The New England Patriots have signed a few rotational wide receivers, but appear to still be in the market for another big threat to pair alongside Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. The team has inked Brandon Gibson to a contract, but he has yet to do much in the league. That leaves the Patriots eyeing a few more players on the market while still monitoring the situation with Percy Harvin.
The Patriots helped themselves by getting Danny Amendola to restructure his contract. The wide receiver was a big risk of getting released this offseason, but adjusting his contract saved his future in New England for another year. According to the team website, Amendola's new deal is now for three years and $12.75 million with a maximum value of $15 million. It lessened his salary cap hit and will allow the Patriots to make another addition to the wide receiver group.
All eyes are on Percy Harvin as he remains one of the best wide receivers left on the market. The Buffalo Bills have Harvin in for a two-day visit and things are supposedly going well, but so far there has not been a contract agreed upon. Harvin reportedly wants to be a down-field threat and not just a "gadget guy" as ESPN referred to it which is what is stalling the contract with the Bills. They have Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods meaning Harvin would be a third look.
Harvin would likely have the same role with the Patriots. However, the Boston Herald writes that Bill Belichick is a huge fan of Harvin's and has been for some time which could be a big factor in his future. Harvin would be a solid threat for Tom Brady to work with and would likely sign for cheap with the Patriots considering he is in need of rebuilding his reputation.
The Patriots are not likely to spend a lot of money on another wide receiver to add to the group. They could try and chase someone like Cecil Shorts or Michael Crabtree, but they would all demand multi-year deals. New England might not be ready to spend that kind of money since they still need to make upgrades in their secondary as well as their defensive line. Players like Vince Wilfork are hoping to make a return while getting another cornerback to run with Devin McCourty is crucial for 2015. The Patriots would like another receiver, but it does not appear to be an overwhelming priority.
