NFL free agency begins today at 4 p.m. Coming off an AFC Championship loss to the current Super Bowl champion Broncos, the Patriots will certainly be in the mix at multiple positions. When considering the Patriots’ 2015-16 success and their current roster, it is safe to say their needs are minor. It is unlikely the Pats make a big splash, but as New England fans have seen in the past, anything is possible with Bill Belichick calling the shots. Here is a look at some possible free agent targets for the Patriots at their positions of need.

QUARTERBACK

The only reason why quarterback made the list is because of the ongoing Deflategate court proceedings. Although it is unlikely that Tom Brady will miss games for his involvement in the scandal, New England will not take the risk. Even if they do not believe signing a free agent QB is necessary, the Patriots usually bring four or five QB’s into training camp.

Matt Cassel: There are numerous veterans for free agent QB’s and predicting candidates is near impossible. However, Cassel has experience and success in Josh McDaniels’ system and if he does not receive a notable offer somewhere else than perhaps a reunion could be possible.

Running Back

Running backs are slowly becoming a dying breed in the NFL. Although the importance of a downhill runner has been diminished, big backs serve a purpose. Dion Lewis is returning from an ACL tear and James White proved to be efficient, but neither is a between-the-tackles runner. The lack of that type of back was apparent in the AFC Championship, when Brady and company had no option other than to drop back and pass into tight coverage. This Patriots offense would be well-served to add a back.

LeGarrette Blount: Blount missed much of last season (including the playoffs) with a hip injury. Even when Blount was healthy, he was an ordinary back. He and the Patriots have shared mutual interest in a return, however New England will certainly be considering an upgrade in the meantime.

Matt Forte: Forte proved to be versatile and reliable in Chicago. Best of all, the eight-year veteran has made it clear that winning trumps salary at this point in his career. The Patriots only have 17 million in cap space… so the question is: will Forte be willing to take a modest salary?

Lamar Miller: Like Chris Ivory, salary requirements make the former Dolphin a reach. Since his rookie year Miller has resembled a guy like Stevan Ridley. He has great vision, decent speed and is not afraid of contact. However he has made it clear this offseason that his goal is to be paid as a feature back, and with the limited spending room the Pats face it is unlikely they will break the bank for the 24-year-old.

Bilal Powell: Powell was underrated in New York. Powell has primarily been a pass-catching running back, however he is bulky for his height (5’10) and can run between the tackles. He is not a big name on the list, but is worth keeping an eye on.

WIDE RECEIVER

Between Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Keyshawn Martin, the Patriots do not need speedsters in the middle. New England needs a big bodied back to work the sidelines… not necessarily a burner to stretch the field, but just some worthy threat to challenge an opposing cornerback. Once again, Denver exposed this flaw when Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and Bradley Roby were packed inside and muddled the New England game plan.

Marvin Jones: Jones has already sparked the interest of many teams, so it is unlikely the Patriots will offer as much as more desperate teams. When considering his size (6’2, 198 pounds) he would be a great fit. He is athletic but also physical. It is unlikely, but worth to watch.

Mohammed Sanu: A teammate of Jones’ in Cincinnati, Sanu is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. Sure, his numbers as a receiver aren’t eye-popping, but he is a serviceable outside threat that can also be used in special teams. If there is one thing Belichick loves, its versatility.

Rishard Matthews: Miami has had a carousel of wideouts in the past five or so years. With the emergence of Jarvis Landry and the drafting on Devante Parker in last year’s draft, Matthews will likely be heading elsewhere. Matthews’ size is average (6’0, 210 pounds) and so are his numbers (662 yards, four touchdowns in 11 games last season) but he has proven to be a solid receiver, and one whose talent would be maximized in a place like New England. Matthews is certainly a possibility.

Tight End

Obviously Rob Gronkowski is safe as the No. 1, but with Scott Chandler being cut and Michael Williams being a blocking tight end, the Patriots will be looking for a pass catching tight end for depth.

Owen Daniels: When healthy, Daniels has proven to be an above-average tight end. He put up great numbers in Houston, played a big role in the AFC Divisional round in 2014 (In New England) and was a solid presence with Denver in 2015. He is 33-years-old and has a history of injuries, but if he is willing to take a modest salary he could be a quality fit in this offense.

Coby Fleener: Indianapolis was going to pay either Fleener or Dwayne Allen, and they chose to give Allen a four-year contract. Fleener is still young and is below average off the line of scrimmage. However, he is athletic enough to be kicked to the outside and serve as a hybrid tight end and receiver. He will also garner interest around the league but will likely be offered affordable deals.

The Patriots’ defense is actually in a good position for 2016. Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Malcom Butler have contracts expiring after this year, but for the time being this team is deep in talent. With Jerod Mayo retiring and a lack of consistency at the No. 3 cornerback slot, those are the two biggest needs for the Patriots.

Cornerback

Sean Smith: The calling card of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense last year was their front seven. Sean Smith headlined the secondary, so in all likelihood he will be paid big. Does that mean he is off the Patriots’ radar? No. It is unlikely the Patriots make a big cornerback signing, but at 6’3, Smith has proven to be a strong, reliable and highly intelligent defensive back.

Sterling Moore: The former Patriot has joined the long list of journeymen cornerbacks. Moore has experience in the system and has been in big games (2011 AFC Championship Game). Moore is simply not a starting caliber cornerback, but he could be a valuable depth piece for the Pats.

Inside Linebacker

James Laurinaitis: The Rams cut Laurinaitis for economic reasons. He emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber player, and will most likely receive big offers. If the Pats can compete, he would serve as a great option due to his ability to play inside and outside and his play calling experience.

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.