With free agency set to begin March 5, ESPNBoston.com will look at the "free-agent fit" at each position, while projecting possibilities for the Patriots. Today, it’s quarterbacks:
RATING THE NEED: Moderate
CURRENT PERSONNEL: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jeff Rowe
KEY CONSIDERATION: The Patriots could always consider a veteran sounding board – similar to Jim Miller, Doug Flutie and Vinny Testaverde in past seasons – especially considering that Bill Belichick plans to be more involved with the defense.
NOTABLE TARGETS ON MARKET: Jason Campbell (Redskins, restricted), Daunte Culpepper (Lions, unrestricted), A.J. Feeley (Panthers, unrestricted), Rex Grossman (Texans, unrestricted), Kyle Orton (Broncos, restricted), Chad Pennington (Dolphins, unrestricted), Patrick Ramsey (Lions, unrestricted)
MOST LIKELY TARGETS FOR PATS: Chad Pennington, Chris Redman
SLEEPER POSSIBILITY FOR PATS: Brian St. Pierre (Cardinals, unrestricted)
OUTLANDISH POSSIBILITY FOR PATS: Daunte Culpepper
WRAP IT UP: The Patriots seemed pleased with the strides that Hoyer made as a backup last season, so any addition would be mostly with the No. 3 job in mind. Pennington, one of the smartest quarterbacks in the NFL and a close friend of Randy Moss, could be a solid addition assuming he is healthy.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?: Which of these quarterbacks would you most like to see in a Patriots uniform? Share your thoughts in the comments section of this blog entry.
Coming later today: Special teams