Patriots Face A Number Of Decisions Regarding Free Agents This Offseason

Adam Schefter writes that the Patriots will have a number of roster decisions to make in the weeks following the Super Bowl.

Of course, their focus is likely to be on CB Darrelle Revis, who has an option worth $20 million.

According to Schefter, the Patriots aren’t expected to pick up Revis’ pricey option, which means that unless they are able to get a long-term deal in place, Revis would be in line to be one of the most sought after players in free agency.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported Wednesday night that the Patriots and Revis have yet to begin the process of discussing a long-term contract extension.

Florio specifically mentioned that Jets, Bills, Chiefs, and Browns are all “believed” to have interest in signing Revis, so a market for his services could develop well in advance to the start of free agency.

In 2014, Revis recorded 47 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a recovery and 14 pass defenses over the course of 16 games. Pro Football Focus has Revis rated as the No. 4 cornerback out of 108 qualifying players.

Beyond Revis, Schefter mentions that the Pats will try to re-sign S Devin McCourty, who would like to remain in New England as well.

There have been a number of teams mentioned as potential options for McCourty should he be available to field offers from prospective teams.

It won’t be easy for the Patriots to address both players and still fill other roster holes, but they do a great job of finding value options throughout the offseason.

Other notable free agents include: C Dan Connolly, K Stephen Gostkowski, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley, LB Akeem Ayers and LB Jonathan Casillas.

McCourty, 27, is in the final year of his five-year, $10 million contract that includes $7.825 million guaranteed. He’ll make a base salary of $3.92 million for the 2014 season.

This season, McCourty appeared in 16 games for the Patriots and totaled 68 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has McCourty ranked as the No. 8 safety in the league this season.

We have Revis and McCourty both listed in our Top 50 Free Agents list.