The New England Patriots need to erect a plan to address the team’s receiving corps this offseason, as there are questions surrounding Rob Gronkowski’s injury and the development of players like Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson.
Tom Brady’s go-to target last year was Julian Edelman, who is now an impending free agent. According to the Boston Globe, the Patriots have yet to approach Edelman about a contract, which begs the question if the team is going to allow him to hit the open market like they did in 2013 with Wes Welker. The report also indicates the Baltimore Ravens may make a run at Edelman to complement Torrey Smith.
Anquan Boldin was traded out of Baltimore last offseason and became an instant match for the San Francisco 49ers. Although Boldin is a free agent this spring, it doesn’t appear as if he’s going anywhere. ESPN reported the Niners and Boldin are closing in on a deal that’ll keep the veteran in the Bay Area. No terms of the deal are known yet.
Doesn’t sound like Anquan Boldin going anywhere. Two sides closing in on deal to keep Boldin in SF, per sources. Deal expected to get done.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2014
There’s a new regime in Cleveland this year, again, and while the team has numerous holes to fill they have made center Alex Mack a top priority. Re-signing Mack, considered the top center on the free-agent market, has been put to the top of new general manager Ray Farmer’s to-do list and could become the highest-paid player at the position.
One of the smartest things I heard this week: #Browns now view re-signing C Alex Mack as “priority No. 1.” Will be huge for an incoming QB.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2014
The New York Giants are in need of a major overhaul to return to contender status in 2014, and the team’s offseason begins with some key decisions about veterans set to hit free agency. Both defensive lineman Justin Tuck and Hakeem Nicks were contributors on New York’s 2011 Super Bowl title and both will be testing the free-agent waters this offseason, general manager Jerry Reese told ESPN.
Tuck will be 31 come the start of the ’14 season but is coming off an 11-sack season. He’s been with New York for nine seasons and has previously stated he would like to finish his career in New York, but Reese stated Tuck deserves to get as big of a contract as he can get on the open market.
Nicks is a different story. The wideout is coming off a second unproductive season, with 2012 being marred by multiple injuries. The chances of re-signing Nicks are likely dim with second-year receiver Rueben Randle emerging alongside Victor Cruz.
