Five key role players Patriots risk losing

Share

The 2015 offseason this is not. There are no high-priced stars with expensive contract options to consider, like Darrelle Revis. And if you're looking for big-name players the Patriots risk losing to free agency, you could be looking for some time. While there aren't many indispensable cogs slated to hit the market, there are a handful of valuable players who could be gone in 2016 if the Patriots don't re-sign them. The following are the top five:

1. DT Akiem Hicks

The Patriots have shown an appreciation for explosive interior linemen in recent seasons, and given what Hicks was able to do in the stretch run of the regular season and into the playoffs, he fits that bill. With good length and power from the interior, he provided valuable snaps once Dominique Easley hit season-ending injured reserve. At 26 years old, he's in a position to be paid well this offseason. Whether the Patriots keep him may depend on how they see their young pieces on the defensive line -- particularly potential penetrating tackles like Easley and 2015 third-round pick Geneo Grissom -- fitting in down the line.

2. S/ST Nate Ebner

One of the team's core special teamers, the 2012 sixth-rounder provides value as one of the team's most productive tacklers in the kicking game. He's also the personal protector on the punt team and he's become one of the leaders of the special teams units alongside captain Matthew Slater. This has been a marriage that has worked well for four seasons, and given the Patriots won't have to break the bank to keep him, I'd expect it to continue.

3. RB LeGarrette Blount

One thing we know, there's nowhere else Blount wants to be. After spending time with the Titans, the Buccaneers and the Steelers in his career, Blount's most comfortable in New England, where he meshes well with the coaching staff. The question is, to what lengths will the Patriots go to keep him? The 29-year-old ended the season on injured reserve with a hip injury after serving in the team's "big back" role for the majority of the season. The Patriots opted to use veteran Stephen Jackson in his absence for the end of the 2015 season, and they'll bring back power runner Joey Iosefa on a future contract in 2016. For a team that struggled to grind out yards late in the year, Blount could be a low-cost remedy if healthy.

4. FB James Develin

The Patriots were without the services of their 6-foot-3, 250-pound battering ram for the entirety of the regular season after he broke his tibia during a preseason game. A restricted free agent, Develin could be tendered at $1.6 million for one year or he could strike a deal that keeps him in New England on a longer term deal. A player who contributes as a lead-blocker and short-yardage ball-carrier, Develin also has the ability to serve as a tight end in some instances and is a capable pass-catcher that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes to use in a variety of ways.

5. DT Sealver Siliga

The Patriots thought so highly of Siliga back in 2014 that they used their short-term injured reserve designation on him when he suffered a foot injury earlier in the year. He slipped down the depth chart this season, but the 6-foot-2, 325-pound restricted free agent could provide valuable depth on the interior should anything happen to run-stuffers like Alan Branch or Malcom Brown.

Others receiving votes: CB Tarell Brown, S Tavon Wilson, LB Dane Fletcher, OT LaAdrian Waddle, OL Ryan Wendell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Us