Patriot fit: 5 free agents who would be best off in New England

If you can't beat them, join them.

With the free-agency period stretching over two weeks, there is still a solid group of veteran players with a variety of flaws searching for work.

For these veterans, who are past their primes but still have something in the tank, the New England Patriots are always thrown around as a potential landing spot. While it's become a bit of a joke, the Patriots do offer the unique ability to pull the last few good years out of older players.

As they are still armed with over $26 million in cap space, the Patriots could still be in the market to add a few of these outcasts on low-risk contracts.

While there's no way New England will add all of them, here are five free agents whose best bet for success in 2017 may be settling for the Patriots (and perhaps taking less money that was offered elsewhere):

Darrelle Revis

After having his reputation somewhat tarnished by an alleged street fight, returning to the Patriots for a potential championship run seems like Revis' best option to quickly redeem himself.

Related - Report: Patriots likely landing spot for Revis

Revis is far from the shutdown cornerback he was with the Patriots in 2014, but he will also cost a lot less than the $12 million he earned then, too. The 31-year-old has said he's open to switching positions to safety or sticking at cornerback. The Patriots may be about to lose Malcolm Butler, which would leave a hole at starting corner that Revis could either fill or mentor someone else to fill. If Bill Belichick can't get anything out of Revis, neither can anyone else.

Adrian Peterson

Peterson already reportedly considered joining the Patriots at a discount, but the team didn't reciprocate the interest ... yet.

While Peterson doesn't have the receiving skills the Patriots typically look for, the team has a slew of lighter backs who are well-suited to run in space and make plays as a receiver. They are, however, lacking a thumper to do the dirty work as LeGarrette Blount did last season. Given that they haven't re-signed Blount, there's a good chance the Patriots won't consider adding another back until after the draft, but someone will need to fill the big runner's place.

If Peterson has any prime left, he would be better off playing out the final years doing what he does best as a between-the-tackles runner than he would trying to pick up new skills at age 32.

Mario Williams

Super Mario has hit a steep decline in production over the past two seasons after racking up 14.5 sacks back in 2014.

The 32-year-old has taken his beatings from the Patriots as a member of the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills over the last five seasons, and now it may be time to switch sides. Williams could come in as a rotational end, much like fellow former top-two draft pick Chris Long did with New England in 2016.

Having pushed his career earnings over $120 million in 2016 with one playoff win to show for it, Williams shouldn't have a problem taking less money for a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl.

Nick Mangold

Mangold was not a particularly happy man when he was cut earlier this offseason from the team he called his own for 12 seasons. And if there's any guaranteed way to get back at the New York Jets, it's joining Belichick's squad.

The seven-time Pro Bowler could bring a veteran presence to the Patriots' offensive line that has gotten younger over recent years. Mangold's best asset may be the ability to make calls for his line, which would take some of the pressure off Tom Brady. His leadership style fits perfectly with how the Patriots run their team, and like Williams, it would be nice for Mangold to join the winning side for a change.

Jared Odrick

His personality isn't as well known as some of the other outside-the-box thinkers around the NFL, but Odrick fits a similar mold to outspoken tight end Martellus Bennett. The Patriots allowed Bennett to thrive as a free thinker, becoming beloved by fans and teammates while performing well on the field - Odrick can do the same.

The former first-round pick, who already visited with New England, could be a good rotational piece to work with Kony Ealy, Trey Flowers, and Lawrence Guy. After being released two years into a five-year contract with $22 million guaranteed, Odrick's asking price shouldn't be too high.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)