Patriots have key roster decisions pending

FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots have a number of roster decisions to make this offseason.

Let’s take a look at the team’s pending unrestricted free agents:

RB Ezekiel Elliott: The Patriots signed Elliott in August and certainly needed him. He split carries with Rhamondre Stevenson before taking on a bigger role following Stevenson’s season-ending ankle injury. The 28-year-old Elliott showed he still had enough in the tank — logging more than 900 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns — so the question is do they believe he has enough left for another season? If yes, can they sway Elliott? He’s expressed interest in returning, but also stressed the importance of earning a gold jacket and Super Bowl ring.

WR Kendrick Bourne: Bourne’s season was cut short in Week 8 when he suffered an ACL tear. He was on track for a bounceback season with 37 catches on 55 targets for 406 yards and four touchdowns in eight games. Even though it would make sense to bring back Bourne, 28, on a short-term deal, the Patriots desperately need to upgrade at wide receiver and already have JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, and DeMario Douglas under contract.

WR Jalen Reagor: After starting the season on the practice squad, Reagor was signed to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 8. His highlight came in Week 17, when he returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, but his production remained sparing otherwise. It’s hard to envision Reagor keeping a roster spot. The practice squad seems more realistic.

TE Pharaoh Brown: All three tight ends on the 53-man roster are scheduled to become free agents. Though Brown is the least splashy of the bunch, his versatility and contract make him a desirable (and affordable) candidate to