Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com believes that the Patriots would turn to Marcus Cannon over another free agent right tackle if Sebastian Vollmer isn't re-signed during free agency. "I still have some uncertainty on Cannon (he did look just fine on Nov. 22 vs. the Jets), but with Dante Scarnecchia coaching him up, and the possibility of a solid draft pick there too, I like the thought," adds Reiss.

Christopher Price of WEEI.com thinks that signing free agent RB Danny Woodhead should be a priority for the Patriots. "In the wake of Shane Vereen's multidimensional performance in the playoff win over the Texans, (seven carries, five catches) Woodhead could suddenly be expendable in free agency," writes Price. "But considering Woodhead's abilities in blitz pickup, his background in the system and his dependability and durability, as well as the fact that he will likely come at a relative bargain, he should be counted as a free-agent priority for New England this offseason."

Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com believes that the Patriots are poised for "big doings" in free agency. "On Friday, Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson was relieved of duty in Arizona. He becomes another of the "name" safeties that may attract Patriots' interest, along with guys like Ed Reed, Charles Woodson, LaRon Landry, Quin Glover and Kenny Phillips," writes Curran.

Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald writes that Wes Welker is the best free agent fit at wide receiver for the Patriots. "But if that falls through, the obvious replacement has been viewed as Danny Amendola, who caught 85 passes in 2010 but has missed 20 games due to injury over the last two seasons," he adds.

Greg A. Bedard of The Boston Globe gives a rundown of the rules for the new three-day free agent negotiating period that begins this weekend. The period begins on Saturday at midnight.