We'll see beginning today whether new Patriots coach Jerod Mayo's comment that the team will be "burning some cash" with respect to free agency comes true. (AP photo)

Get out your shopping cart, and let’s see how the New England Patriots can fill it over the next couple of days, beginning today when the NFL’s legal tampering period begins for free agency.

Who should the Patriots take a look at? We will know more of what their draft strategy is when we see who they sign in free agency and how much cash they “burn” as head coach Jerod Mayo said, and then regretted it later.

For example, if they go out and sign a veteran quarterback like Kirk Cousins for big money (not likely), then that means they probably won’t draft a QB with the third pick – or even pick that high. But let’s operated under the assumption they will draft a QB at No. 3 – which is what we keep hearing ownership wants.

Here are some suggestions:

OUTSIDE FREE AGENTS

Go grab Jacoby Brissett now, and you have an established veteran to give management some piece of mind, now that you have dealt away Mac Jones. Next,

ship out Bailey Zappe for a bag of footballs. And thankfully we don’t have to deal with Russell Wilson, who late Sunday night came to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Then the Patriots should try to shore up the offensive line, although there aren’t many quality tackles available. Dallas may look to re-sign Tyron Smith, who is 33.

Can they lure a receiver? Jacksonville’s Calvin Ridley is the top one right now, but will he want to come here with the quarterback situation unsettled? And work with a rookie? Possibly go get a winner as in Chiefs free agent Marquez Valdes-Scantling. But also remember the draft is deep in receivers, and Michael Thomas may draw some interest.

Defensively, it’s too bad the Jaguars tagged defensive lineman Josh Allen, as the Patriots still need to replace the released Lawrence Guy. Otherwise, Buffalo linebacker Leonard Floyd could help with the pass rush. He is a mercenary for sure, quoted last month as saying “I’ll always go where the money goes.” They may also look at another Bills free agent, lineman DaQuan Jones.

The Patriots also need to add depth to their secondary, especially if Dugger departs. Pittsburgh just released cornerback Patrick Peterson. Grab him for veteran leadership. Meanwhile, they should try to sign Giants free agent safety Xavier McKinney.

PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS

First, New England needs to bring back offensive lineman Michael Onwenu. They need line depth as well, and shouldn’t stop there. Now that they’ve agreed to terms with tight end Hunter Henry, keeping him from testing the market, they should also re-signe tight end Pharoah Brown. He’s got size, can block and any catch he makes usually is a big one.

Given the season ending injury and nature of the position, the Patriots should look at bringing back Ezekiel Elliott, as he provides depth, leadership, and a back who can catch out of the backfield. The latter is something they haven’t really until last year with Elliott, after James White retired the previous season.

New England made a good move in re-signing receiver Kendrick Bourne a team-friendly deal. He should be back at some point this summer from his season-ending torn ACL, and in these eyes was one of their better receivers during his three seasons.

Lastly, Kyle Dugger, hit with the transition tag, should be brought back if the market allows. But there’s no way the Patriots should pay much more than the $13.8 million he was tagged with. There are several safeties

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