The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL this past decade, but since they haven't won a Super Bowl in the past two appearances since 2004, some in the league have wondered what is missing from Bill Belichick's roster, with some saying it is a big name like Darrelle Revis.
This offseason presents a few different opportunities for the Patriots, as well as a number of questions, including whether the team will re-sign wide receiver Wes Welker. The wide receiver likely will be looking for a decent sized contract, something the team has been unwilling to do in the past.
Belichick and Welker seemed to be at odds at the beginning of the season when the receiver wasn't being used as much, but he is Brady's best target and he made 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns while helping the Patriots win the AFC East once again.
Media in Boston have reported that Belichick doesn't think too much of Welker and that the team could easily replace his slot production with another receiver for less money. That receiver could be St. Louis Rams star Danny Amendola, who has a similar frame and build as Welker and is also a bit younger.
Although Amendola was injured for part of last season, he still played in 11 games and made 63 receptions for 666 yards and three touchdowns. The Rams have already announced that they are not planning to franchise Amendola and the Patriots have expressed the same feelings about Welker, although they have not made that official.
The Patriots could go hard after Amendola if they feel Welker's price is too high, giving Brady a speedy receiver with solid hands to work in the slot.
The Jets have said they are exploring trades for their All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis and although they likely would not want to deal with a division rival, Belichick is known to be a huge fan of Revis and the team has proven in the past that they are willing to go after cornerbacks, like they did last season when they acquired Aqib Talib from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Revis would be a huge addition to the Patriots roster and would immediately make them Super Bowl favorites for next season. The team went 12-4 last year and was very close to making the Super Bowl for the second time in two years, but they couldn't overcome the Baltimore Ravens at home.
The Patriots were at their best during their previous Super Bowl runs when they had shutdown players in the secondary like Ty Law and Revis would be a perfect addition for the team. While the Jets won't be willing to part with Revis for nothing, the Patriots have done a good job stockpiling draft picks over the years and could make a solid deal.
The Patriots will be thin next season in the defensive backfield if they let Talib and Kyle Arrington go in free agency and Revis would be a huge upgrade over both of those players.