15 free agent targets for the New England Patriots

Matt Forte, 30 years old, RB: The two-time Pro Bowler said he’d take a paycut for a Super Bowl contender. Need we say more?

LeGarrette Blount, 29, RB: He’s an affordable option for the Patriots as they look for a big back to complement Dion Lewis and James White. And he has multiple seasons of experience in the Patriots offense.

Alfred Morris, 27, RB: If Blount finds a bigger contract like he did in 2014, the Patriots may look for a different discount player. Though Morris may demand a bigger contract than Blount, the free agent is primed to have a bigger role than Blount, as he has shown the ability to be a high-volume back.

Anquan Boldin, 35, WR: He’s the kind of veteran receiver the Patriots like to take a chance on. At 35 years old, he presents a risk of declined production, though he appears to be fighting the aging process impressively. The Patriots could look to Boldin to fill the role Brandon LaFell flunked out of in 2015.

Percy Harvin, 27, WR: Julian Edelman is, in some ways, the player Harvin should have been. The former first-round pick has all the measurables to be a offensive weapon. Perhaps, the Patriots, who were rumored to be interested in drafting him in 2009, will provide the wideout with a resurgence.

Antonio Gates, 35, TE: With Scott Chandler’s contract, the Patriots may not be thrilled to add another expensive tight end, so Gates would need the same mindset as Forte — take a paycut for a chance at a Super Bowl. Gates is a tantalizingly reliable target for Brady, and would be an asset on 3rd downs and in the red zone.

Charles “Peanut’’ Tillman, 34, CB: The free agent cornerback is coming off an ACL injury, but may be another inexpensive, talented option for the Patriots. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he’s a big, physical ballhawk that would provide the size and experience the Patriots are lacking at corner.

Andre Smith, 29, OT: Smith’s injuries and age may price him lower than expected, but he’ll still cost a hefty sum. The Patriots may only make an investment in Smith if they expect to lose Sebastian Vollmer in 2016 or Nate Solder in 2017 when their contracts expire.

Chris Hairston, 26, OT: Hairston filled in at guard and tackle for the Chargers in 2016, playing in all 16 games. If the Patriots are looking for a better version of Marcus Cannon, Hairston is it.

Rolando McClain, 26, LB: The Patriots reportedly attempted to sign the linebacker last offseason, but lost him to the Cowboys. He would serve nicely as a depth run defender to back up Dont’a Hightower.

Demario Davis, 27, LB: After a strong 2014 season, the linebacker slumped under new head coach Todd Bowles in 2015. He could be a solid rotational inside linebacker for 2016, while providing the Patriots leverage for contract negotation when Jaime Collins and Hightower become free agents in 2017.

Nick Fairley, 28, DT: The Patriots could lowball him and hope the rest of the league does the same. If that plays out in the Patriots’ favor, Fairley could join a deep rotation of defensive tackles.

Akiem Hicks, 26, DT: After joining New England in a trade, Hicks seemed to get better each week. He was a solid interior rusher, played good run defense, and stayed healthy. The only caveat: he may have played his way into a contract too rich for the Patriots.