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Patriots Have Simple Choice To Make Entering Free Agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots will soon make decisions about whether or not they'll continue working with three exclusive rights free agents: running back Deneric Prince, tight end Jack Westover and defensive lineman Isaiah Iton.
It's safe to say some decisions will be easier than others...
Prince, Westover and Iton will not be eligible to negotiate or sign with any team unless they are not offered a one-year contract at the league minimum by New England. If they do receive that offer, they have no choice but to sign and run things back with the same organization.
Let's take a look at each exclusive rights free agent and predict whether they will receive an offer from New England:
RB Deneric Prince
Prince was signed on Aug. 10, but released/reverted to injured reserve on Aug. 12. If they wanted to work with him then, there's no reason to think they wouldn't want to work with him now that depth at the position is light.
Prediction: Deneric Prince will be offered by the New England Patriots.
TE Jack Westover
Westover made decent contributions during his second season with the organization, making something of a position change on the fly after rookie fullback Brock Lampe suffered an injury during training camp on July 29. It's safe to say things worked out, as the former tight end eventually appeared in every single game across the regular season and postseason.
The Patriots will bring him back.
Prediction: Jack Westover will be offered by the New England Patriots.
DL Isaiah Iton
Iton suffered an early training camp injury after earning a contract during rookie minicamp, so there's reason to believe he'll be brought back and given another opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
Prediction: Isaiah Iton will be offered by the New England Patriots.
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