KEEP AN EYE ON...
DeVante Parker
Parker could end up joining the list of free agent receivers. He’s due a salary of $9.38 million on his fifth-year option, but the Dolphins can cut him before the start of the new league year and owe him nothing.
Such a move would nearly double the Dolphins’ available cap space; at the moment, they have just $10.75 million in room, according to OverTheCap. com.
Plagued by inconsistency throughout his four-year career, the 6-foot-3 Parker is an undeniably talented perimeter receiver. He can make acrobatic catches down the field and in traffic. And the Patriots have seen it first-hand, as two of Parker’s four 100-yard games came against New England.
The Pats need an ‘X’ receiver. Parker would become one of the best on the market if he’s released.
DeSean Jackson
Still a burner in his early 30s, Jackson could be a cap casualty in the coming weeks. He’s owed $10 million next season. The Bucs can save all of it by cutting him.
The Patriots don’t necessarily need a “deep threat” at receiver, but they can use a player with Jackson’s big-play capability.
They’d likely be looking to secure Jackson on a one-year deal if he hits the market.
A Big Trade
Those annual Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald rumors never turned into anything, but who thought the Patriots would trade a first-round pick for Brandin Cooks?
Don’t rule out anything with Bill Belichick.
Antonio Brown is clearly pushing for a trade out of Pittsburgh. Jay Glazer of The Athletic predicted that Odell Beckham will be dealt this offseason. The Bengals could receive trade calls regarding A.J. Green, who turns 31 before training camp and is entering the final year of his contract.
The Pats are loaded with draft picks this spring. They have several areas of need — quarterback of the future, tight end, defensive line — but it wouldn’t be stunning to see them dangle one of those picks as they pursue a veteran pass-catcher.