It's over the Patriots lost the Super Bowl. Am I over it? Ehhh, probably not. Yet, it's hard not to look forward. I'll start with the WRs, and address each of their needs over the next week or so.
Patriots have some free agency decisions. The Patriots currently have just two wide receivers under contract for 2012 (Ochocinco and Tiquan Underwood). Most, if not all, think Ochocinco and his $6 million deal will be cut. I think Welker will be back, and I could see them bringing Branch back as well. Yet, the Patriots are in serious need of a deep threat. Some to stretch the field for Welker, and the TEs to be able to work the middle.
Here is a quick list of some guys who could help...
DeSean Jackson - Obviously comes wight a lot of baggage, but the Patriots have shown a willingness to take on these type of guys with very mixed results. Dillon/Moss worked out, Haynesworth/Ochocinco did not. I don't think the Eagles will bring him back. He is one of the fastest guys in the NFL, and I think would be a perfect fit.
Vincent Jackson - I don't think the Chargers will let him go. I don't know if they will tag him, but I just don't picture him in another uniform. If somehow he was available his price will be high. He is under 30 years old, 3 of the last 4 years he has been obove 1,000 yards with 7+ TDs.
Dwayne Bowe - There are concerns about his conditioning, but this guy is a freak of an athlete. In the right situation he could be one of the best WRs in the league. Sources say the Chiefs will franchise him if they have to. He is 27 years old, and has 5-6 years of being in his prime if he stays in shape.
Steve Johnson - Another young guy he is 26 years old. He is an idiot at times, but he has had 2 very nice years up in Buffalo. He seems like a guy who is going to chase top dollar no matter what, so I don't see him coming here (as can be said for Jackson).
Marques Colston - Love this guy, but he really isn't much of a speed guy. Actually he is built a lot more like a TE. He has been so damn consistent though, but is yet another guy I just can't see leaving his team. Can you picture Colston in anything but a Saints uniform? I sure can't.
Reggie Wayne - Has been in a similar system as the Patriots, but I feel like they would just be getting another version of Branch.
Pierre Garcon - Had a hell of a year without the Colts having a QB. He is pretty damn fast, and like Wayne was part of a similar offense as the Patriots. Could be an interesting fit.
Robert Meachem - Other then DeSean this might be the fastest guy on the list. He could be a low cost guy to pick up, but there will be a lot of other teams that will fall in love with his speed. This guy will be boom or bust. He seems like he either has a great game, or you don't hear from him at all. Still, he interests me.
Jerome Simpson - Made the play of the year, and people now know him. He is fast as hell, and seems to be just scratching the surface of what he can do. Can he learn the Patriots offense, what's the price, what about his legal problems. Lots of question, but very intriguing.
Mario Manningham - Made one of the greatest Super Bowl catches of all time. He is just 26 years old. I wonder how much he will get. People are always talking about Cruz and Nicks, but Manningham is a heck of WR in his own right.
DeSean Jackson is my dream here. I think he could improve the return game greatly, and be the deep threat the Patriots badly need. I just know know if they will be able to afford him. Guys like Meachem and Garcon could be more in there price range. It will really interesting to see how much cap room the Patriots have, and whether they want to spend it here or on defense.
Also, I know this sounds crazy, but I wouldn't be shocked if Ochocinco comes back for a team friendly deal.