This week, the New England Patriots signed a one-year deal with former Philadelphia Eagle E.J. Biggers. This will be the first defensive back the Patriots have brought in who could help bolster this secondary. Biggers played for the Eagles in 2015, and was a Washington Redskin the two years prior. He began his career in Tampa Bay where he provided some quality depth for the Buccaneers secondary.
Biggers has not recorded an interception in the last two seasons, but the former seventh round pick has surpassed expectations as he is entering his eighth year in the NFL. Biggers should back up the Patriots productive tandem of cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler in the secondary.
The Patriots brought in free agent defensive end Frank Kearse, who is only 27 years old, and Chris Long, who at 30 is still one of the most productive defensive ends in his age bracket. Long left the Los Angeles Rams after he was released to make room for younger talent.
The Patriots signed wide receiver Nate Washington from the Houston Texans, but at 32, the Patriots cannot expect a ton of production. Washington suffered several lingering injuries that kept him off of the field for quite some time. New England also brought in Shea McClellin from the Chicago Bears to help stop the run and generate some pressure.
The only other linebacker the Patriots picked up was Ramon Humber from the Saints, who should make a bit more of an impact in New England than he did in New Orleans. Humber is likely just a depth addition as the Patriots will miss a round during the 2016 NFL Draft thanks to their involvement in the Deflategate scandal.
The last player the Patriots acquired in free agency was running back Donald Brown, even though veteran Patriot LeGarrette Blount is still a free agent. The Pats may feel as if Blount is too old to help this offense as a power back, which means they would need to find another one either in free agency or during the 2016 NFL Draft.
The addition of Biggers means the Patriots can draft a little more honestly as they will attempt to take the best player available. Since the team lost their first round pick as a result of Deflategate, they must hit on every draft selection starting in the second round.
