NFL free agents to watch in the big game
Pending free agents to look at for the Patriots tonight
Typically on the last Sunday with football on, the New England Patriots are gearing up to add to their historic legacy.
However, times have changed and instead fans are going to watch two teams they really do not care for. The dislike for the Chiefs stems from the same reason people disliked the Patriots, because of all the success they have had in recent years, and the Eagles because of their obnoxious fans and losing to them in 2018.
One aspect to watch tonight is players who could be a few pending free agents that could interest the Patriots from each team.
Zach Pascal
With Jakobi Meyers a pending free agent, the Patriots could be needing a wide receiver that can play a similar role. Pascal only had 15 catches this season as he was in an offense with AJ Brown and Devonta Smith. Pascal has a similar frame to Meyers coming off a down year and is 2 years older. If the Patriots are going to look for big name wide out they will need value signings and Pascal would represent this. He also has experience returning kicks which Bill Belichick could use to his advantage.
Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown Jr. is the top tackle on the market after protecting Patrick Mahomes all year. The Patriots offensive line left Mac Jones either running or having no time to make all the reads all too frequently. Most of the line issues can rightfully blamed on poor coaching by Matt Patricia, however if the Patriots are looking to spend and want to focus on the offensive line, Brown could be their target. He has experience at LT and RT, but he is likely looking for a massive payday.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
The Patriots have a list of needs and one more might get added in safety if Devin McCourty leaves in free agency, or more likely walks away and retires. Gardner-Johnson is versatile safety who had his regular season cut short to 12 games as he sustained a lacerated kidney in late November, before coming off the IR in January.
Despite only playing 12 games he was tied for first in the league with six interceptions along with Justin Simmons of the Broncos and Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Steelers.
The Patriots will have close to $30 Million in cap space this offseason. With a long list of holes to fill, they will be rumored to multiple names. The 2022-23 Patriots will be sitting on the sidelines today along with 29 other teams. In the offseason though, the Patriots must act with urgency if they want back on the field.
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