2016 NFL offseason: New England Patriots needs

Departing Free Agents

Probably the best news for the Patriots heading into the 2016 offseason is the fact that there aren’t many players of importance hitting the free agency market this summer. The biggest one of note would be running back LeGarrette Blount, but the effectiveness of a healthy Dion Lewis and the promise of James White should very well make Blount largely expendable to the Pats.

There are certainly other recognizable names on the Patriots that will hit free agency this offseason, such as center Ryan Wendell—the player who had the biggest cap hit of any free agent leaving the Patriots—and safety Tavon Wilson. However, the only player that I could foresee New England even considering re-signing would be defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.

While Hicks wasn’t a major part of the Patriots defense, the Pats undoubtedly saw the value of depth in the front-seven in the middle of the regular season this past year as their defense struggled a bit. Though they could potentially move on from Hicks in favor of finding a better option, they’d at least be wise to consider re-signing Hicks. Otherwise, don’t expect the Patriots to really put up much of a fight in terms of outgoing free agents.

Next: Freeing Up Room Under the Cap