Patriots: Five Free Agent WR Targets After Edelman Injury

Hakeem Nicks

Oct 5, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Hakeem Nicks(14) makes a catch over a Baltimore Ravens defender at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts won, 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

While I am not sure that the Patriots will sign a player off of free agency, they will undoubtedly be checking their options. It is hard to pin-point exactly who they will be interested in, but if I was forced to make one prediction on who they will sign, Hakeem Nicks would be my choice.

The Patriots actually had Nicks in for a visit this past week, as he worked out for the team. Obviously, they did not see enough to sign him on the spot, but they are undoubtedly thinking more about it right now.

Nicks is not the physical presence at the wide receiver position that he once was, but he was solid with the Indianapolis Colts last season. The 27-year-old Nicks had 38 receptions for 405 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (six starts) with the Colts last season. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound receiver has a history of success in the past, and it is not inconceivable to think he could get some mojo back catching passes from Brady.

Signing Nicks would allow the Patriots to put Amendola primarily in the slot to replace Edelman, and give them a couple of veteran options on the outside. Dobson probably has more upside, but him actually reaching it at this point seems extremely unlikely. Signing Nicks would give the Patriots more security should Dobson falter again.

Next: A More Out of the Box Veteran Option