What you saw today was a great list of prospects that had been linked to the Patriots signing with other teams. The Patriots have some deals lined up that, like Danny Amendola's restructure, they're just waiting to announce. Let's review the Patriots news before running through the misses.
Scott Chandler
The Patriots scored tight end Scott Chandler and you can read about the signing here. Chandler has been in the league since 2007, but he only became a featured player on the Bills offense in 2011, which is kind of crazy when you about it. He was in the league for five seasons before he really got a shot.
But he's made that shot count in Buffalo. Since 2011, no one has more touchdowns against the Patriots than Chandler (4), he's tied for fourth with Mike Wallace in receptions with 28 (Demaryius Thomas, 40; Jeremy Kerley, 34; Brian Hartline, 29), and sixth in yards with 384, behind the five aforementioned receivers and Torrey Smith.
No, Chandler wasn't the most efficient tight end as he's accumulated these stats over eight games- but there's something to be said for consistency. He'll be a great back-up in the Patriots offense.
Stevie Johnson
The Patriots have expressed interest in the former Buffalo Bills wide receiver. Johnson is the only Bills receiver to have three straight 1,000 receiving yard seasons. And yes, this means the Patriots are raiding Bills after spending the early part of free agency in deep review of the Cleveland Browns.
Trust the process.
Quick Misses
RB C.J. Spiller signed with the Saints, which removes a dynamic player, but also eliminates one of the top contenders for the next running back.
RB Reggie Bush visited the Patriots today and left without an offer. He was deciding between the 49ers, Patriots, and Saints before Spiller signed with New Orleans. New England is still a potential landing spot, but the 49ers might have the inside lane.
TE Anthony Fasano signed with the Titans. The Patriots have expressed interest in Fasano over the past few seasons.
WR Percy Harvin signed a 1-year deal for $6 million with the Bills. So that's over.
OG Shelley Smith is a guard prospect the Patriots have been interested in over past seasons, but he signed a 2-year deal with the Broncos.
OG Evan Mathis is no longer a trade target for the Patriots, per CSNNE's Tom Curran.
DT Nick Fairley signed with the Rams, which gives St. Louis five players on their defensive line drafted in the top 14 picks of the draft.
CB Chris Culliver was the top defensive back on the market, but he just signed a 4-year deal with Washington.