New England Patriots Links 2/21/12 - Brandon Spikes Having Surgery Today

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6:17 AM - 21 Feb 12 via Echofon

Paul Perillo takes a look at the list of Patriots' free agents and analyzes which ones are best-suited to return to Foxborough. Here are just the first few:

Mark Anderson 7th year, UFA : Anderson arrived during training camp and joined a crowded group of defensive linemen. He was considered a pass rush specialist who had a 50-50 shot of even making the roster. By year's end he was the team's most consistent defensive end. He proved to be solid getting after the passer, finishing with 10 sacks and adding two in the playoffs. But he also held up reasonably well against the run. If he's looking to ink a big-money deal he'll have to look elsewhere, but a short-term deal with little to no guaranteed money could have him back.

Deion Branch 11th year, UFA: Branch had his moments in 2011 and at other times he seemed to disappear. That's not all that unusual for a 32-year-old wide receiver. But given his age that inconsistency is likely to continue and the Patriots may be looking for more at this point. His rapport with Tom Brady makes him more attractive to New England than any other team, and his presence in the locker room is a plus. Despite those admirable traits, Branch will have to take far less money to return, and even that is an uncertainty.

Andre Carter 12th year, UFA: Carter was one of the Patriots best free agent additions in 2011 before being lost for the season to a torn quad in December. Before that he was the team's best defensive lineman, playing the run and pass with equal effectiveness. He tied with Anderson for the team lead with 10 sacks and was a constant presence in the opponent's backfield all season. He also added a dose of professionalism with his calm demeanor. But he thought his football career was over last summer and now he's a year older coming off surgery. Maybe a one-year deal for the veteran minimum (or slightly above) will be in the offing but chances are his stay will be a short one.

and more...

LOCAL LINKS

• Ian Rapoport offers his thoughts on what Wes Welker's new deal might look like.
• Mike Reiss highlights Brandon Lloyd's interview with Mike Florio on PFT Live, and offers his opinion on the possibility he'll land with the Patriots.
• Tom E. Curran thinks the strengths of high-flying wideout Brandon Lloyd perfectly fit the need of the Patriots.
• Christopher Price profiles WR Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) as a potential free agent fit for the Patriots.
• Jeff Howe previews the running back position in free agency and which available players might be a good fit for the Patriots.
• Christopher Price posts the position-by-position franchise tag numbers, showing how the numbers have gone down across the board.
• WEEI profiles draft prospects DL/LB Shea McClellin (Boise State) and DT Jared Crick (Nebraska) as potential fits for the Patriots.
• Mike Reiss analyzes Nolan Nawrocki's Mock Draft picks for the Patriots in the first round.
• Conrad Kaczmarek reports Tom Brady and his wife Gisele Bundchen were seen vacationing in Costa Rica with Wes Welker and his fiancee Anna Burns.
• Ian Rapoport shares golfer Ricky Barnes' remembrance of how Rob Gronkowski dominated at the University of Arizona.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Chris Burke (SI) Best of the firsts, No. 32: Logan Mankins.
• James Walker (ESPN) Leading questions: AFC East. Patriots: How will they improve the defense?
• James Walker (ESPN) Second-round options in AFC East.
• Gregg Rosenthal (ProFootballTalk) Lloyd: "I would like to entertain" reunion with McDaniels.
• Nate Davis (USA Today) Franchise players? Here are 20 USA Today would tag.
• James Walker (ESPN) Would Patriots pursue Mike Wallace?
• SportsCenter (ESPN) Mark Schlereth on Welker. (1.13 min. video)
• Chris Mortensen (ESPN) NFL32 talks Patriots. (2.32 min. video)
• NFL Videos (NFL.com) 2011: Best of Rob Gronkowski. (2.53 min. video)
• Scout (Fox Sports) Breaking down the 2012 NFL Combine.
• Wes Bunting (Nat'l Football Post) Pre-Combine: Top 15 prospect rankings.
• Michael Lombardi (NFL.com) Combine provides plenty of action, on an off the field.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Talent runs thick at outside linebacker; ILB more uncertain.
• Tony Pauline (SI) Top 50 prospects for 2012 Draft.
• Scout (Fox Sports) 2012 NFL top 50 Draft rankings.
• Jeffri Chadiha (ESPN) Free agents who will shape next season.
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) New coordinator rankings: Arians, Del Rio best hires.
• Nolan Nawrocki (Pro Football Weekly) Mock Draft 1.0. Pats pick DT Brandon Thomas (Clemson) and WR Mohamed Sanu (Rutgers).
• Experts (NFL.com) Mock Draft kickoff. Four NFLN analysts unveil their first-round projections.
• Bill Lubinger (Cleveland Plain Dealer) Off-season is underway for NFL's part-time game officials, as league considers some full-time changes.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) League remains intent on exploring full-time officials.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Jaworski suggests that age was a factor in MNF decision.