NFL Free Agency: New England Patriots Need to Consider Cullen Jenkins

While taking a look at the free-agent class of 2011, the one player that would have a great sudden impact on the New England Patriots is defensive end Cullen Jenkins.

Jenkins, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Green Bay Packers, has had experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive systems, most recently the 3-4, making him a potential suitor along New England's defensive line. 

The Patriots have one of the youngest defensive units across the NFL and could certainly use a veteran presence—not to mention a productive pass-rusher.

Last season, for the Packers, Jenkins accumulated a respectable seven sacks, two-and-a-half more than Patriots defensive lineman Mike Wright, who led New England in sacks. 

The major concern regarding Jenkins is his age and his nagging health issues. 

Last season, as Jenkins tallied seven sacks, he did so in only 11 games thanks to a calf injury that he had dealt with all season—the 305-lb defensive end has dealt with multiple other injuries over the course of his career. 

Jenkins will likely garner many offers once the NFL lockout is lifted, and he's even stated that he's "99.9 percent" sure that he will not be a Green Bay Packer in 2011, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

If Bill Belichick and the Patriots were to pursue Jenkins, he'd potentially join a quality group along the defensive line with players such as Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Marcus Stroud and Ron Brace to create one of the league's top defensive line rotations. 

Considering Jenkins' age, his time on the field can be limited, but his skills would certainly be utilized if the Patriots did chose to call his number.

Many teams will likely look Jenkins' way once free agency begins, especially the 3-4 defensive teams, as he's one of the top pass-rushing defensive linemen available. However, most teams will factor in his injury history, and that may cause them to look elsewhere, opening the door for New England to sign him to a low-risk, high-reward kind of contract.

If New England does sign Jenkins to a contract, the team's starting defensive line will be Warren, Wilfork and Jenkins—certainly one of the league's best defensive lines. 

For more articles like this, check out my blog at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @   TonySantorsa.