Trent Brown seemingly had no interest in re-signing with the Patriots this offseason, replacing him was at the top of the list for most needed positions to fill ahead of the draft.

A handful of quality linemen were set to become free agents, many of whom interested fans, but longtime Cowboy Tyron Smith took most of the focus, and rightfully so. The 8-time Pro Bowler was ready to find a new team to play for after spending 13 seasons in Dallas, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Patriots.

He would surely demand a hefty payday, which wasn't a problem for New England, which entered free agency with the second-most cap space available. Although his age wasn't ideal, he would've been a great short-term veteran on the team, especially if they're planning to select a quarterback in this year's draft.

But instead of getting him in the building, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Jets.

So not only did they miss out on signing a top-name tackle, but because of that, he will now play for a divisional rival with Super Bowl aspirations because Aaron Rodgers will be back under center next season. To top it all off, New York signed him up for just $6.5 million guaranteed, with incentives allowing him to earn another $13.5 million.