The New England Patriots finally can continue adding veteran free agents soon.
Veteran unrestricted free agents can be signed without counting against the 2016 compensatory draft pick formula starting May 13. The Patriots still have some holes on their roster at linebacker and running back, and after learning of Tom Brady’s four-game suspension, adding a veteran quarterback also could be a priority.
The Patriots currently only have Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo and Garrett Gilbert on their 90-man roster. Having a veteran to back up Garoppolo for however long Brady’s suspension stands after the appeal would be valuable insurance.
QUARTERBACK
Top available players: Tavaris Jackson, Jason Campbell, Michael Vick, Matt Flynn
Obviously, none of these options are overly appealing, but if the Patriots sign a quarterback, he might only be employed until Week 6, when Brady can return. And he would only take a snap if disaster strikes and Garoppolo is injured.
Jackson, 32, completed just one pass on one attempt last season for zero yards. He went 10 of 13 for 151 yards with one touchdown in 2013. His last season as a regular starter came in 2011, when he went 271 of 450 for 3,091 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Campbell, 33, went 11 of 19 for 74 yards with the Bengals last season. He started eight games for the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and completed 180 passes on 317 attempts for 2,015 yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Campbell always has been a dependable backup quarterback. He has a career 81.7 passer rating.
Vick, 34, completed just 52.9 percent of his passes last season with the Jets for 604 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran for 153 yards on 26 carries.
Vick’s style of play doesn’t exactly suit the Patriots’ offense.
Flynn, 29, completed 8 of 16 passes for 66 yards with one interception in 2014. He played five games in 2013, going 102 for 166 with 1,146 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
Jackson is the top free-agent quarterback available, but he might not be open to signing with the Patriots, knowing it’s unlikely he’d stick around for the entire season. Campbell would be the Patriots’ next-best option.
RUNNING BACK
Top available players: Steven Jackson, Pierre Thomas, Ahmad Bradshaw, Chris Johnson, Knowshon Moreno
The Patriots didn’t draft or sign a rookie running back, so they’re either very confident in LeGarrette Blound, Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray, Tyler Gaffney, James White, Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis, or they’re waiting to pick up a veteran starting May 13.
Moreno, who is coming off an October torn ACL, would be a great low-risk option on a one-year prove-it deal.
LINEBACKER
Top available players: Brandon Spikes, Geno Hayes, Colin McCarthy, Lance Briggs, Dane Fletcher
The Patriots reportedly have hosted Spikes, McCarthy and Fletcher on free-agent visits. It would be surprising to see Spikes back in New England after the way his first stint with the Patriots ended, but the Patriots could need a starting-caliber run-thumper while Dont’a Hightower recovers from shoulder surgery.
Fletcher also has experience in the Patriots’ defense, and he adds special-teams value. McCarthy was a solid NFL starter until injuries derailed his career. He could be another smart signing on a one-year deal.
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
