Patriots Lose OT Target, Sign Ex-1st-Rounder Starter Riley Reiff
The Tennessee Titans agreed to a contract with ex-Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard. Was this a miss on the part of the New England Patriots?
Yes, at least according to ESPN. ... But on Wednesday the Pats took another crack at it, agreeing to a deal with Riley Reiff, who was most recently a part-time Bears starter.
The Patriots were in contention to land Dillard but he ended up signing with the Titans, agreeing to a three-year $29 million contract that will make him the starting left tackle in Tennessee.
A swing and a miss in Foxboro, as Dillard would've been the first player to join the Patriots roster in this year's free-agency window. It's still early in free agency, and the Patriots still have time to pursue their next tackle at offensive tackle.
Orlando Brown Jr. stands out as the top remaining potential left tackle candidate. The former Kansas City Chief was seemingly replaced after they signed Jawaan Taylor to a four-year deal.
According to projections by Pro Football Focus, Brown could be signed on a five-year deal worth $21 million annually. Judging from the contract the Chiefs gave Taylor, any offer around $20 million could land Brown.
But at a more affordable level, Reiff - 6-6, 313 and at age 34, a vet who has started 149 of his 163 games - might have to do. The obvious connection is Bill Belichick to Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. Reiff played with Ferentz's son James, who's on the Patriots roster, over a decade ago with the Hawkeyes.
Despite not landing their target at left tackle, New England was busy with internal negotiations. The Patriots successfully re-signed starting cornerback Jonathan Jones to a two-year $19 million contract. They also re-signed safety Jabrill Peppers.
Jones' loyalty to New England helped the deal reach the finish line, as he reportedly had other offers that would've been better financially elsewhere. The Patriots also re-signed veteran defensive tackle, Carl Davis.
Follow Harrison Reno on Twitter
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
