The New York Jets released wide receiver Percy Harvin and the Buffalo Bills let running back C.J. Spiller hit the market after they traded for LeSean McCoy. Both of these playmakers could be headed to a division rival.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the New England Patriots are the team to watch for in the Harvin sweepstakes. He's told there is a "good chance" that's where the former first-round pick ends up. Such a move would shake up the Patriots' receiving corps, which already consists of Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola.
New England had a tight salary cap situation before they declined the team options for defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and cornerback Darrelle Revis and ended up saving themselves about $28 million. They now sit at $133.79 million and have some room to work with, but the signing of Harvin could result in Amendola moving on from New England. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, here are the Patriots' options with the wideout:
"(1) cut Amendola before Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, resulting in a $4.8 million cap charge in 2014; (2) cut Amendola after Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET with a post-June 1 designation, resulting in a $1.2 million cap charge in 2014 and $3.6 million in 2015, but guaranteeing up to $2 million in base salary if he doesn't land elsewhere; (3) trade Amendola before June 1, resulting in a $4.8 million cap charge in 2014; or (4) keep Amendola, paying him up to $3.5 million and carrying a $4.543 million cap number."
It was speculated the Patriots were planning on releasing the veteran in hopes of upgrading the slot receiver position. No such move has yet to occur.
Speaking of moving on from New England, running back Shane Vereen has agreed to sign with the New York Giants, which now creates a void in Tom Brady's backfield. It's also unclear if they'll be bringing back Stevan Ridley, who is recovering from ACL/MCL surgery. As a result, Rapoport notes the team has "inquired about C.J. Spiller in that [Shane] Vereen role" as they are "still searching for playmakers."
While Spiller remains a fairly realistic option, it was reported earlier today that running back Reggie Bush was considering the Patriots, so they could be exploring that option as well, especially since Bush would cost significantly less.
The Patriots will be closely monitored throughout the onset of the 2015 free agency period.