12 Free Agents Patriots Could Target After Several Open Spots

The New England Patriots have a few open spots and a lot of money at the moment. Several players opted out of the upcoming season, including a few key contributors. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, safety Patrick Chung, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and guard Najee Toran decided to opt-out of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Patriots have $24.7 million in cap space. The team re-signed undrafted rookie receiver Will Hastings after releasing him on Sunday and he is the only player to join the team so far. This means that the team has a lot of empty spots right now and head coach Bill Belichick has some decisions to make.

There are many talented free agents on the open market, and some of them have been linked with the Patriots.

The Patriots have some great options for their open spots

Jadeveon Clowney, edge rusher

Clowney is the biggest player on the market, and he has yet to sign a deal. The three-time Pro Bowler had three sacks, seven tackles for a loss and 13 quarterback hits in 13 games with the Seattle Seahawks.

Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle

The Patriots need a player for their right tackle. Korey Cunningham, 2019 third-round pick Yodny Cajuste, sixth-round rookie Justin Herron and Joe Thuney may step in that position. Glenn has started 95 games at left tackle for the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals but has never played on the right side of the field.

Demar Dotson, offensive tackle

Dotson has started 15 games in the last two years. He allowed five sacks and 34 total pressures and committed 10 penalties. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers let him go this offseason.

LaAdrian Waddle, offensive tackle

Waddle played both tackle spots in his three years with the Patriots. He started four games in 2017 and three in 2018.

Jared Veldheer, offensive tackle

Veldheer retired right after signing last summer and then joined the Green Bay Packers. He played in the final four games with one start. The veteran has started 113 games in his pro career.

Marshall Newhouse, offensive tackle

Newhouse joined the Patriots’ starting lineup after Isaiah Wynn was placed on injured reserve. He knows the Patriots offense really well, and the Patriots may be interested in him.

LB Mark Barron, LB Clay Matthews, LB Nigel Bradham, S Tony Jefferson, S Reshad Jones, and S Eric Reid may attract Belichick’s attention this summer.

The free-agent market also offers edge rusher Everson Griffen, edge rusher Jabaal Sheard, edge rusher Ezekiel Ansah, running back Devonta Freeman, running back Lamar Miller, safety Tavon Wilson, safety Morgan Burnett, linebacker Wesley Woodyard, linebacker Alec Ogletree, offensive tackle Greg Robinson, and cornerback Logan Ryan.