Chris Hogan, WR

The Patriots’ running back corps is in tact, the tight ends are in decent shape and the offensive line will be top-tier if healthy. The wide receiver group needs some serious help and Josh McDaniels could work with a familiar face in Chris Hogan.

Hogan, 32, had an unsuccessful stint with the Carolina Panthers last season. His most productive years came in New England — and the team needs a reliable deep threat. The Patriots could pull off a team-friendly contract with Hogan, if he’s willing to come back.

Nigel Bradham, LB

The Patriots currently have Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Uche, Jennings, John Simon and Brandon Copeland at linebacker. Hightower is the only reliable starter out of that group and the Patriots featured one of the best linebacker corps in the league last season.

Nigel Bradham, 30, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason and could make a major impact for the Patriots. He’s an open field tackler who has a leadership presence on and off the field. Bradham’s one of the best linebackers available and would be an immediate starter.

Nick Folk, K

The Patriots released Stephen Gostkowski this offseason and drafted Justin Rohrwasser in the fifth round. They will head into the season for the first time since 1996 without a kicker name Adam Vinatieri or Gostkowski slated as the starter. Rohrwasser is an under-the-radar kicker out of Marshall and the Patriots seem to trust him already with the starting role.

Nick Folk took over after Gostkowski went down last season and was a solid replacement. The Patriots released him after the season, but he could still give Rohrwasser competition in the offseason at the least. The Patriots could benefit from at least carrying two kickers until the season begins — especially one with NFL experience.

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