The New England Patriots reportedly expressed interest in longtime Browns kick returner/receiver Joshua Cribbs over the weekend, and now they're reportedly the leader for his services. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:

#Patriots are on top to land #Browns Josh Cribbs right now, followed by #Cardinals and #49ers, source said.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 12, 2013

Now that we've officially reached the start of free agency, it seems fair to put a little more stock into this report. Cribbs, at age 29, would instantly solve the Patriots' kick return woes, and could also be an intriguing option on offense. He hasn't ever really been used consistently in that area, but considering how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands, you'd have to think Josh McDaniels would find a way to get the ball into his hands.

Of course, no deal has been announced or even reported yet. If and when it is, we'll be on it.