*** New England Patriot Offseason (2007) *** (1 Viewer)

[nerangers]

This is obviously a "take it for what it's worth" post but here are a few things I have been hearing from the grapevine:*Gaffney is showing his end of year production was not a fluke and is starting to separate from the pack (i.e. the other WRs trying to earn a roster spot).*Kelly Washington isn't making too much of an impression and is not helping his chances to make the team.

I been hearing the same about these two...and with Stallworth on the PUP, I think it gives Gaffney even more of a chance to separate from the rest of the pack.I was also reading that Wes Welker is doing well..What is the good word on him???

A lot of comments had flown around when we signed Wes Welker about how we gave more than he was really worth (the sentiment was boosted by the initial estimates of the contract which were way off). Adding big names like Donte’ Stallworth and Randy Moss afterward, at less expense, probably didn’t help the feeling that we gave too much either. But now we’re seeing Welker in camp, and from what I hear, he looks worth every penny (and draft pick). How do you think Welker stands up to what he cost the Pats to acquire?Will BortolinFirst I don’t think the initial reports of Welker’s contract were way off. The guaranteed portion of the deals in question were actually quite similar. The overall package that was originally reported included some backloaded years that Welker never would have seen while the one he signed did not. As for the compensation it took to acquire him, I personally thought a second-round pick was a little high. I have no doubt that Welker will contribute, just as Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney did last year. Welker has looked good in camp but I’ll reserve my judgement until I see how he fares in games. Randy Moss has looked great thus far as well … but again it’s still just training camp. A lot can happen over the coming weeks. Regardless of what they gave up to get him, I believe Welker will help the team and that’s really the only important thing at this point.Paul Perillo

 

[SoloMatisse]

Boston, what's up pal?? getting geared up again, now. thanks for the info. Chiming in.....

Ive seen the interviews of Washington, and he just doesnt sound very positive. I think he may see the writing on the wall with regards to how tough its going to be for him to make this team. He mentions how important it is to be out there making plays, but I just dont see the depth chart allowing him to do that for New England this year. Itll be a #s game with him, and I think the sooner the team releases him, the sooner he'll have a chance to catch on with someone like Tennessee or Houston.

I think the team's playing it smart with the Richard Seymour situation. Keeping him on PUP allows them to keep one more player on the roster, and it will hopefully contribute to Seymour playing a full, healthy, 16 game season. We all know what he brings to the table...he's got nothing to prove.

Same for Troy Brown. I feel he'll make the team one way or the other, and he'll accept whatever role the team asks of him. I can see him being inactive quite possibly for some games this year, and I have a feeling he'd be alright with that. The WR chart could end up as Moss, Welker, Caldwell, Gaffney, Stallworth and Brown. I hate to say it about Chad Jackson, but if the guy isnt ready to play, he's not gonna do much for the team this year. Brown will be the reliable veteran when injuries occur.....my guess.

Which leads me to the Stallworth situtation. Im really growing impatient with his absence, and admit Im a little concerned about the lack of reps he's getting with Brady to contribute to any chemistry/timing they need to work on. But its early, so hopefully things will change.

Im psyched about how this D could be shaping up this year. And Im glad to hear Merriweather is taking his reps at CB. Hopefully, Harrison and Wilson can hold up, atleast long enough to help get BM acclimated to the NFL game. Samuel will come in before long. Im not sweating him. I think his importance to the team is right up there with Seymour and Brown and Stallworth, and none of those guys are practicing either. When some of them show, I think Asante will show. That's too much money for him to be playing around with. Its such a luxury to have some much depth along the Dline with Seymour, Wilfork and Warren backed up by young guys like Smith, Brown and Green. and with Adalius, Vrabel and Colvin rotating outside of them, that front 7 is going to be sick this year. And Thomas is one of the short list of players in the league who I think matches up fairly well with Antonio Gates. And that's a matchup we'll need more than likely in a couple of games this year. (I think we've got SD during the regular season)

Brady has had his practice reps reduced from last year when he was throwing over 200 balls alot of days. He's been throwing in the afternoon sessions during 2adays. he says he's preparing smarter this year, so he doesnt wear out his arm/shoulder. I cant wait to see how that may positively affect his game. He's gonna be a star this year.....as if that's a newsflash.

enough for now.

by the way, do you find yourself following San Fransiso at all this year like I have been , since the Pats own their #1 pick. Ive got to admit, short of injuries happening, I hope that team is a friggin' train wreck this year! terrible thing to say....

anyway, take care all Pats fans.

and as always, great job NE Ranger.

 

[Boston]

Boston, what's up pal?? getting geared up again, now. thanks for the info. Chiming in.....

Ive seen the interviews of Washington, and he just doesnt sound very positive. I think he may see the writing on the wall with regards to how tough its going to be for him to make this team. He mentions how important it is to be out there making plays, but I just dont see the depth chart allowing him to do that for New England this year. Itll be a #s game with him, and I think the sooner the team releases him, the sooner he'll have a chance to catch on with someone like Tennessee or Houston.

I think the team's playing it smart with the Richard Seymour situation. Keeping him on PUP allows them to keep one more player on the roster, and it will hopefully contribute to Seymour playing a full, healthy, 16 game season. We all know what he brings to the table...he's got nothing to prove.

Same for Troy Brown. I feel he'll make the team one way or the other, and he'll accept whatever role the team asks of him. I can see him being inactive quite possibly for some games this year, and I have a feeling he'd be alright with that. The WR chart could end up as Moss, Welker, Caldwell, Gaffney, Stallworth and Brown. I hate to say it about Chad Jackson, but if the guy isnt ready to play, he's not gonna do much for the team this year. Brown will be the reliable veteran when injuries occur.....my guess.

Which leads me to the Stallworth situtation. Im really growing impatient with his absence, and admit Im a little concerned about the lack of reps he's getting with Brady to contribute to any chemistry/timing they need to work on. But its early, so hopefully things will change.

Im psyched about how this D could be shaping up this year. And Im glad to hear Merriweather is taking his reps at CB. Hopefully, Harrison and Wilson can hold up, atleast long enough to help get BM acclimated to the NFL game. Samuel will come in before long. Im not sweating him. I think his importance to the team is right up there with Seymour and Brown and Stallworth, and none of those guys are practicing either. When some of them show, I think Asante will show. That's too much money for him to be playing around with. Its such a luxury to have some much depth along the Dline with Seymour, Wilfork and Warren backed up by young guys like Smith, Brown and Green. and with Adalius, Vrabel and Colvin rotating outside of them, that front 7 is going to be sick this year. And Thomas is one of the short list of players in the league who I think matches up fairly well with Antonio Gates. And that's a matchup we'll need more than likely in a couple of games this year. (I think we've got SD during the regular season)

Brady has had his practice reps reduced from last year when he was throwing over 200 balls alot of days. He's been throwing in the afternoon sessions during 2adays. he says he's preparing smarter this year, so he doesnt wear out his arm/shoulder. I cant wait to see how that may positively affect his game. He's gonna be a star this year.....as if that's a newsflash.

enough for now.

by the way, do you find yourself following San Fransiso at all this year like I have been , since the Pats own their #1 pick. Ive got to admit, short of injuries happening, I hope that team is a friggin' train wreck this year! terrible thing to say....

anyway, take care all Pats fans.

and as always, great job NE Ranger.

I will follow San Fran like I did Seattle last year...I hope they lose every game they play and than next year I'll go back to not caring about them like I do with the Seahawks this year. Hopefully when it's all said and done that pick turns into a top 15 selection.

 

[Boston]

Looks like there will be a new punter in Foxboro this year...Josh Miller got cut:

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...miller_cut.html

Hopefully one of these kids steps up as it would mean the Pats would be set in the kicking game for awhile since Gostkowski is only in his second year. As for Miller he was a good player while he was here and came across as a genuine and very personable guy. Yet, the whole Sauerbraun episode had left me wondering how much of a future he had with the Pats.

 

[Bri]

It appears Caldwell might be fighting for a spot and I feel a bit worried about that. I'd at least like to have him kicking around as someone far own on the depth chart because Moss and Donte haven't exactly been reliable the last few years and the Pats always seem to get hit by the injury bug. IF/when they do, it'd probably be nice to have him around. I'm confident he's better than most teams last WR so he's likely to get picked up if he's waived.

Has Bam played any DB this summer? I had forgotten he played some last year.

Have any WRs, besides Troy, hopped to the other side of the field?

Have you guys noticed Pass in Houston. In just 2-3 weeks, he's gone from not being on a team to getting a tryout to starting FB. Too quick for him to have locked up the starting job, may just be a spot start but still....I found that interesting

 

[trader jake]

Per PFT

PATS TIE UP WARRENThe Patriots have signed defensive end Ty Warren to a five-year, $36 million extension, which includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.Warren had two years remaining on his rookie deal, which was signed after the Pats made him a first-round pick in 2003. He was due to earn $1.075 million in base salary this year and $1.45 million in base salary in 2008.Warren is part of a stellar three-man line, composed exclusively of first-round draft picks. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, a first-rounder in 2004, is signed through 2009. Defensive end Richard Seymour, a first-rounder in 2001, also is under contract through 2009.

Lock em' up early. Another good move by the Pats front office.

 

[Boston]

Per PFT

PATS TIE UP WARRENThe Patriots have signed defensive end Ty Warren to a five-year, $36 million extension, which includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.Warren had two years remaining on his rookie deal, which was signed after the Pats made him a first-round pick in 2003. He was due to earn $1.075 million in base salary this year and $1.45 million in base salary in 2008.Warren is part of a stellar three-man line, composed exclusively of first-round draft picks. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, a first-rounder in 2004, is signed through 2009. Defensive end Richard Seymour, a first-rounder in 2001, also is under contract through 2009.

Lock em' up early. Another good move by the Pats front office.

Awesome, awesome news and in typical Patriot fashion it came out of nowhere. The quicker the Pats got this done the better off they were as his price was only going to up the longer they waited. Warren is a legit stud who took his game to another level last season. They now have Seymour, Warren, Wilfork and Green locked up for at least the next three years which bodes well for the foundation of their D.

 

[Borat]

Per PFT

PATS TIE UP WARRENThe Patriots have signed defensive end Ty Warren to a five-year, $36 million extension, which includes $17.5 million in guaranteed money, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.Warren had two years remaining on his rookie deal, which was signed after the Pats made him a first-round pick in 2003. He was due to earn $1.075 million in base salary this year and $1.45 million in base salary in 2008.Warren is part of a stellar three-man line, composed exclusively of first-round draft picks. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, a first-rounder in 2004, is signed through 2009. Defensive end Richard Seymour, a first-rounder in 2001, also is under contract through 2009.

Lock em' up early. Another good move by the Pats front office.

I don't know where this came from, but I LOVE it. Warren is a stud. All three of our starting defensive linemen are Pro Bowl-caliber players, and now they're all locked up. Plus there is Jarvis Green, who would be starting for most teams. This is a huge move for the Pats, and I think this contract will turn out to be a good bargain for the Pats. With a foundation like this, our front three should be dominant for years to come.Seymour has his mega-contract, now Warren has re-signed... I wonder if this has anything to do with Belichick heaping so much praise on Wilfork the other day?

 

[Borat]

Patriots sign defensive end Warren to five-year extensionBy Adam Schefter | NFL NetworkEven close to the regular season, the New England Patriots are keeping up the pace they established in the offseason.The Patriots signed standout defensive end Ty Warren to a five-year extension on Thursday worth over $36 million, including $17.5 million in guaranteed money.Warren, the 13th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft, had two years remaining on his exisiting contract. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Warren started in all 15 games he played last season and has missed just one game during his career. He registered a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2006.Warren is part of football's best young defensive line, also featuring Richard Seymour and nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Warren extensionBy Mike Reiss, Globe StaffThe Patriots have struck a contract extension with defensive end Ty Warren through 2011.The news was first reported by Adam Schefter of the NFL Network.Warren's deal wasn't set to expire until after the 2008 season. The extension includes $18 million in guaranteed money based on union calculations."Ty is ecstatic," said Vann McElroy, his agent. "This is where he wanted to be. The Patriots also wanted him here and we worked together to make it happen."McElroy and his partner Jeff Nalley of Select Sports Group negotiated the deal with Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli.We'll have more in a bit.

 

[tombonneau]

Brilliant prescient signing by NE, same as with Koppen. Both would have commanded much much more when they got closer to FA. Best to lock them up now in 2007 dollars than 2009 dollars.

 

[David Yudkin]

Pats placed rookie CB Mike Richardson on injured reserve with an arm injury. WR Chad Jackson, WR Troy Brown, and CB Eddie Jackson placed on the reserve/PUP list (will miss first 6 games). No word on plans involving TE David Thomas and DT Richard Seymour.

 

[nerangers]

Pats placed rookie CB Mike Richardson on injured reserve with an arm injury. WR Chad Jackson, WR Troy Brown, and CB Eddie Jackson placed on the reserve/PUP list (will miss first 6 games). No word on plans involving TE David Thomas and DT Richard Seymour.

And Asante Samuel is back in the fold...Samuel Speaks

Boy he sure said he was Happy alot...let's hope it is for real.

 

[Exile]

Has anyone seen a clear answer about whether or not Samuel signed his actual tender or a modified version? In particular, I am curious if the Pats agreed not to franchise him next year. I tend to doubt they would, but check out these quotes from him today:

Why wait for four weeks when you could’ve had the same deal at the start of camp?

“How do you know (it is the same)? I’m not gonna answer that. You can go find that out through somebody else.”

How do feel about the possibility of be tagged again?

“It is what is. I’m happy. We came to an agreement and I’m here and ready to play ball.”

Is he just being coy?

 

[nerangers]

I was surprised they cut Garrett Mills...unless they were hoping to sign him to the practice squad (the risk you take when you cut a player - BTW, why doesn't the league let you sign your practice squad first, then cut everyone else???)

DB Larry Anam

LB Chad Brown

WR Bam Childress (PS)

WR Chris Dunlap

OL Mike Elgin

OL Corey Hilliard

TE Brian Jones

WR C.J. Jones (PS)

WR Kelvin Kight

LB Corey Mays (PS)

TE/FB Garrett Mills

DL Rashad Moore

OL Gene Mruczkowski

OL Clint Oldenburg (PS)

TE Marcellus Rivers (PS)

LB Justin Rogers

RB Quinton Smith

QB Vinny Testaverde

DL Santonio Thomas (PS)

DB Dante Wesley

DL Zach West

The Patriots claimed linebacker David Herron off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots reached practice squad agreements with receivers Bam Childress and C.J. Jones, offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg, defensive lineman Santonio Thomas, and inside linebacker Corey Mays yesterday. All four players were with the club in training camp.

Three players cut by the Patriots were claimed on waivers - tight end Garrett Mills (Vikings), outside linebacker Justin Rogers (Cowboys), and offensive lineman Gene Mruczkowski (Dolphins)

The Patriots will not have to surrender a 2008 draft choice to the Bears for cornerback Dante Wesley, as Wesley had to be on the Patriots' roster for the compensation to be exchanged

 

[code]

I was surprised they cut Garrett Mills...unless they were hoping to sign him to the practice squad (the risk you take when you cut a player - BTW, why doesn't the league let you sign your practice squad first, then cut everyone else???)

If these reports are to be believed they were planning to sign him to the practice squad and Belichick wasn't happy to lose him...Link

 

[nerangers]

I was surprised they cut Garrett Mills...unless they were hoping to sign him to the practice squad (the risk you take when you cut a player - BTW, why doesn't the league let you sign your practice squad first, then cut everyone else???)

If these reports are to be believed they were planning to sign him to the practice squad and Belichick wasn't happy to lose him...Link

This is why I wonder how come the Team does not have the first option to sign them to the practice squad before the rest of the league can claim them...If the Patriots have been investing time into him, and they want to sign him, then shouldn't they have the first optoin?

 

[twitch]

I was surprised they cut Garrett Mills...unless they were hoping to sign him to the practice squad (the risk you take when you cut a player - BTW, why doesn't the league let you sign your practice squad first, then cut everyone else???)

If these reports are to be believed they were planning to sign him to the practice squad and Belichick wasn't happy to lose him...Link

This is why I wonder how come the Team does not have the first option to sign them to the practice squad before the rest of the league can claim them...If the Patriots have been investing time into him, and they want to sign him, then shouldn't they have the first optoin?

I would think the league would have a general philosophy that it is better to see the best players on active rosters with an opportunity of seeing action then on some team's practice squad where they more than likely wouldnt have much shot at seeing the field. With Minnesota, Mills may have an opportunity to be 2nd or 3rd on their depth chart. If he's truly as good as some think, then its better for the league that he make a team and actually get a chance to play.

 

[Diamond]

The rule is any player can be signed off any team's practice squad to an active roster. So the order of waivers and PS signings makes no real difference, except for contractual purposes (waivered players that are claimed keep the same contract).

 

[Homer]

Was anyone else as surprised that Seymour was put on PUP? While defensive players don't get 1% of the pub that offensive players do on fantasy football sites, you'd think the mainstream football media would have been all over that LONG in advance of the move. Or didn't anybody care enough to consider that possibility? Or maybe they DID report about that and I just missed something?

 

[nerangers]

Well we will be short at least one draft pick for 2008!!! I still think the only way to teach BB a lesson is to suspend him (maybe Kraft as the team owner will give him a game suspension or two since Goodall didn't). I feel like the Patriots are a tarnished team right now, especially in the eyes of the league. Thanks BB!

Belichick statement

By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Patriots coach Bill Belichick released the following statement tonight:

"I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to tonight's ruling. Once again, I apologize to the Kraft family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the New England Patriots for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Patriots fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career.

"As the Commissioner acknowledged, our use of sideline video had no impact on the outcome of last week's game. We have never used sideline video to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.

"Part of my job as head coach is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule in the Constitution and Bylaws was incorrect.

"With tonight’s resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday’s game."

____________________________________________________________________________

Here is the final ruling from the NFL:

Bill Belichick has been fined $500,000 by the NFL.

The Patriots have been fined $250,000 by the NFL.

The Patriots will give up their first-round pick in 2008 if they make the playoffs. If they don't make the playoffs, they will surrender their second- and third-round picks.

Belichick will not be suspended.

“This episode represents a calculated and deliberate attempt to avoid longstanding rules designed to encourage fair play and promote honest competition on the playing field,” Commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to the Patriots.

"I specifically considered whether to impose a suspension on Coach Belichick," Goodell also wrote. "I have determined not to do so, largely because I believe that the discipline I am imposing of a maximum fine and forfeiture of a first-round draft choice, or multiple draft choices, is in fact more significant and long-lasting, and therefore more effective, than a suspension."

 

[twitch]

Good job, NER. Perfect time to post. Home turf.

Soooo good to see the team thread at this point. Agreed on the suspension thought. I wouldnt mind seeing RK slap a 2 or 4 gamer on Bill, but we both know that wont happen. I was hoping the league would be as harsh as possible, and while this is pretty harsh, I still dont think it quite hits the mark because the man directly responsible will not miss time. The far greater penalties are those of public perception that in many people's eyes are forever changed.

But lets move on. We've got a big game coming up with the Chargers that Im psyched about and there's alot more at stake now than ever before. Despite the obvious distractions, I think the team will be ready to roll. Should be a great game. Primetime Sunday, first home game, Moss and Thomas' debuts. Punishing week, but from this point forward, its gonna be an unbelievable season.

 

[nerangers]

I am guessing that Kraft will not be suspending BB like I was hoping...

The Patriots released the following statement from chairman/CEO Robert Kraft today:

"This has been an extremely difficult week for our organization. The most troubling part for me, personally, is the impact these actions have had on our fans. We have spent the last 14 years developing and building a franchise that people could embrace and support. The loyalty of our fans has been the most rewarding aspect of owning the team. I am deeply disappointed that the embarrassing events of this past week may cause some people to see our team in a different light.

"After reviewing the facts of the past weekend, the commissioner has made a determination that our franchise engaged in activities that violate the league's rules. He has determined the punishment and I accept it.

"I believe that Coach Belichick always tries to do what is best for the team and he is always accountable for his decisions. He has been a very important part of what our organization has accomplished over the last seven years. In this case, one of his decisions has resulted in a severe penalty for our franchise. He has paid a heavy price and so has our organization. He has apologized for his actions. I accept his apology and look forward to working with him as we move forward.

"It has been a distinct privilege to be involved in the National Football League since 1994. I am passionate about the league because it represents the ultimate in competition. To this end, the integrity of the game and competition between the 32 teams is of paramount importance to me. Whenever the commissioner believes that the integrity of the league’s competition is compromised, he must act decisively to protect it.

"In addition to our fans, I also feel for our players. I know how hard our players work and prepare for every game and their accomplishments speak for themselves. I look forward to returning all of our focus and energy to the field."