Legal tampering is set to begin at Noon on Monday with free agency next at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
To help you along, what follows is our Top 50 Patriots-centric free agents who fit what they do, stacked mostly by positions of need that will likely need to be filled in free agency and not the draft (reminder that the franchise tag deadline is 4 p.m. Monday).
As a reminder, here's our offseason primer with color-coded depth chart complete the players' 2019 grade in relation to the rest of the league. The Patriots have about $30 million in cap space to use.
Previous deep dives on options (including trades) at QB, TE and WR.
1. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots — SIGNED W/BUCS
I think we've talked enough about this. The Patriots need Brady — at a reasonable number — back to play their best ball. That's just a fact. But it makes no sense to retain Brady if they're not going to, at least, get him a tight end and some speed in the draft. I'm still in the camp that Brady returns at the end of all of it, 55 to 45 percent.
2. Devin McCourty, S, Patriots — RE-SIGNED WITH NEW ENGLAND
Another aging player who makes the Patriots better, but only at a number that reflects where he'll be in two-three years. Patriots have more than enough talent in the secondary to figure out a way through.
3. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals — TAGGED
Probably a pipe dream due to his money, but would be a nice fit on a contract with a low base and gameday bonuses. Too many injuries.
4. Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers — TAGGED
Would have been the ideal TE for this offense but there's little chance of that happening now.
5. Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons — AGREED W/BROWNS
Henry's tag means Hooper is going to be way overpaid and it likely won't be by the Patriots.
6. D.J. Reader, NT, Texans — AGREED W/BENGALS
The best run-stuffer in this class can also bring some pass rush. Will be too rich for the Patriots, like many in the top 20.
7. Joe Thuney, LG, Patriots — TAGGED
Sniff. It was a pleasure watching your gamefilm, Joe. Now go get paid.
Emmanuel Sanders
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Odds and ends: Glad to see Matthew Slater back on a two-year deal but it would be nice, for once, if that ends the veteran special teams signings over $1 million. Too much else needs work. ... Adam Butler is expected to get a second-round tender from the Patriots, which was really the only option for the former undrafted player. ... Chargers DT Brandon Mebane is another recently released player I'd keep an eye on for the Patriots.