New England Patriots free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 24: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gives a press conference ahead of New England Patriots practice at the Gillette Stadium practice facility in Foxborough, MA on Jan. 24, 2019. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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2. Ezekiel Ansah, EDGE

The New England Patriots could really use a decent pass rusher outside of Trey Flowers. Ezekiel Ansah hasn’t played since the beginning of December after dislocating his shoulder. He dealt with shoulder issues all season, and it ended up forcing him to have his worst season of his career.

Ansah did this while playing on the franchise tag. He’s not going to make the $17 million he made this past season. He might not even make the $12 million he made the season before. Price is going to be a huge concern here for the Patriots. Ansah is 29 years old. He’s getting to a point where he’s losing out on his prime years.

Ansah has been inconsistent throughout his entire career. He has 48 sacks throughout his six years in the league. In one season, he had 14 sacks. In another season, he had just two in a full season. On the Patriots, Bill Belichick would put him in a position to succeed as much as possible. He could get back to his elite pass rushing ways.

Again, this will come down to price. If he’s asking for $15 million per season, then the Patriots will likely pass, but if he’s willing to sign for an average of around $10 million per season he will be back on the Patriots radar. He’s coming off a major injury, so the Pats could look to take a pretty decent financial chance here, and come out with one of the better pass rushers in the league.

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