New England Patriots: Top 5 Players the Patriots Could Sign

As the New England Patriots' season concluded last Sunday with a devastating loss to the New York Jets, many question marks have been swirling around the team's roster.

Weaknesses have arose, and the most clear weaknesses are the inability to put pressure on the quarterback and the lack of a legitimate deep threat receiver.  

The Patriots were unable to sack Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez once, and the Patriots receivers were unable to get open. The Jets jammed the receivers at the snap of the ball and covered the middle of the field. There was no reason why the Jets should cover along the numbers of the field due to the lack of a deep threat presented by the Patriots. 

If there is no new CBA, then there will not be any free-agent moves. However, let's assume there will be an agreement. 

Here are the top five players New England might pursue this offseason via free agency. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa

DE Cullen Jenkins

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Cullen Jenkins #77 of the Green Bay Packers sacks Trent Edwards #5 of the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

Green Bay Packers' defensive end Cullen Jenkins would be a nice fit in New England's 3-4 defense. Like New England, the Packers play a 3-4, and Jenkins is a talented pass rusher coming from the defensive end position. 

Jenkins recorded a total of seven sacks last season, which is more than any of the Patriots players. Defensive end Mike Wright, who was injured the last part of the season, only recorded a team-high 5.5 sacks. 

Jenkins is turning 31 years old next season, but is a proven pass rusher and a solid defensive end in the 3-4 defense. He could bring possible veteran leadership to the Patriots' young defense, and would be a nice replacement for Gerard Warren. 

If New England does sign Jenkins, the starting defensive line would be Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork and Jenkins.

RB DeAngelo Williams

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers' running back DeAngelo Williams is a top free agent coming up this offseason.

Carolina will likely not re-sign Williams, as the organization is rebuilding. Despite the team's rebuilding process, the emergence of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson could present a reason not to re-sign the 27-year-old Williams. 

New England did have a quality season running the ball with 1,000-yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. It might not want to lean towards a free-agent running back.

However, Green-Ellis is a free agent, and Williams is a dual-threat back. Williams is not only talented running, he can catch the ball out of the backfield. 

Despite missing the majority of last season, Williams averaged 4.1 yards per carry in only six games for the Panthers, and has a career five-yard per-carry average. 

Williams would be a nice fit for the Patriots offense, complementing quarterback Tom Brady. 

RB Cedric Benson

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 19: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

If New England does decide to part ways with running back BenJaruvs Green-Ellis, it could turn to veteran free agent Cedric Benson. 

Benson had a decent season in 2010 playing for the lowly Cincinnati Bengals. Benson recorded 1,111 yards on the ground and scored a career-high seven touchdowns. 

The Bengals are likely heading towards a rebuilding season, and might not want to bring back the 28-year-old Benson. 

Benson has been healthy for the past few seasons, and was a top running back in 2009. 

Add Benson with a talented dual-threat Woodhead, and the Patriots will have a nicely established running game. 

WR Malcom Floyd

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Wide receiver Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers makes a one-handed 41-yard reception for a first down against cornerback Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on Jan

It became clear the the Patriots were lacking a deep threat receiver against the Jets last Sunday. 

I'm not saying the Patriots should have never traded Randy Moss, because they would have never got as far as they did. Moss was a team cancer, and was nothing but a developing issue. 

However, New England could lean towards showing interest in San Diego Chargers receiver Malcom Floyd. 

Floyd is a quality receiver that can stretch the field. 

The 29-year-old Floyd only played in 11 games for the Chargers last season, but recorded a career-high six receiving touchdowns. 

In 2009, Floyd caught 45 passes for 776 yards in 16 games, and last year, he snagged 37 passes for 717 yards. 

Floyd would be a nice upgrade from Brandon Tate. 

WR James Jones

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers throws the ball into the air after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones is going to be asking for No. 1 receiver money this offseason. 

Already having Pro Bowl receiver Greg Jennings, the Packers very well might let Jones walk. 

With receiver Brandon Tate being New England's No. 1 deep threat, Jones could not only replace Tate, but also add more as a possession receiver. 

Jones recorded 50 catches in 2010 for 679 yards and five touchdowns; he knows how to find the end zone and how to make the big play. 

Jones is turning 27 in March and is about to enter his prime. With Patriots receiver Deion Branch having injury problems, Jones would be a nice receiver to add to the already-talented Patriots offense.