2012 NFL Free Agency: 5 Veteran WRs the New England Patriots Could Target

There may be no better team at evolving their offense to fit strengths and personnel than the New England Patriots.

Once a run-heavy team to start the Tom Brady era, New England shifted their focus to a more vertical attack when they acquired Randy Moss and now employ a tight end heavy scheme that takes advantages of mismatches Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez create. 

However, the Patriots struggled at times in 2011 without a surefire option at "X" receiver. Wes Welker still dominates the slot and will catch 100 balls annually, but Chad Ochocinco amounted to very little and Deion Branch has lost a step or two.

This offseason, the Patriots could look to rectify that need by looking at free agency. Let's take a look at some of the best options:

BRANDON LLOYD

Acquiring Lloyd is a move that has been tossed around New England since the Broncos put him on the trade block early in the 2011 season. The St. Louis Rams had a better draft-pick package to offer, so Lloyd was sent to the lowly Rams. But now that Josh McDaniels, Lloyd's coach in both Denver and St. Louis, is in New England, the Patriots could bring in the veteran receiver to add a downfield threat that knows the system.  

REGGIE WAYNE

Wouldn't it be something if Wayne went to New England after years of battling the Patriots in Indianapolis? He really could be the veteran piece that Chad Ochocinco never became for the Patriots. Wayne is a more technically sound player and could be highly productive in New England's precision offense.  

VINCENT JACKSON

Jackson has burned some bridges in San Diego with management, which might mean it's time to find a new contract and city this offseason. The Patriots were a team that had interest in trading for Jackson during the 2010 season, so there could b a continued interest in acquiring him on the free-agent market. 

MARIO MANNINGHAM

If you can't beat him, sign him? Bill Belichick got a bird's eye view of Manningham's fourth quarter catch that sparked the Giants' game-winning drive. Just a third receiver in New York behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, Manningham could be the X receiver for the Patriots and put up big numbers. 

ROBERT MEACHEM

Meachem has arguably been the Saints' top deep threat, but he looks like he could be on his way out. New Orleans has to sign a boatload of players this offseason and there might not be enough money for Meachem. The Saints' loss would be the Patriots' gain, as Meachem could be the kind of reliable deep threat they've lacked.