Bedard's thoughts on possible cap casualties the Pats might target
Cap casualties are going to be the most bang for the buck, if you pick some good ones, and you’ll still be in line for compensatory picks.
I would expect the Patriots to be interested in quarterbacks, tight ends, receivers, defensive linemen and linebackers. With that in mind, here are my players to keep an eye on, in order, grouped by the timing/intensity of the Patriots’ interest:
HOT AND HEAVY (POSSIBLE OVERPAY)
WR Mike Williams, Chargers: Likely will get an extension, but he would also solve the opening for a big body on the outside.
TE David Njoku, Browns: So talented, so injured but man … if he pops, that’s one big void filled. Will have suitors.
DT/DE Grover Stewart, Colts: Patriots need to get bigger on the line to actually force teams into third downs. Reminds of Lawrence Guy in Baltimore at 6-4 and 333 pounds.
DT Kawann Short, Panthers: Now you’re talking some beef in the middle of the line.
TE Jared Cook, Saints: Maybe the second time is the charm in the Patriots’ pursuit?
TE Cameron Brate, Bucs: If he’s done taking paycuts, he’d be welcome here with open arms.
Edge Devon Kennard, Cardinals: If you’re looking for buying low on a guy with a lot of talent, this is it. Was never the same after Covid.
DE Carlos Dunlap, Seahawks: One of the more underrated players in the league would sure up one end.
COMPETITIVE (BUT AT PATRIOTS’ VALUATION)
TE C.J. Uzomah, Bengals: Coming off a torn Achilles but was ready to pop at the time of the injury.
OLB Preston Smith, Packers:
If he’s cut loose, there might be a bidding war and the Patriots will have their limit.
LB Jaylon Smith, Cowboys: Was in the wrong scheme last year and still has his best ball in front of him.
DT Akiem Hicks, Bears: Was a stud in Foxboro, New Orleans and Chicago. Time to bring him back home.
DT Sheldon Richardson, Browns: Likes his money and sometimes motivation is questioned, but when he’s right, he’s right.
WR DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Set to be released, Jackson seems to have matured a bit and can still make plays. Will be interesting to see if the Patriots think he fits in the locker room.
DT Shamar Stephen, Vikings: A very underrated player who would be excellent as a 3-4 DE.
WR Jamison Crowder, Jets: Very solid and professional receiver who would help, but he’s far from a No. 1.
DT Allen Bailey, Falcons: An excellent player in Kansas City who would be perfect for this scheme.
ILB Kenny Young, Rams: Young and athletic but not definite he’d take to this scheme so I’d proceed with a little caution.
DE Henry Anderson, Jets: Whether with Indy or the Jets, I’ve always liked this guy as a Richard Seymour-type. He would work very well here.
IF THE PLAYER LACKS SUITORS (AT VALUE ONE-YEAR, PROVE-IT DEAL)
LB Kwon Alexander, Saints: Was traded last season from the 49ers and instantly was injured. Could be a diamond in the rough.
DT Malik Jackson, Eagles: Annually one of the most productive pass rushers in the league.
WR Marquise Goodwin, Eagles: Opt-out could be cut loose, and he still has good speed.
DT Jurrell Casey, Broncos: One of the best players in the league with the Titans still has a few years left of production.
WR Golden Tate, Giants: A dependable, veteran receiver who’s a gamer. Patriots don’t have enough of those.
WR Brandin Cooks, Texans: Has to be the least desirable six-time 1,000-yard receiver in NFL history. He’ll make the plays that are there, and none that are not.
TE Kyle Rudolph, Vikings: Solid two-way tight end but he’s pretty picky about his pay and where he would be going.
TE Jimmy Graham, Bears: I would certainly be open to have a tall red-zone threat on this team, even if he can’t block.
DT Danny Shelton, Lions: Run defense would instantly get better with his return.
QB Alex Smith, Washington: Hopefully he retires for his health, but a one-year deal with all sorts of incentives wouldn’t be the worst thing (
see, I don’t hate Alex Smith).
LB Christian Jones, Lions: Matt Patricia gave him an extension in Detroit so you know he loves him, and he plays special teams.
DT Malcom Brown, Saints: Was always solid and nothing more. If he’s looking for a home …
TE Tyler Eifert, Jaguars: Tight end should be the new receivers in that expect a lot of looks at aging vets to see who has anything left.
WR Adam Humphries, Titans: After turning down the Patriots, you know Belichick would love to force him to take a one-year deal at minimum.
LB Benardrick McKinney, Texans: Houston overpaid him but he’d be perfect if the Patriots didn’t have Dont’a Hightower coming back.
WR John Brown, Bills: Chronic tease but a gamebreaker when healthy.
DE Jerry Hughes, Bills: Would be a typical cheap Patriots veteran pass rusher.
DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins: Showed he can play very well in this scheme.
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I knew it at the time. 
