The New England Patriots are coming into the offseason looking to retain cornerback Darrelle Revis and the team may also target free agents like Brian Hartline, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Shane Vereen and Ryan Mathews on the market, while an Andre Johnson trade could be a possibility if Danny Amendola is released.
The Patriots don't usually spend big on free agency and this year they may look at mid-level options over the top names. The Patriots have their own players to worry about keeping, including Devin McCourty, Stephen Gostkowski, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. Revis is set to have a $25 million cap hit if the Patriots pick up his option and that likely means the cornerback will get his contract restructured if New England doesn't want him to hit the market. Revis reportedly will be a target for the NY Jets and Buffalo Bills if he hits the market and he could command up to $20 million per year in open free agency.
The Patriots reportedly are interested in Brian Hartline, as Cleveland.com reports that the team could look into signing the free agent receiver. Hartline was released by the Dolphins last week and he has also visited the Browns and the Houston Texans. Hartline had a disappointing season with the Dolphins last year and was set for a $6 million salary after putting up 39 catches in 16 games in 2014.
Hartline had two productive seasons before that with back to back 1000 yard seasons and he could be a top target at receiver on the market. The Patriots could look at releasing Danny Amendola to free up cap space heading into the spring. The Patriots opted not to pick up the option on longtime defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and that could help with the team trying to sign Revis. Wilfork was set to count nearly $9 million next year and the move give the Pats $ million in cap space.
According to the Boston Herald, Revis wants to stay in New England and could consider a "team friendly" deal and the two sides will continue working on a contract into next week. The report says that Revis' $12 million roster bonus is due on March 9 and if the team doesn't work out a long term deal by then, Revis could hit the market. According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are expected to make a strong run at their former cornerback if he hits the market, as they have over $50 million in cap space and could afford to overpay if needed.
The Patriots have LeGarrette Blount under contract, but with Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen hitting the market, Mike Reiss at ESPN.com writes that the team likely will target running backs on the market. Vereen reportedly wants $4 million per season and Ridley is coming off of a serious injury and that could cause the Pats to look at other options. Reggie Bush is on the market along with Pierre Thomas, while CJ Spiller is another potential fit.
