Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is one of those players who hit the open market, and he's already drawing some interest from other teams. The 26-year-old reportedly planned to visit with the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving his future in New England very much doubt.
Green-Ellis has been a reliable back in his four seasons in New England, eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2010, which went along with 13 touchdowns. In 2011, he rushed for 667 yards and 11 touchdowns, proving to be a nice complement to the Patriots' potent passing attack. Most importantly, however, is that Green-Ellis has never fumbled in his NFL career, a remarkable accomplishment given the amount of touches that streak has stretched.
The Patriots have Danny Woodhead, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley still on the roster at the position, though, and Green-Ellis' lack of big-play ability may make the Pats reluctant to get into a bidding war with any team interested in him, despite his admirable tenure with the franchise.
Andre Carter, who looked like New England's best defensive player before suffering a season-ending injury last year, also hit the open market on Tuesday. The 32-year-old defensive end racked up 10 sacks and 52 tackles in 14 games with the Patriots before going down.
Teams may be weary of Carter's health going forward, but he clearly proved last season that he can still play despite a down year in Washington in 2010.
When Carter went down, it was Mark Anderson who filled the team's pass-rushing void. Anderson registered 10 sacks, and he could be in line for a nice pay day as he hits the open market.
On the other side of the ball, Dan Connolly and Dan Koppen are both unrestricted free agents, leaving New England in a position to lose some offensive line depth. Connolly was limited to 13 games as he dealt with a groin injury in 2011, while Koppen (a 2007 Pro Bowler) fractured his ankle in the team's season opener and was forced to miss the rest of the season.
Then, there's Deion Branch, who was instantly a hit in his return to New England in 2010. The 32-year-old receiver caught 51 for 702 yards and five touchdowns in 2011, and while he might not have the big-play capability that he once had, the Pats could still use some depth at the position.
Which Patriots unrestricted free agent would you most like to see them re-sign?
