Atari Bigby (GB)
The Packers have three starting-caliber safeties, and Bigby is the only one not currently under contract. I don’t expect the Pats to spend big money on the safety position due to the number of safeties they already have on the roster. Bigby is about as high up the charts as I’d expect the Patriots to be willing to pay, but a player at a reasonable age (29) with his experience will probably expect a better payday than he’ll get with the Pats.
Dashon Goldson (SF)
Glodson played through an ankle injury at the end of last season, and it showed in his poor performance. He could come as a bargain due to his poor play down the stretch, but at just 26 years old, he has plenty of productive seasons ahead of him. He could end up being one of free agency’s best bargains if a team can get him on the cheap.
Brodney Pool (NYJ)
Pool was the best safety for the Jets last season, and he has the versatility to play either safety position. In addition to being a pretty good player at a fairly young age (27), he could help provide some insight on some of the nuances of the Jets defense that seemed to have Brady’s number in New England’s playoff loss.
Eugene Wilson (HOU)
Wilson is familiar with New England after spending five years in Foxboro. He was a serviceable but unspectacular starter until injuries and inconsistency really started to bleed into his production. Signing somebody like Wilson who is familiar with the system and can provide depth could allow the Pats to wheel and deal with their current crop of safeties who will be in a contract year in 2011.
Melvin Bullitt (IND)
Bullitt lost most of the 2010 season to a shoulder injury, and that certainly cost him a few million this offseason. He’s a borderline starter whose primary value to New England would be to provide depth and contribute in sub packages.
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