The New England Patriots are being much more active in free agency this offseason than in years past. The team has re-signed key players like Devin McCourty while letting long-time veterans like Vince Wilfork walk away. Darrelle Revis will reportedly be joining him as the Patriots could now be shifting their interest to the wide receiver and running back positions.
In a somewhat surprising move, the Patriots will not be bringing back Revis for 2015. The team acquired him last year and the experiment paid off as the cornerback helped be an anchor for the defense. However, the Patriots announced they would not be picking up his option, allowing him to test the market. Instead, New England committed to McCourty and will now change focus to the offense.
It is being highly speculated that the Patriots ready to release Danny Amendola and find a better replacement for the slot receiver. New England likes the rotation of Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman, but wants one more body on the field that is an upgrade from Amendola. According to NFL.com, the Patriots are a prime landing spot for either Percy Harvin or Andre Johnson.
Johnson is available now which could sway the decision. The Houston Texans announced Monday they were releasing the long-time veteran receiver after a trade was not found. Johnson has no interest in a reduced role and wants to remain a key threat for any team. He told ESPN.com that he wants to sign somewhere with a strong quarterback in place. That would be New England with Tom Brady, but Johnson would end up being the third look, not the first.
Harvin is not available yet. The wide receiver is waiting to hear his fate with the New York Jets. According to the New York Post, he is expected to be released, but the Jets have yet to make an announcement. The team could be trying to work out a restructured deal with Harvin to lessen his salary cap hit, but after trading for Brandon Marshall, the receiver is expendable.
The Patriots also need help at the running back position. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are headed for the open market. The Patriots do have Jonas Gray and LeGarrette Blount to work with, but might be eyeing to add another body to the rotation. According to Mark Daniels from the Providence Journal, the Patriots are very interest in Roy Helu of the Washington Redskins. Buried under Alfred Morris, Helu could fit easily into the system for the Patriots. The team could check in on Justin Forsett or Knowshon Moreno, but both players could be too expensive to acquire.
