A few notable developments and thoughts with the New England Patriots in free agency:
1. According to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports, running back Shane Vereen's contract with the New York Giants is for three years with a maximum value of $12.35 million. The average of just more than $4 million per year hits close to ESPNBoston.com's projected contract for Vereen and indicates to us that the Patriots believed that was too rich for them. The Patriots hoped Vereen would return, but as they often do, they set a price they were willing to go and generally stay disciplined to not go too far north of it.
2. While Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner are now free agents, which increases the likelihood they could sign elsewhere, it seems most prudent to not pass judgment until their situations are finalized. There is still the possibility of their return.
3. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas, a solid midseason trade acquisition by the Patriots, cashed in with a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Giants, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN's "NFL Insiders" program. Casillas made just over $1 million last season, so his time in New England seemed to help improve his stock on the market. ESPN.com NFL Nation Giants reporter Dan Graziano has more on Casillas from a Giants perspective.
4. Exclusive-rights free agents James Develin (fullback), Sealver Siliga (defensive tackle) and James Morris (linebacker) were tendered contracts by the team, which was expected.
5. ESPN Texans reporter Tania Ganguli reports that the Texans are making an effort to sign Vince Wilfork. With the Texans in need of a nose tackle and Wilfork very familiar with Houston defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, the fit makes sense, Ganguli writes.