New England Patriots: 3 players they should sign long term

The New England Patriots have had a very slow free agency in which they haven’t been signing many new players, especially not any high-ticket players.

While the rest of the AFC East is spending money likes maniacs, the Patriots could use their lack of spending to sign some of their young talented players to long-term extensions. The Patriots saw Devin McCourty and Darrelle Revis become free agents in the same year and while they managed to re-sign the former, Revis left for the New York Jets.The team should try to get extensions done ahead of time to avoid this type of dilemma again.

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While there are many players who are important to the Patriots, I am going to list three that the Patriots should focus on in the near future:

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive end

Chandler Jones

(95) celebrates a sack against Seattle Seahawks quarterback

Russell Wilson

(3) during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones has one year left on his rookie contract (although the team can pick up his option for 2016), and the Patriots should attempt to sign the young defensive end out of Syracuse to a long-term deal. The former first-round pick has enjoyed success in each of his first three seasons in the NFL. His second year was his breakout campaign where he totaled 79 tackles and 11.5 sacks. This past season, he injured his hip and missed six games, but he returned in the playoffs and helped the Patriots win the Super Bowl.

Jones can consistently put pressure on quarterbacks, but also plays the run very well. He plays very intelligently and makes good reads. He has really been an important part of this defense for the past few years, still I do not think he is one of the elite at this position. The Patriots should definitely not overpay for him, as I do believe that he is somewhat replaceable. A deal that averages about $6-7 million annually should be the maximum they should offer him. With the Patriots bringing in Jabaal Sheard, they might be looking into how replaceable Jones is.

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end

Owen Daniels

(81) reaches for the ball in front of New England Patriots outside linebacker

Jamie Collins

(91) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jamie Collins

The only reason Collins is No.2 and not No.1, is because he still has two years left on his contract, so there really isn’t much hurry. To me Collins may be the best player on this Patriots defense. He is an athletic freak that can do almost anything he is asked to do. He is a tremendous middle linebacker that can rush the passer, play the run extremely well and can keep up with almost any tight end. Collins has only played two years in the NFL, so he still has the potential to become even better than he already is.

Collins has many similarities with Pittsburgh’s Lawrence Timmons, who is the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. I would hope the Patriots could sign Collins to a long-term deal that is a bit cheaper than Timmons, but if they drag the contract talks out, like with McCourty, he could end up being very expensive. The Pats should try to extend his contract as early as possible, even if that means the end Jerod Mayo‘s time as a Patriot. Collins is a special play and must be a high priority.

1. Dont’a Hightower

Hightower was exceptional this year, and if it weren’t for the four games he missed due to injury, he may have had career highs in every statistic. When Mayo injured his knee and went on injured reserve, Hightower was forced to jump in and lead the defense. He was the quarterback of the defense, and he was extremely good at it. In comparison to Collins, Hightower is much bigger, but not as athletic. Together they make an amazing pair of linebackers. Hightower’s contract ends after the this upcoming year, and the Patriots should work on extending his contract now.

I would expect the Patriots to offer him an average annual salary of $7-7.5 million, which is about what they gave Mayo. They might offer him a bit more than Mayo in total value of the contract, but I would expect a significantly lower amount in guaranteed money. The amount of guaranteed money given to Mayo was a mistake, and it is costing the Pats a lot of cap room this year. The Pats should start negotiating with Hightower now, so that they can lock him up, and don’t have to go through another McCourty situation.

Conclusion:

The Patriots have made some great draft picks for their front seven in the past few years, and now the time has come to keep those player in New England for more than just their rookie contract. While it will cost quite a bit a cap room, the Patriots can afford it. Mayo will restructure his contract next year or get cut, and that will open up a lot of room. Solder will also either be re-signed to a cheaper deal than his option this year, or will become a free agent next year as well. Collins and Hightower will make a great duo and can not be let go. With Jones, the Patriots finally found a good young defensive end and they should keep him around.

Next: Can New England Patriots survive without Darrelle Revis,Brandon Browner?

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