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New England Patriots: Possible free agent targets in Evan Mathis, Tarell Brown

By Aryan von Eicken

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Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver

Kenbrell Thompkins

(85) is tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback

Tarell Brown

(23) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have had a very active offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising for them to continue being busy. They still have some holes one both offense and defense that could use some help either through trades or free agency. Since they lost their first rounder this year, trades might be a bit more unlikely this year, as Bill Belichick values picks a lot . I will discuss two possible free agents the Patriots should consider signing .

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1. Signing FA Tarell Brown

Tarell Brown is a veteran CB who has been in the NFL for eight years. Seven of those were spent with the San Francisco 49ers, until last season for which he played with the Oakland Raiders. Brown had a rough year with Oakland but prior to that he was an above average CB. He had ten or more passes defended in all three of his final season with the 49ers. Last year his poor season could largely be due to the poor secondary situation in Oakland. Simply the possibility of a bounce back season should intrigue the Patriots enough to give Brown a chance as they really don’t have to many good options.

The Pats cornerback situation is terrible. The four cornerbacks that could be a starting corner are Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Bradley Fletcher and Robert McClain. Both McClain and Fletcher played terrible for other teams last season and would really have to turn it around to be a solid addition to the team. That leaves the Pats with Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler who were the No.4 and No.5 corners for them last year. Both of them still have some potential, but they would also really need to improve to be a viable starter this year. With a strong preseason, Brown could possibly start for the Patriots if he were signed.

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles guard

Evan Mathis

(69) and tackle

Allen Barbre

(76) block Carolina Panthers defensive tackle

Star Lotulelei

(96) during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Signing FA Evan Mathis 

Guard ,Evan Mathis was recently released by Chip Kelly, after being in Philadelphia since 2011. Mathis is a veteran guard who has been in the league for 10 years. He wasn’t a regular starter until going to Philadelphia, but there he turned into a star. In his time in Philly, he went to two Pro Bowls, was voted All-Pro once and was also ranked 88th on the top 100 players list done by NFL.com.  Mathis was due to give a $6.5 million cap hit to the Eagles this season. The Eagles didn’t think Mathis was worth it. The Patriots offensive line could use some help especially on the interior and Mathis could provide that help for the Pats.

This deal is a bit unlikely, because the only way I see the Patriots wanting to sign him is on a one-year deal. Unless the league wide interest is surprisingly low, Mathis will probably get a larger and longer deal. The reason the Pats wouldn’t want to give him a long-term deal is because they have a lot of young players with upside at the guard position.

They just drafted Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason and Jackson could likely start right away. Marcus Cannon is another guard who might command some playing time, especially at his current salary. Then the Pats also still have Ryan Wendell, so unless Mathis would take a one year deal, this likely won’t happen.

Next: Patriots Moves: Tim Wright cut, Matt Flynn added

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