FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- On Wednesday morning, a ranking of the New England Patriots' free agents was passed along for this upcoming offseason, which highlights how the team doesn't have a significant group.
That's why, in many ways, this offseason is as much about strategic planning with the "Big Four" on defense -- cornerback Malcolm Butler, defensive end Chandler Jones and linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower. All have contracts that expire after the 2016 season, which gives the sides a full calendar year to explore extensions.