New England Patriots free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

2. Sammy Watkins

Much like number one on this list, the Patriots may not completely need Sammy Watkins on their roster, but it’d definitely help to make things easier in their game plan for the new season.

Sammy Watkins and the Patriots are all too familiar at this point, considering the time Watkins spent on the Buffalo Bills terrorizing defenses in Foxboro in the passing game. Now, just like they did with Stephon Gilmore on defense last offseason, the Patriots should go after Watkins in free agency this year.

The team is definitely not lacking in talent in the passing game, with Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan all having good years at wide receiver, and Julian Edelman and Malcolm Mitchell waiting to return from their respective injuries. However, one thing is incredibly noticeable when you look at that group: they’re all short and fast receivers.

Watkins isn’t a giant by any means, standing at just 6-foot-1 and weighing just 205 pounds. However, when the average height of a Patriots receiver is 5-foot-11 (with the exception of Hogan at 6-foot-1), you can use all the size you can get.

Who knows what will happen with Amendola and his contract after an incredible postseason run in Edelman’s absence, and one other free agent’s situation could make things even more interesting this offseason.

Allen Robinson’s negotiations with the Jacksonville Jaguars make things difficult, with his size coveted by many teams this offseason for their respective passing attacks, and the Patriots could pursue him over Watkins if Robinson isn’t tagged.

In the end, Robinson will likely get the franchise tag from the Jaguars, Amendola may need to take a pay cut to remain with the team, and Watkins could provide a nice boost in size for Tom Brady and the new offensive coordinator to work with in 2018.