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5 Free Agents the New England Patriots Should Sign in 2015

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By @ConnorFultonRS

5 Free Agents the New England Patriots Should Sign in 2015

Charles Woodson Oakland Raiders
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Right now, all the focus is on the New England Patriots’ encounter with the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. As we eagerly await kickoff, let’s take a look at the five free agents the Patriots should consider signing in the spring. If nothing else, it will help pass the time until kickoff.

5. Niles Paul

Niles Paul Washington Redskins
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

5. Niles Paul

Niles Paul Washington Redskins
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have been blessed with a healthy Rob Gronkowski (knock on wood) this season. But if Gronk were to go down with an injury, the Patriots’ tight end position would be pretty exposed. Sure, Tim Wright has been a great addition, but signing Paul would bolster the depth at the position. In his fourth season, Paul put up nice numbers for a receiver in a poor quarterback situation and would certainly be an upgrade over Michael Hoomanawanui.

4. Orlando Franklin

Orlando Franklin Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

4. Orlando Franklin

Orlando Franklin Denver Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With both Nate Solder and Dan Connolly about to enter free agency, the Patriots need to think about a contingency plan should one of them go elsewhere. Plucking Franklin from AFC rival Denver — a team that has many free agents to re-sign, so Franklin will likely find a new home in 2015 — would subtract a weapon from a perennial threat while providing an upgrade over Marcus Cannon.

3. Leonard Hankerson

Leonard Hankerson Washington Redskins
Brace Hammelgam-USA TODAY Sports

3. Leonard Hankerson

Leonard Hankerson Washington Redskins
Brace Hammelgam-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s another Redskin who could thrive in the Patriots’ more sophisticated passing game. After Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the Patriots don’t have another contributor on the wide receiver depth chart. At 6-foot-2, Hankerson would be a welcome addition to the corps. Hankerson would most likely come at a bargain-basement price considering he resided on the injury report for all of 2014.

2. Corey Peters

Corey Peters Atlanta Falcons
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Corey Peters

Corey Peters Atlanta Falcons
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Only 26 years of age but with five years NFL season under his belt, Peters would bring a mix of youth and experience to the Patriots’ defensive line. Vince Wilfork isn’t getting any younger, so grooming Peters as Wilfork’s sidekick and eventual replacement would be a good move by the Pats. If nothing else, Peters would fill in the void that will likely be left by Alan Branch.

1. Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson Oakland Raiders
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1. Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson Oakland Raiders
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Despite turning 38 this season, Woodson defied the odds and had an exceptional year, setting a career high with 112 tackles and also logging a sack with four interceptions. While he is more accustomed to free safety, Woodson’s knowledge and 17 years of NFL experience would serve him well if the Pats place him at strong safety next to Devin McCourty. Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, McCourty and Woodson — that’s not a bad secondary.

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