The New England Patriots do not have a lot of adjustments they need to make this offseason, but they do have a few as head coach Bill Belichick and company are expected to look at the development of the offense and if they can make it better. This season, Tom Brady was left to try and make something out of nothing thanks to injuries to LeGarrette Blount, Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman. That did not always work out in the team's favor and now additions must be made in order to move forward and improve.
According to the Boston Herald, roster evaluation will take first and Danny Amendola and Brandon LaFell could be first on the chopping block. Cutting Amendola saves $4.1 million in space, but creates $2.7 million in dead money. That is not ideal for New England. Cutting LaFell saves $2.67 million. It is a tricky situation, but the chances both get cut are slim. If someone has to go it could be LaFell.
Amendola proved that he can be valuable to New England. With Edelman went down with injury, he stepped up big time to help the passing game. However, what are the chances lightning strikes twice? Amendola is now 30 with a lengthy injury list. He suffered a few this season. LaFell also had a lot of issues with injuries in 2015. The Patriots liked him in 2014, but he fell out of favor this year. Belichick will have to weigh the pros and cons of the situation.
The Patriots will look to add a body to the rotation. With the rest of their depth unproven, the team needs a star should someone get hurt. New England has a lot of young depth, so getting experience in free agency could be a wise more. Players like Anquan Boldin. Travis Benjamin and Rishard Matthews will all be available for the taking and would be huge upgrades to someone like Amendola or LaFell should New England move on from them.
The other concern for the Patriots is the run game. Blount is a free agent this season leaving the team without their power rusher. They will be Dion Lewis back from injury, but they need someone that can drag the pile. History shows the Patriots have no plans on overpaying for a running back, but a guy like Matt Forte could be a solid addition. Lamar Miller, Alfred Morris and Chris Ivory are merely dreams considering the money they will command on the open market. Belichick likes Blount so a return cannot be ruled out. However, the team is expected to explore options first.