New England Patriots
Projected cap: $63.9 million
Top target: Melvin Ingram (OLB)
One thing that is clear about the Patriots is they won’t overpay for anybody and they often prefer to keep their own players if possible. So expect them to focus on key guys like Dont’a Hightower, Jabaal Sheard and Martellus Bennett among others. Even so they’ll still have a ton of space left to go shopping for potential upgrades. One spot that is sure to get attention is their edge rusher position after trading Chandler Jones and Chris Long becoming a free agent.
Melvin Ingram would be a classic Patriots signing. A highly underrated player floundering on a AFC franchise that can’t win consistently. He comes in and proceeds to dominate for New England. Ingram has really come into his own as a pass rusher for the San Diego Chargers. However, the constant struggles to win and the looming distraction of a team move to another city might compel him to get out while he can. If he avoids the franchise tag, the Patriots would be foolish not to pursue him.