I don’t see how the Patriots can sign both James Laurinitis and Chris Long. If they did, it would be a coup. 

A report indicated this morning that the Patriots have expressed an interest in former St. Louis Rams defensive stalwarts James Laurinitis and Chris Long. Laurinitis was recently in town for a visit according to sources. While I think both would be good scheme fits, I don’t see how the Patriots could afford them. 

Both Laurinitis and Long can get more years and money from other teams. Just because they haven’t signed yet, doesn’t mean that they can’t get a better deal somewhere else. The Patriots don’t have a lot of money to play with. Both Laurinitis and Long would have to take less money to sign here. 

It might not be a bad idea for both players to take a one deal from the Patriots, re-establish their market value and enter free agency again next off-season. Worst case scenario, they compete for a Super Bowl. While that may seem sensible, I doubt you’ll see either player sign here. If I had to pick which of the two would might sign with the Patriots, I’d pick Long over Laurinitis. Long fills a more immediate need and he can be a security blanket in case the Patriots decide to move Chandler Jones this off-season. Either way you slice it, landing both players is unrealistic. However, if there is anyone who can find a way to sign them, it’s Bill Belichick.