By Kevin Duffy | Posted May 10, 2018 at 10:39 AM
In the NFL, the end of a career doesn't usually fit a player's desired script.
It generally goes like this: You're a contributor all fall and winter, and then spring rolls around and you suddently can't find a job.
Each year, this is the case for even some of the league's most prominent players. This offseason, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, Kenny Vaccaro, and Jeremy Maclin are among those still unemployed.
Below, we roll through 25 high-profile free agents who remain available.
Do any project as fits with the Patriots?
DEZ BRYANT, WR
AP/Ron Jenkins
DEZ BRYANT, WR
Status: Released by Cowboys on April 13
Potential fit with Patriots: The Pats will take 11 receivers into training camp.
Hey, what's one more?
At age 29, Bryant's athleticism is declining, but he's still a physical possession receiver who excels in the red zone.
Dez would be super interesting in a Pats uniform. Realistically, though, it's hard to imagine Bill Belichick finding room for him on the roster.
Julian Edelman is a lock. Chris Hogan should make it, too. Malcolm Mitchell is likely in if his knee holds up. Cordarrelle Patterson and Matthew Slater are valuable special teams players. Jordan Matthews has a proven track record as a slot receiver, and Braxton Berrios will have a decent chance to make the squad as a rookie.
ERIC DECKER, WR
Michael Dwyer
ERIC DECKER, WR
Status: Contract with Titans expired in March
Fit with Patriots: A longtime opponent of the Pats, Decker is the type of player Bill Belichick would usually target.
He has been highly successful against New England in the past, and he brings unique size (6-foot-3, 214 pounds) to the slot position.
One problem for Decker: The Pats already secured a big slot receiver in free agency when they signed Jordan Matthews.
As we noted with Dez Bryant, there isn't much room for another receiver on this loaded Patriots depth chart.
SHANE VEREEN, RB
AP/Ross D. Franklin
SHANE VEREEN, RB
Status: Contract with Giants expired in March
Fit with Patriots: Three years ago, Vereen left New England for a three-year contract with the Giants that would pay him north of $4 million per season.
Today, he's out of a job.
Such is life as an NFL running back (as you'll see with some of the other prominent names on this list).
It can all evaporate pretty quickly.
The Pats are set at running back for 2018. They certainly don't need to bring Vereen back.
Perhaps Vereen will find a spot elsewhere when injuries begin to hit in training camp.
EDDIE LACY, RB
AP/Mike Roemer
EDDIE LACY, RB
Status: Contract with Seahawks expired in March
Fit with Patriots: What a rapid descent this has been for Lacy.
In his first three NFL seasons, Lacy amassed 3,947 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns.
In the two years since, he's managed 614 yards and zero scores.
I've always liked the idea of Lacy on the Patriots; he's a bruising between-the-tackles back with solid receiving skills.
But the Patriots opted for a younger reclamation project -- Jeremy Hill -- in free agency.
JAMAAL CHARLES, RB
AP/Ed Zurga
JAMAAL CHARLES, RB
Status: Contract with Broncos expired in March
Fit with Patriots: At age 30, Charles couldn't break through in the Denver backfield.
His time in the league could be up.
Charles isn't often mentioned with the all-time great running backs, but he probably should be.
His career average of 5.4 yards per carry is tops in NFL history among players with a minimum of 1,000 rushing attempts.
Charles should be a Hall of Famer.
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