Not knowing whether or not the Patriots will haveMalcolm Butler on the roster next season or beyond, I decided to look at which players are available. Here are the three veterans I think the Patriots should go after.
ANTWON VALENTINO BLAKE- Last offseason Blake had hand surgery. He played the 2016 season for the Tennessee Titans. Prior to the injury he played for the Steelers. In 2015 he started all 16 games for the Steelers and played 83% of the snaps recording 74 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions, 1 sack and 11 pass deflections. Blake is currently an unrestricted free agent.
JUSTIN GILBERT- Gilbert was the #8 overall pick in the 2014 draft. Unfortunately for him, that meant spending a few years playing for the Browns. Gilbert was traded to the Steelers in September and played mostly on special teams. Justin hasn't lived up to his potential and has a little bit of a hot-head reputation. His off the field issues are the type of things that are perfect for the Patriots. His quick temper led to him getting in trouble for a road rage incident in which he ended up crashing into a ditch. Gilbert could definitely blossom with the structure and veteran leadership that the Patriots' organization brings. Worst case he could be a stud return man on special teams. Gilbert is also an unrestricted free agent.
JUSTIN GILBERT- Gilbert was the #8 overall pick in the 2014 draft. Unfortunately for him, that meant spending a few years playing for the Browns. Gilbert was traded to the Steelers in September and played mostly on special teams. Justin hasn't lived up to his potential and has a little bit of a hot-head reputation. His off the field issues are the type of things that are perfect for the Patriots. His quick temper led to him getting in trouble for a road rage incident in which he ended up crashing into a ditch. Gilbert could definitely blossom with the structure and veteran leadership that the Patriots' organization brings. Worst case he could be a stud return man on special teams. Gilbert is also an unrestricted free agent.
JASON MCCOURTY- While technically not available, the other half of the McCourty twins could be a great fit for the Patriots' roster next season. Jason has one year left on his contract with the Titans. His base salary of $7 million is not guaranteed and cutting him would not leave any dead money on the books for the Titans. As of now he is the #5 cap hit for the Titans in 2017. With the Titans recently signing former Patriot Logan Ryan to their roster, this would put the Rutgers alumnus as accounting for two of the top five cap hits for the Titans in 2017. With this being the case, the Titans may be looking to move on from Jason. If he did come the Patriots direction via a trade, they could probably work out an extension for a year or two as well.
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