Taking an early read on the top NFL free agents — including some the Patriots might have interest in — and their chances of being tagged by their current teams:
Justin Simmons, S, Broncos
Emerged as one of the top safeties in the league this season but there's little chance the Broncos let him go with plenty of cap space and the tag available.
Anthony Harris, S, Vikings
Minnesota always has cap issues but I just don't think safety will be a priority for the Patriots even if Devin McCourty leaves. They have plenty of options to move a corner if it comes to that.
Arik Armstead, DE/DT, 49ers
If the Patriots had a player at end instead of Deatrich Wise, they probably win the Titans game as Derrick Henry is held to under 100 yards. The prototype 3-4 DE but I don't see the Niners letting him go. Even if they do, the Patriots are more likely to go the cheap FA route.
D.J. Reader, NT, Texans
One of the better nose tackles in the game but the Patriots can probably get Danny Shelton to return for less money.
Chris Jones, DE, Chiefs
There's no way they let him go. One of the best defensive linemen in the league.
Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys
Hard pass on this player who has been exposed as soft.
Javon Hargrave, DT, Steelers
If the Patriots were going to spend money on the defensive line, I might start with Hargrave but I seriously doubt they would do it.
Jason Peters, OT, Eagles
He's 38 next season and unless someone offers him big money — and they might because tackle play is that bad in the NFL — he would be perfect for a year to plug in and move Isaiah Wynn to left guard with Joe Thuney likely gone.
Emmanuel Sanders
