The New England Patriots will have their hands full come March 10th at the open of free agency. Here are today's news blasts.
Darrelle Revis
The Patriots are expected to not pick up Revis' option, making Revis a free agent. New England is confident that their bid will beat anything the Jets can offer, and it seems as if Revis is set on staying in the AFC East. Worst case scenario, Revis signs elsewhere and the Patriots would receive a compensatory pick for his departure, which would likely end up as a third round pick.
Devin McCourty
It seems as if the Eagles are extremely set on McCourty and they're planning on "going all in." There's no way New England can outbid Philadelphia as the Eagles have some of the most cap space in the entire league. Factor in the Patriots needed negotiations with Revis, there will be a time crunch with the McCourty negotiations.
Still, the Patriots have to hope that the Eagles are set on not wrecking the salary cap or interested in setting a new record for a free safety. So long as Philadelphia stays under the $10 million set by Earl Thomas, then the Patriots have a shot. Anything in the $9-10 million range would be a tough call for McCourty. If the Eagles offer anything less than $9 million, it's likely the Patriots will remain the favorite.
Anything over $10 million and McCourty should be gone- and that would be mutual so New England doesn't break the cap and McCourty gets his money.
Percy Harvin
There's nothing concrete, but the acquisition of Brandon Marshall likely signals the end of Harvin's time in New York.
#Jets are expected to release WR Percy Harvin, sources say. Not a surprise given today’s Brandon Marshall trade. Will have an active market
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2015
The Patriots are considered one of the most likely landing spots for Harvin. This will be interesting.
Lance Kendricks
The Patriots are also considered a top landing spot for Rams tight end Lance Kendricks. Both local St. Louis writers and ESPN's Mike Reiss have linked the versatile tight end to New England. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels banged the table for the Rams to draft Kendricks, so it's likely there's still some interest there.
Kendricks would offer an improvement over Michael Hoomanawanui and would also add another versatile player for the offense.
C.J. Spiller
If the Patriots can't sign back Shane Vereen, they could possibly improve their role with Spiller.
The #Jets, #Patriots, #Dolphins, #Cardinals, #49ers, #Redskins and #Lions all have interest in Spiller, league sources say.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 7, 2015
Spiller has an injury history, but so did Vereen and Julian Edelman and they worked out. In 2012 and 2013, Spiller collected 2,821 yards from scrimmage, which is well beyond Vereen's career 1,930 yards from scrimmage. The former Bills first round pick is a dynamic player and would be fantastic in the Patriots offense at the right price.