Ron_Mexico
I Love Doggies
concur.I would love to see this guy in a Pats uniform.
If Im not mistaken, NE was after Hartwell
the last time he hit the FA wire.
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*** New England Patriot Offseason (2007) *** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter nerangers
- Start date
If Im not mistaken, NE was after Hartwell
the last time he hit the FA wire.
Wandering wookie
Footballguy
Thanks Boston. I heard some of it but not all of it, you filled in the gaps. The last bit almost brought a tear to my eye...
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
I figured that I would drop this quote here, as it made me laugh. This excerpt is from a column called Ask Vic from Jaguars.com. Vic Ketchman is the Jaguars.com Senior Editor and he answers questions from fans during the weekdays:
Sharon from Port Charlotte, FL: What did I miss concerning Kyle Brady? Has he retired? Traded?
Vic: He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of Tom Brady.
Sharon from Port Charlotte, FL: What did I miss concerning Kyle Brady? Has he retired? Traded?
Vic: He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of Tom Brady.
nerangers
Footballguy
This was a good read on how the Patriots address the needs of the team.
NFL week in review: Versatility in demand (full article)
And then there are the Patriots, who are uniquely positioned to have more success in player acquisition than perhaps any other team. Why? Call it the versatility factor.
The Patriots are more creative in their offensive and defensive schemes than just about any other team. Instead of coming up with rigid schemes and forcing players into them, they adapt their schemes to the talent on hand. And when their players can do multiple things, that's when the real fun begins.
Need to confuse Peyton Manning? Drop your athletic ends into coverage. Out of defensive backs? Put your wide receiver back there. No running backs? Run a five-wide set. No receivers? Throw to your tight ends. It never seems to end.
That's why anyone who appreciates what this team continues to do had to smile at what the Patriots did in the first week of free agency. Firstly, New England made a point to address its needs, bringing special teams ace Larry Izzo back into the fold while signing blocking tight end Kyle Brady (replacing Graham) and productive running back Sammy Morris (replacing Corey Dillon ).
But where the Patriots were truly golden was in addressing their biggest weaknesses in 2006. Speed at linebacker was a problem, as was production from the receiving corps. But after signing the top free agent available, Adalius Thomas, at linebacker and trading for wide receiver Wes Welker, the Patriots look like they hit home runs once again.
Adalius Thomas can play linebacker. He can play end. He can cover receivers down field. He can rush the passer. He can stuff the run. In short, he's Bill Belichick's dream player. Welker, by comparison, is a limited player, but what limitations those are! In addition to being a first-class kick and punt returner, he's developed himself into a superb possession receiver. Like Troy Brown, he'll do the dirty work and fill in the cracks.
Between the additions of Thomas and Welker and the rest of their offseason moves, the Patriots continue to display that they know what they're doing, and that teams around the league would likely do well to emulate them -- both when it comes to talent acquisition and usage of said talent.
NFL week in review: Versatility in demand (full article)
And then there are the Patriots, who are uniquely positioned to have more success in player acquisition than perhaps any other team. Why? Call it the versatility factor.
The Patriots are more creative in their offensive and defensive schemes than just about any other team. Instead of coming up with rigid schemes and forcing players into them, they adapt their schemes to the talent on hand. And when their players can do multiple things, that's when the real fun begins.
Need to confuse Peyton Manning? Drop your athletic ends into coverage. Out of defensive backs? Put your wide receiver back there. No running backs? Run a five-wide set. No receivers? Throw to your tight ends. It never seems to end.
That's why anyone who appreciates what this team continues to do had to smile at what the Patriots did in the first week of free agency. Firstly, New England made a point to address its needs, bringing special teams ace Larry Izzo back into the fold while signing blocking tight end Kyle Brady (replacing Graham) and productive running back Sammy Morris (replacing Corey Dillon ).
But where the Patriots were truly golden was in addressing their biggest weaknesses in 2006. Speed at linebacker was a problem, as was production from the receiving corps. But after signing the top free agent available, Adalius Thomas, at linebacker and trading for wide receiver Wes Welker, the Patriots look like they hit home runs once again.
Adalius Thomas can play linebacker. He can play end. He can cover receivers down field. He can rush the passer. He can stuff the run. In short, he's Bill Belichick's dream player. Welker, by comparison, is a limited player, but what limitations those are! In addition to being a first-class kick and punt returner, he's developed himself into a superb possession receiver. Like Troy Brown, he'll do the dirty work and fill in the cracks.
Between the additions of Thomas and Welker and the rest of their offseason moves, the Patriots continue to display that they know what they're doing, and that teams around the league would likely do well to emulate them -- both when it comes to talent acquisition and usage of said talent.
Ron_Mexico
I Love Doggies
nerangers
Footballguy
The following by Pioli made me wonder how the latest moves by the Patriots would form their draft board for the upcoming draft. The secondary still looks to be in question.
How much is your draft preparation affected by what you do in free agency? “It’s a great question, because before we go to the combine and before free agency starts, I don’t know how many different mock drafts that I saw predicting what all the different teams would do and what was going to happen in the draft. I always get a kick out of that because free agency does impact how the draft falls.”
Quick recap of the Patriots moves so far:
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
—FB Heath Evans: Potential UFA; $1.575M/2 yrs, $250,000 SB; 2007: $720,000.
—LB Larry Izzo: UFA; one-year deal worth $820,000 including a $40,000 SB.
—OG Billy Yates: Potential RFA; $2.1M/3 yrs, $325,000 SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
—TE Kyle Brady: UFA Jaguars; $5.3M/2 yrs, $2M SB.
—RB Sammy Morris: UFA Dolphins; $7M/4 yrs, $1.5M SB; $750,000 RB 08-09.
—LB Adalius Thomas: UFA Ravens; $35M/5 yrs, $12M SB/$8M OB 2008; 2007 cap: $3.4M.
—WR/KR Wes Welker (trade Dolphins; new contract $18.1M/5 yrs, $9M guaranteed).
PLAYERS LOST
—LB Tully Banta-Cain: UFA 49ers; $8.9M/3 yrs, $2.9M SB.
—LB Don Davis: UFA; retired.
—RB Corey Dillon (released/post-June 1 designation).
—TE Daniel Graham: UFA Broncos; $30M/5 yrs, $15M guaranteed.
—S Tebucky Jones (released).
The Patriots also put an offer out there for Stallworth, but there has been no word about it. Also interested in LB Hartwell and hosted WR Kelly Washington.
I am still thinking one of those two first round picks is going to be a CB. The second one will be the best player on the board either LB or WR. Both areas are being addressed via Free Agency, so the Pats could just surprise us!
Patriots have traded away 2nd, 5th, and 7th round picks and still have the following:
First round (24th overall)
First round (28th overall)
Third round (28th in round)
Fourth round (28th in round)
Sixth round (6th in round)
Sixth round (28th in round)
Should get 2 to 4 more compensatory picks...
Just posting this Patriot Mock Draft from Tom Casale at Patriots Football Weekly (Link to full article) which was done on March first. I like mock drafts more for the areas of need they reflect versus the actual players (unless you have an awesome New England Patriot Crystal Ball)
Round 1A
Jon Beason, LB Miami (6-0, 237)
Round 1B
Chris Houston, CB Arkansas (5-10, 185)
Round 2
Aaron Rouse, S Virginia Tech (6-4, 223)
Round 3
Jason Hill, WR Washington State (6-0, 204)
Round 4
Brian Robison, DE/OLB Texas (6-3, 259)
Round 6A
Dwayne Wright, RB Fresno State (5-11, 227)
Round 6B
Desmond Bishop, ILB Cal (6-1, 239)
Round 7
Leonard Peters, S Hawaii (6-1, 218)
How much is your draft preparation affected by what you do in free agency? “It’s a great question, because before we go to the combine and before free agency starts, I don’t know how many different mock drafts that I saw predicting what all the different teams would do and what was going to happen in the draft. I always get a kick out of that because free agency does impact how the draft falls.”
Quick recap of the Patriots moves so far:
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
—FB Heath Evans: Potential UFA; $1.575M/2 yrs, $250,000 SB; 2007: $720,000.
—LB Larry Izzo: UFA; one-year deal worth $820,000 including a $40,000 SB.
—OG Billy Yates: Potential RFA; $2.1M/3 yrs, $325,000 SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
—TE Kyle Brady: UFA Jaguars; $5.3M/2 yrs, $2M SB.
—RB Sammy Morris: UFA Dolphins; $7M/4 yrs, $1.5M SB; $750,000 RB 08-09.
—LB Adalius Thomas: UFA Ravens; $35M/5 yrs, $12M SB/$8M OB 2008; 2007 cap: $3.4M.
—WR/KR Wes Welker (trade Dolphins; new contract $18.1M/5 yrs, $9M guaranteed).
PLAYERS LOST
—LB Tully Banta-Cain: UFA 49ers; $8.9M/3 yrs, $2.9M SB.
—LB Don Davis: UFA; retired.
—RB Corey Dillon (released/post-June 1 designation).
—TE Daniel Graham: UFA Broncos; $30M/5 yrs, $15M guaranteed.
—S Tebucky Jones (released).
The Patriots also put an offer out there for Stallworth, but there has been no word about it. Also interested in LB Hartwell and hosted WR Kelly Washington.
I am still thinking one of those two first round picks is going to be a CB. The second one will be the best player on the board either LB or WR. Both areas are being addressed via Free Agency, so the Pats could just surprise us!
Patriots have traded away 2nd, 5th, and 7th round picks and still have the following:
First round (24th overall)
First round (28th overall)
Third round (28th in round)
Fourth round (28th in round)
Sixth round (6th in round)
Sixth round (28th in round)
Should get 2 to 4 more compensatory picks...
Just posting this Patriot Mock Draft from Tom Casale at Patriots Football Weekly (Link to full article) which was done on March first. I like mock drafts more for the areas of need they reflect versus the actual players (unless you have an awesome New England Patriot Crystal Ball)
Round 1A
Jon Beason, LB Miami (6-0, 237)
Round 1B
Chris Houston, CB Arkansas (5-10, 185)
Round 2
Aaron Rouse, S Virginia Tech (6-4, 223)
Round 3
Jason Hill, WR Washington State (6-0, 204)
Round 4
Brian Robison, DE/OLB Texas (6-3, 259)
Round 6A
Dwayne Wright, RB Fresno State (5-11, 227)
Round 6B
Desmond Bishop, ILB Cal (6-1, 239)
Round 7
Leonard Peters, S Hawaii (6-1, 218)
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KTM
Braaaaaaaaaap
bostonfred
Footballguy
nerangers
Footballguy
With the Patriots definitely filling needs via Free agency (lb, wr), do you think the Patriots could move up in the draft to get someone like Safety LaRon Landry ? He sure sounds like the caliber of Patriot Player. He is projected to go in the 10-15 position. Can play both S and CB. If LB Hartwell gets signed, then I think we know what direction the Pats could be leaning towards in the draft.
Strengths: (from nfldraftcountdown.com)
Playmaker with a nose for the ball...Terrific athlete with superb timed speed...Has excellent size...He has great instincts, range and ball skills...Times and anticipates the action...Plays both the pass and the run with equal efficiency...He's extremely smart and a leader in the secondary...Has a lot of experience after starting as a freshman...A big hitter...Was productive throughout his career...Is versatile and has played both safety spots and even cornerback...Real tough and competitive.
Strengths: (from nfldraftcountdown.com)
Playmaker with a nose for the ball...Terrific athlete with superb timed speed...Has excellent size...He has great instincts, range and ball skills...Times and anticipates the action...Plays both the pass and the run with equal efficiency...He's extremely smart and a leader in the secondary...Has a lot of experience after starting as a freshman...A big hitter...Was productive throughout his career...Is versatile and has played both safety spots and even cornerback...Real tough and competitive.
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nerangers
Footballguy
I thought this sort of spelled out the Stallworth Contract deal better.
from Profootball dot com
But, contrary to the report, the deal does not include $12 million in guaranteed money. And it is not a straight six-year deal.
Instead, a league source tells us that it's a one-year deal with an option for a second year, and then an option for four more years.
In year one, Stallworth gets $1 million to sign, a workout bonus of $300,000, a base salary of $700,000, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the 53-man roster at the start of the reason.
Stallworth also can earn up to $400,000 in incentives. He'll get $100,000 if he catches 70 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 75 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 80 passes, and $100,000 if he is on the Pro Bowl team.
A $6 million option bonus is due shortly before the start of the 2008 league year, but after the deadline for designating franchise players. This requires the team to either pick up the option, or to allow Stallworth to hit the market unfettered by the franchise tag.
In 2008, there's also a $2 million roster bonus due on the first day of the league year, a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the season-opening 53-man roster.
In 2009, there's a $2 million option bonus, payable after the franchise tag deadline but before the start of the league year. If the option is exercised, the deal runs through 2012.
Also in 2009, Stallworth will receive a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus based on making the season-opening 53-man roster.
In 2010 through 2012, the deal has the same terms in each year: $500,000 workout bonus and $4 million salary.
In all, it's a one-year $3.6 million deal that can be worth up to $4 million, or a two-year, $14.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $15 million, or a three-year, $19.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $20 million.
The Pats can then add on additional years at $4.5 million each, with a maximum contract value of $33.5 million.
But the only truly guaranteed money is $1 million. Not $12 million.
from Profootball dot com
But, contrary to the report, the deal does not include $12 million in guaranteed money. And it is not a straight six-year deal.
Instead, a league source tells us that it's a one-year deal with an option for a second year, and then an option for four more years.
In year one, Stallworth gets $1 million to sign, a workout bonus of $300,000, a base salary of $700,000, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the 53-man roster at the start of the reason.
Stallworth also can earn up to $400,000 in incentives. He'll get $100,000 if he catches 70 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 75 passes, another $100,000 if he catches 80 passes, and $100,000 if he is on the Pro Bowl team.
A $6 million option bonus is due shortly before the start of the 2008 league year, but after the deadline for designating franchise players. This requires the team to either pick up the option, or to allow Stallworth to hit the market unfettered by the franchise tag.
In 2008, there's also a $2 million roster bonus due on the first day of the league year, a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus payable if he makes the season-opening 53-man roster.
In 2009, there's a $2 million option bonus, payable after the franchise tag deadline but before the start of the league year. If the option is exercised, the deal runs through 2012.
Also in 2009, Stallworth will receive a $400,000 workout bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $1.6 million roster bonus based on making the season-opening 53-man roster.
In 2010 through 2012, the deal has the same terms in each year: $500,000 workout bonus and $4 million salary.
In all, it's a one-year $3.6 million deal that can be worth up to $4 million, or a two-year, $14.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $15 million, or a three-year, $19.6 million deal that can be worth as much as $20 million.
The Pats can then add on additional years at $4.5 million each, with a maximum contract value of $33.5 million.
But the only truly guaranteed money is $1 million. Not $12 million.
Exile
Footballguy
Right now LaRon Landry is at the top of my Draft wish list, followed very closely by Reggie Nelson (a Florida player that BB and Piolo reportedly spent a lot of time with during UF's Pro Day). These are the two impact safeties in the draft, IMO, and that's the position I think they should be going after.If we got one of those two guys and signed Hartwell, this would be the most complete off season they could have.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
dont want to be too overconfident with this reply, but to answer the question about moving up, Id say "not a chance". The Pats will take 2 rock solid best available types with their 2 picks and pay them at value slots in the mid to late 20s and have them both for 5 years. I like Laron Landry, but his older brother was drafted last season by Baltimore in the 5th round and ended up a starter at safety and playing well. No need to reach for guys. I hope they look at some saftey help in the 1st 3 rounds, but I dont see it being the 1st. Im thinking corner and Dline. You know these guys.....they cant have enough 1st round Dlinemen around.
nerangers
Footballguy
I dont think the Pats would need to trade up for for Reggie Nelson ? Michael Griffen could be another one with the 28th pick.Reggie Nelson Strengths: (from nfldraftcountdown.com)
An outstanding natural athlete...Good speed and quickness with terrific range...A ballhawk and impact playmaker in the secondary...Is very instinctive...Aggressive, physical and a big hitter who plays much bigger than he is...Is more than willing to come up and help support the run...Versatile and may be able to play multiple positions...Very productive and has a knack for being around the action...Upside.
Michael Griffen Strengths: (from nfldraftcountdown.com)
Very smooth and athletic with great speed...Tough, physical, aggressive and a big hitter...Covers a lot of ground and has a burst to close...Exceptional in coverage and has fluid hips...Supports the run well...A playmaker with good leaping ability and ball skills...Motor is always running...Productive and has a lot of experience against top competition...Intangibles are top-notch...An outstanding kick blocker and special teamer who could carve out a career in the NFL on that ability alone.
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Exile
Footballguy
I honestly am not sure if they'd have to trade up or not. I've seen him mocked every where from 10th (yes before Landry) to mid-20's. I've heard that Jacksonville likes him and they pick 17th. It wouldn't surprise me to see the Pats make a trade where they package their 2 #1's plus a later pick in order to move up into the mid-teens to take Nelson and also get a 2nd round pick back (this kind of trade works out on the Draft Pick Value chart).Griffin at 28 woudn't surprise me if Landry and Nelson get away.
bostonfred
Footballguy
The Patriots' defenses have been at their best with a stud safety. I honestly don't know how good he is, but if they think Landry is worth both firsts, I'd love to see them trade up to get him, especially since he can play multiple positions. I agree that it's much more likely they stay put and take two players they like, but the nice thing about their moves this offseason is that they've given themselves the flexibility to do whatever they feel like.
Mr. Brownstone
Footballguy
From an outsiders view (Jags fan), it looks as if the Pats like Florida players. If this is true, I can see them angling for Reggie Nelson. The Jaguars reportedly have Reggie Nelson in their sights. I think they Pats would have to move higher than 17 to draft Reggie Nelson, if he is still there. What would the total bolded deal amount to?
Exile
Footballguy
Well, according to one sample draft pick value chart (here), the Pats two #1's (24, 28) have a total value of 1400. Add in, say, their 4th rounder which is worth around 50 points for a total of 1450 and they might be able to do a trade with Green Bay who owns the 16th and 47th picks (worth a combined 1430). The Pats get Nelson plus a mid-2nd rounder, the Pack gets two later first rounders plus a 4th. Conversely, the could package both 1sts by themselves for an early-teens 1st rounder (say #12 worth 1200) and also get back a 3rd rounder with it.Of course, these values are just guidelines and the Pats would have to a) really want to move up and b) another team in the right spot would have to be interested in the two late first round picks.
/shrug
PahtyTom
Footballguy
Nelson is ballhawk/playmaker. He reminds me of Ed Reed. It surprises me that more teams aren't more interested in a guy with those gamechanging capabilities. It almost makes me question my analysis of him as a player, but having watched him make so many big plays in big games at Florida I can't budge from my original take.
Those two, and Willis are the three I want. Any combination of the three are my goals. I am also in the not moving/best available vein, and maybe even moving down. They really haven't many roster spots to put players, and 3-4 comp picks coming? I'd rather see Griffen and Willis, but really, I'm thinking they haven't missed on a #1, so I'll go w/ whatever they do.
Boston
Footballguy
The Florida connection is not a fluke. BB has become pals with Urban Meyer. With Saban now at Bama I wouldn't be surprised to see some Crimson Tide players in the next few years either.
nerangers
Footballguy
Good Read to check out:
Patriots Fatten the Deals to Acquire Free Agents
some Tidbits:
“In my mind, it’s not a philosophical thing to do or not do,” Belichick said Saturday, in a telephone interview before the Stallworth deal was done. “Just because something wasn’t done in another year doesn’t mean that if the opportunity had been there it wouldn’t have been done. In some years, we didn’t have much cap space. There was no money to spend. You work within the constraints you have. To me, we’re taking the same approach to the season that we have every season: do what you think is best.”
***
Last year, their top free-agent signing was receiver Reche Caldwell, and although they made it to the American Football Conference championship game, it was clear that the Patriots had fallen behind a few other elite teams in talent.
***
The Patriots were more than $20 million under the $109 million cap when free agency began this year. With the linebacker position a glaring need, they were lucky to see Thomas, who like Vrabel can play multiple positions, become available when the Baltimore Ravens did not use the franchise tag on him.
“That was an inefficiency in the system, a chance for us to get a player who most teams would have franchised,” Kraft said last week in a telephone interview. “I don’t think there have been many situations where there has been value like this in the marketplace, where you could get the player without having to give up draft picks.”
***
Belichick pointed to the Giants’ signing of LaVar Arrington last year; he sustained a season-ending injury in October, then was cut last month.“It’s a big deal if you pay a big deal — like the LaVar Arrington contract — and get nothing out of it,” Belichick said.
Patriots Fatten the Deals to Acquire Free Agents
some Tidbits:
“In my mind, it’s not a philosophical thing to do or not do,” Belichick said Saturday, in a telephone interview before the Stallworth deal was done. “Just because something wasn’t done in another year doesn’t mean that if the opportunity had been there it wouldn’t have been done. In some years, we didn’t have much cap space. There was no money to spend. You work within the constraints you have. To me, we’re taking the same approach to the season that we have every season: do what you think is best.”
***
Last year, their top free-agent signing was receiver Reche Caldwell, and although they made it to the American Football Conference championship game, it was clear that the Patriots had fallen behind a few other elite teams in talent.
***
The Patriots were more than $20 million under the $109 million cap when free agency began this year. With the linebacker position a glaring need, they were lucky to see Thomas, who like Vrabel can play multiple positions, become available when the Baltimore Ravens did not use the franchise tag on him.
“That was an inefficiency in the system, a chance for us to get a player who most teams would have franchised,” Kraft said last week in a telephone interview. “I don’t think there have been many situations where there has been value like this in the marketplace, where you could get the player without having to give up draft picks.”
***
Belichick pointed to the Giants’ signing of LaVar Arrington last year; he sustained a season-ending injury in October, then was cut last month.“It’s a big deal if you pay a big deal — like the LaVar Arrington contract — and get nothing out of it,” Belichick said.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
Samuel holds out hope for right deal
By Albert Breer/ MetroWest Daily News
Monday, March 12, 2007 - Updated: 01:44 AM EST
With a wide smile on his face, Asante Samuel [stats] denounced the perception yesterday that he’s a disgruntled employee of the Patriots [team stats]. But the fourth-year cornerback, who is not yet under contract, has been around long enough to know how quickly things can change.
After expressing his satisfaction with the progress in negotiations, Samuel was asked if his happiness meant a holdout wasn’t in the cards. He wouldn’t go that far.
“Like I said, everything’s looking good,” he responded after briefly pausing to consider the question. “We’ll have to see what happens.”
Reached later by phone, Samuel’s agent Alonzo Shavers added: “Everything right now is good.”
Shavers did say that Samuel will not report to the team’s offseason program, scheduled to open a week from today, without a new deal in place. While franchise-tagged free agents are allowed to participate, most stay away as a measure to protect their financial interests.
“I’m not going to talk too much about (the negotiations),” Samuel said. “But they’re happy, I’m happy, so everybody else should be happy too.”
No one looms larger on the talks than Nate Clements. On the first day of free agency, the 49ers inked the former Bills cornerback to an eight-year, $80 million contract with $22 million in guaranteed money. Before he was tagged, Samuel was considered to be right there with Clements at the very top of the market.
So theoretically, Samuel could ask for something similar to what Clements got and, to be sure, he kept a keen eye on San Francisco’s vault-opening move.
“No doubt about it,” Samuel said during a promotional appearance at Macy’s in a Chestnut Hill shopping center. “Everybody’s aware of what he got. Everybody that supports me, they’re aware of the situation. It is what it is.”
“Nate did an excellent job,” added Shavers, who knows Clements well with each having played football at Ohio State. “Each situation is different. But obviously, Nate’s deal is a barometer of some magnitude. Everyone’s different, but it definitely gives you an idea of what’s going on in the market.”
Of course, Samuel and Shavers are also aware of what it took for Clements to get to his big payday.
A year ago, Clements was tagged by the Bills. In May, he signed the one-year, $7.2 million franchise tender after receiving a promise from Buffalo that he would not be hit with the tag again. Samuel didn’t rule out signing his one-year, $7.79 million franchise tender, but clearly intimated that he’d like to secure his future through these talks.
“This is my (professional) birthplace,” he said. “This is my first team and I hope I’ll never have to play for another team.”
That feeling, in part, is why Samuel didn’t feel slighted on Feb. 16 when slapped with the tag.
“I talked to the Patriots right before they did it,” he continued. “And under the circumstances, no, I’m not upset about it at all.”
It’s been more than three weeks now since that move and the team has been aggressive in signing free agents Adalius Thomas, Donte’ Stallworth, Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, and in trading for Wes Welker.
Meanwhile, Samuel said he’s been unwinding in his native south Florida and working out in preparation for the 2007 season. He said that while the loss to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game still stings, he’s optimistic that the recent additions can put the Patriots over the top.
“They brought in some playmakers,” he said. “Guys that have a lot of experience and made plenty of plays for their ballclubs. We’ll see how it goes this season. Hopefully, we can make a run for it.”
LINK
By Albert Breer/ MetroWest Daily News
Monday, March 12, 2007 - Updated: 01:44 AM EST
With a wide smile on his face, Asante Samuel [stats] denounced the perception yesterday that he’s a disgruntled employee of the Patriots [team stats]. But the fourth-year cornerback, who is not yet under contract, has been around long enough to know how quickly things can change.
After expressing his satisfaction with the progress in negotiations, Samuel was asked if his happiness meant a holdout wasn’t in the cards. He wouldn’t go that far.
“Like I said, everything’s looking good,” he responded after briefly pausing to consider the question. “We’ll have to see what happens.”
Reached later by phone, Samuel’s agent Alonzo Shavers added: “Everything right now is good.”
Shavers did say that Samuel will not report to the team’s offseason program, scheduled to open a week from today, without a new deal in place. While franchise-tagged free agents are allowed to participate, most stay away as a measure to protect their financial interests.
“I’m not going to talk too much about (the negotiations),” Samuel said. “But they’re happy, I’m happy, so everybody else should be happy too.”
No one looms larger on the talks than Nate Clements. On the first day of free agency, the 49ers inked the former Bills cornerback to an eight-year, $80 million contract with $22 million in guaranteed money. Before he was tagged, Samuel was considered to be right there with Clements at the very top of the market.
So theoretically, Samuel could ask for something similar to what Clements got and, to be sure, he kept a keen eye on San Francisco’s vault-opening move.
“No doubt about it,” Samuel said during a promotional appearance at Macy’s in a Chestnut Hill shopping center. “Everybody’s aware of what he got. Everybody that supports me, they’re aware of the situation. It is what it is.”
“Nate did an excellent job,” added Shavers, who knows Clements well with each having played football at Ohio State. “Each situation is different. But obviously, Nate’s deal is a barometer of some magnitude. Everyone’s different, but it definitely gives you an idea of what’s going on in the market.”
Of course, Samuel and Shavers are also aware of what it took for Clements to get to his big payday.
A year ago, Clements was tagged by the Bills. In May, he signed the one-year, $7.2 million franchise tender after receiving a promise from Buffalo that he would not be hit with the tag again. Samuel didn’t rule out signing his one-year, $7.79 million franchise tender, but clearly intimated that he’d like to secure his future through these talks.
“This is my (professional) birthplace,” he said. “This is my first team and I hope I’ll never have to play for another team.”
That feeling, in part, is why Samuel didn’t feel slighted on Feb. 16 when slapped with the tag.
“I talked to the Patriots right before they did it,” he continued. “And under the circumstances, no, I’m not upset about it at all.”
It’s been more than three weeks now since that move and the team has been aggressive in signing free agents Adalius Thomas, Donte’ Stallworth, Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, and in trading for Wes Welker.
Meanwhile, Samuel said he’s been unwinding in his native south Florida and working out in preparation for the 2007 season. He said that while the loss to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game still stings, he’s optimistic that the recent additions can put the Patriots over the top.
“They brought in some playmakers,” he said. “Guys that have a lot of experience and made plenty of plays for their ballclubs. We’ll see how it goes this season. Hopefully, we can make a run for it.”
LINK
nerangers
Footballguy
Boy, are there any other WRs we are going after???? I was thinking the deal with Washington would be off the table after the Stallworth signing....guess I was wrong. Kelley Washington, Agress to terms with New England
The Patriots and receiver Kelley Washington have agreed to terms on a contract today, Washington's agent said in an email.
Washington's agent, Chad Speck, Founder/President of Football Operations of Allegiant Management, LLC, noted the deal is for five years.
Speck included a comment from Washington in confirming the deal via email: “I am happy to be a part of such a great franchise and to have the opportunity to help them get back and win another Super Bowl. The privilege to play with arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady, and to be coached by someone like Bill Belichick is a blessing. I am very excited about contributing to the New England Patriots."
Patriots | K. Washington signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:39:48 -0800
Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the New England Patriots have signed WR Kelley Washington (Bengals). The contract can be for as short as one year and as long as five. It includes a signing bonus of $300,000 and can be worth $22 million if the team keeps him for the full term of the deal. If the Patriots wish to keep Washington beyond 2007, they'll have to pay him an option payment, believed to be $4 million.
The Patriots and receiver Kelley Washington have agreed to terms on a contract today, Washington's agent said in an email.
Washington's agent, Chad Speck, Founder/President of Football Operations of Allegiant Management, LLC, noted the deal is for five years.
Speck included a comment from Washington in confirming the deal via email: “I am happy to be a part of such a great franchise and to have the opportunity to help them get back and win another Super Bowl. The privilege to play with arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady, and to be coached by someone like Bill Belichick is a blessing. I am very excited about contributing to the New England Patriots."
Patriots | K. Washington signed
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 11:39:48 -0800
Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the New England Patriots have signed WR Kelley Washington (Bengals). The contract can be for as short as one year and as long as five. It includes a signing bonus of $300,000 and can be worth $22 million if the team keeps him for the full term of the deal. If the Patriots wish to keep Washington beyond 2007, they'll have to pay him an option payment, believed to be $4 million.
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nerangers
Footballguy
Who should stay and who should go?
The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster:
Donte' Stallworth
Wes Welker
Reche Caldwell
Jabar Gaffney
Kelley Washington
Chad Jackson
Bam Childress
Kelvin Kight
Jonathan Smith
It is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.
I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.
Edit: The more I been reading about Kelley Washington, the less I like this signing. He definitely is not the poster child for health and intelligence. He actually does not sound like the type of player the Patriots would pursue. I am curious why they did not go after WR Kevin Curtis instead.
The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster:
Donte' Stallworth
Wes Welker
Reche Caldwell
Jabar Gaffney
Kelley Washington
Chad Jackson
Bam Childress
Kelvin Kight
Jonathan Smith
It is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.
I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.
Edit: The more I been reading about Kelley Washington, the less I like this signing. He definitely is not the poster child for health and intelligence. He actually does not sound like the type of player the Patriots would pursue. I am curious why they did not go after WR Kevin Curtis instead.
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David Yudkin
Footballguy
Jackson, Childress, Kight, and Smith have done very little in the NFL so far and will likely end up on the practice squad. (Jackson could go on IR or at the minimum start on the PUP list.)Who should stay and who should go?The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster: Donte' StallworthWes WelkerReche CaldwellJabar GaffneyKelley WashingtonChad JacksonBam ChildressKelvin KightJonathan SmithIt is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.
Boston
Footballguy
FYI...from Mike Reiss of the Globe:
CAP CHECK: After accounting for the salary cap space to sign draft picks, the Patriots have approximately $4 million of space at this time (this figure includes CB Asante Samuel). That should mean that the team's free-agent activity will slow down considerably, as teams generally like to leave space for emergency signings during the season. The Patriots could always restructure an existing contract to create space, if necessary, but the preference would most often be to avoid that course of action.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/
CAP CHECK: After accounting for the salary cap space to sign draft picks, the Patriots have approximately $4 million of space at this time (this figure includes CB Asante Samuel). That should mean that the team's free-agent activity will slow down considerably, as teams generally like to leave space for emergency signings during the season. The Patriots could always restructure an existing contract to create space, if necessary, but the preference would most often be to avoid that course of action.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/
parrot
Footballguy
Physically Curtis is basically a carbon copy of Caldwell, Welker, and Gaffney (though Gaffney is a little bigger); Washington is something of a wildcard but if he pans out his size could add an extra wrinkle to the offense.nerangers said:Who should stay and who should go?The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster: Donte' StallworthWes WelkerReche CaldwellJabar GaffneyKelley WashingtonChad JacksonBam ChildressKelvin KightJonathan SmithIt is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.Edit: The more I been reading about Kelley Washington, the less I like this signing. He definitely is not the poster child for health and intelligence. He actually does not sound like the type of player the Patriots would pursue. I am curious why they did not go after WR Kevin Curtis instead.
Boston
Footballguy
The big reason is they got Washington for little money and Curtis will probably get a decent sized check. Washington is the type of guy they have rolled the dice on in the past. He has intriguing physical skills but has been a classic underachiever. Sometimes these guys pan out and sometimes they don't. The key is the Pats are not in a position where they are relying on him which would be asking for trouble. Anything he gives them is a bonus but with that contract there is no exposure.nerangers said:Who should stay and who should go?The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster: Donte' StallworthWes WelkerReche CaldwellJabar GaffneyKelley WashingtonChad JacksonBam ChildressKelvin KightJonathan SmithIt is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.Edit: The more I been reading about Kelley Washington, the less I like this signing. He definitely is not the poster child for health and intelligence. He actually does not sound like the type of player the Patriots would pursue. I am curious why they did not go after WR Kevin Curtis instead.
nerangers
Footballguy
NFL | NFLPA wants inquiry on Welker deal 
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:22:41 -0800
Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the National Football League Players Association is concerned the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins may have violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement after putting together the trade of WR Wes Welker to the Patriots and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source. "They may have violated the CBA rule that says one club can't offer the player's former team anything that would (sway) that team from matching their offer," the source said. "Anti-collusion (rule), that's another thing that may come into play." The inquiry was based, in part, on a series of media reports leading up to the trade that indicated the Patriots were ready to give Welker an offer sheet worth $38.5 million over seven years March 3. One media report added the Patriots were going to include a "poison pill" that said Welker's contract would become fully guaranteed should he play four games in Florida. No offer sheet was tendered by the Patriots and on March 5, the Dolphins traded Welker to the Patriots for a second- and seventh-round draft pick.
Edit: Follow-up from Boston.com
Carl Francis, the director of communications from the NFL Players Association, clarified the situation regarding Wes Welker today.
Francis said the NFL Players Association is not seeking a review of the process in which Welker was traded from the Dolphins to the Patriots. He added that the association is not concerned that the collective bargaining agreement might have been violated as part of that process.
Instead, Francis said the association had sent a letter of inquiry to the management council seeking details on the contract signed by Welker.
"It had nothing to do with the way the deal went down," said Francis, adding that it wasn't an official grievance, and that Welker and his representatives did not ask the association to pursue any course of action.
Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:22:41 -0800
Harvey Fialkov, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports the National Football League Players Association is concerned the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins may have violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement after putting together the trade of WR Wes Welker to the Patriots and has asked the NFL Management Council for an explanation, according to a source. "They may have violated the CBA rule that says one club can't offer the player's former team anything that would (sway) that team from matching their offer," the source said. "Anti-collusion (rule), that's another thing that may come into play." The inquiry was based, in part, on a series of media reports leading up to the trade that indicated the Patriots were ready to give Welker an offer sheet worth $38.5 million over seven years March 3. One media report added the Patriots were going to include a "poison pill" that said Welker's contract would become fully guaranteed should he play four games in Florida. No offer sheet was tendered by the Patriots and on March 5, the Dolphins traded Welker to the Patriots for a second- and seventh-round draft pick.
Edit: Follow-up from Boston.com
Carl Francis, the director of communications from the NFL Players Association, clarified the situation regarding Wes Welker today.
Francis said the NFL Players Association is not seeking a review of the process in which Welker was traded from the Dolphins to the Patriots. He added that the association is not concerned that the collective bargaining agreement might have been violated as part of that process.
Instead, Francis said the association had sent a letter of inquiry to the management council seeking details on the contract signed by Welker.
"It had nothing to do with the way the deal went down," said Francis, adding that it wasn't an official grievance, and that Welker and his representatives did not ask the association to pursue any course of action.
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nerangers
Footballguy
Hey Boston, I still have not seen the Kelley Washington numbers anywhere yet...I am sure you are right that Curtis would cost too much. If Kelley is healthy, he could be worth whatever the cost...he is probably the biggest WR on the team!
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Im not expecting Kelly Washington to contribute much at all to this Patriots squad. He didnt do much for the Bengals in his years there, and there's no reason to think that will change now with New England. Imo, this is really nothing more than a glorified practice player signing with a glimmer of hope that he may be different and pan out better than the Doug Gabriel, David Terrell and Donald Hayes types that theyve brought in recently. The bigger guys dont normally work out real well in this offense with the exception of Givens. But with Chad Jackson probably not available until late next season at the absolute MOST optimistic, signing KW will spur competition among the remaining receivers and at least provide a little insurance at that 5th or 6th WR spot for the time being. Personally, I think theyd have been better off bringing in Keenan McCardell or Moulds, but neither of those guys are an upgrade over Troy Brown, and they would have no doubt cost more. My feeling is that if Brown chooses to come back and play next season, he'll be one of the 5 wideouts on the roster, with Jackson a PUP designation and Washington looking for work elsewhere. But for now, he's a Patriot, so I hope it works out.
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David Yudkin
Footballguy
If you compare the players that were ahead of him on the depth chart in Cincy vs the players on the Patriots' roster, do you conclude that they are comparible talent wise? No current Patriot player has come close to Chad Johnson or TJ Housh's numbers and even Chris Henry had a great year last year. Is it Washington's fault that the Bengals had a bevy of talent WRs?
In the WR debacle of last year, Washington was a guy that I thought they could have made a move for, and gotten cheap. His upside is huge, and they got him for very little. He's fast, big, strong, and potentially a great weapon. Hopefully the change of scenery works out, but if not, they are deep enough that cuts/trades are there to be had without absorbing a lot of dead money. I like the structure of the deals. I'm seeing Stallworth, Gaffney, Washington, Welker and Troy Brown for one more Year, with Chad Jackson on PUP or IR, depending on the situation w/ the knee. Childress and Kight on the PS. Caldwell gets moved shortly for a 4th or so. I really, really like the looks of this receiving corps, and the TE's next year. They can stretch the field, and go over the middle. It's going to be a very good offense. My what a difference a few weeks makes. MOstly defense in the draft. Maybe a back, if there's value. A find for the Oline, but mostly defense.Who should stay and who should go?The Patriots now have the following receivers on the roster: Donte' StallworthWes WelkerReche CaldwellJabar GaffneyKelley WashingtonChad JacksonBam ChildressKelvin KightJonathan SmithIt is also possible that veteran Troy Brown could be back. Jackson is coming off a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game.I am thinking if the Pats carry five, it would be Stallworth, Welker, Washington, Gaffney and Caldwell. I think Chad Jackson goes to IR. Doesn't look like they will need to draft an WR.Edit: The more I been reading about Kelley Washington, the less I like this signing. He definitely is not the poster child for health and intelligence. He actually does not sound like the type of player the Patriots would pursue. I am curious why they did not go after WR Kevin Curtis instead.
PatsWillWin
Footballguy
Just a quick though.
Patriots eek out a W over the Chargers, and blow a game against the Colts, obviously.
Chargers lose their entire coaching staff, and Terrence Kiel. I think they also cut Keenan McCardell, FWIW. I do not know of any significnt upgrades they've made in FA.
Colts lose June, Rhodes, Harper. They also keep via the franchise tag Dwight Freeney. Good move. I also cannot think of any significant upgrades they've made in FA.
Patriots gain Adalius Thomas >>> Banta-Cain?, Wes Welker >>> whoever was lining up in the slot, Sammy Morris >>> Corey Dillon who can't finish games anymore, Donte Stallworth >>> Caldwell at WR1, Kelley Washington > Gaffney at WR2*. Kyle Brady < Graham is the only downgrade I think we have so far. And that still, Brady is more than adequate as a blocking TE.
* - Washington could be a bust and not be better than Gaffney, BUT if so Caldwell would play at the WR2 spot and HE is an upgrade over Gaffney.
Oh yeah - and 2 first round picks.
In summary, .
Patriots eek out a W over the Chargers, and blow a game against the Colts, obviously.
Chargers lose their entire coaching staff, and Terrence Kiel. I think they also cut Keenan McCardell, FWIW. I do not know of any significnt upgrades they've made in FA.
Colts lose June, Rhodes, Harper. They also keep via the franchise tag Dwight Freeney. Good move. I also cannot think of any significant upgrades they've made in FA.
Patriots gain Adalius Thomas >>> Banta-Cain?, Wes Welker >>> whoever was lining up in the slot, Sammy Morris >>> Corey Dillon who can't finish games anymore, Donte Stallworth >>> Caldwell at WR1, Kelley Washington > Gaffney at WR2*. Kyle Brady < Graham is the only downgrade I think we have so far. And that still, Brady is more than adequate as a blocking TE.
* - Washington could be a bust and not be better than Gaffney, BUT if so Caldwell would play at the WR2 spot and HE is an upgrade over Gaffney.
Oh yeah - and 2 first round picks.
In summary,
.
randall146
Footballguy
I disagree with both of these. Dillon sure as hell can still finish drives if not games, and Washington needs to show what he can do before we call that an upgrade.But Morris doesn't need to be a talent upgrade to justify that switch. They cut Dillon for $ and morale reasons, and then had a hole to fill, which they did well and cheaply.
bostonfred
Footballguy
I'm excited about the Patriots' offseason, but there's a lot of homerism in this post. Morris this year will not be better than Dillon last year. It's not even close. Morris is a journeyman RB2; Dillon is coming off a good season as the lead RB in a RBBC. The RB corps will be weaker than last year, unless Maroney makes big strides. Welker is younger and probably quicker than Troy Brown, but he's new to the offense and doesn't have Brown's knowledge and experience, which have been the difference in drives like the first Superbowl when Brown knew to run straight at the sidelines. If Brown sticks around to try to get one more ring, Welker is a big upgrade, but if he doesn't, it's a sideways move. Gaffney and Caldwell are both still here. It's not a question of whether the new guys are better than them, but whether they play well enough to stay in the starting lineup. Stallworth brings vertical speed, Washington gives them a bigger target, but the loss of Graham takes away their biggest target, and the swap of Brady for Graham is also a hit in the blocking department. The TE/WR corps has definitely been upgraded, but it's not miles ahead of where they were last year - the loss of Graham hurt and the potential loss of Brown would also hurt. Thomas is a big upgrade over Banta-Cain, if that's really who he's replacing. If Bruschi retires, Thomas is still an upgrade, but it's not as big, and they'll have lost a lot of experience on defense. With the recent spending on receivers, Hartwell looks less likely, which leaves the Pats with an upgrade at linebacker, but still needing a run stuffing linebacker and possibly having to replace Banta-Cain/Bruschi with another player. Asante's contract is still looming, and while he's said he doesn't want to hold out at this time, he's also got a lot of leverage in a season where Patriots fans are going to be clamoring for the team to spare no expense in signing him. He knows that the Patriots won't be able to replace him, and he may make a push for a Clements-sized contract in a season when the Pats have $8 million on the books for him already and have no other major free agents to sign next year. If he wants to hold the Pats over a barrel, he can, and they'd have to pay him big money over the next two years to keep him. This is also why I think the Pats will draft a corner with one of their first two picks even though it may not necessarily be their most pressing positional need or necessarily the best player available. With no second rounder, their other first rounder is their only other likely shot at drafting an immediate contributor, and they have needs at several positions. Meanwhile, the Chargers may have lost Schottenheimer, but there are some who think that that's addition by subtraction for a team that's talented enough to make it to the playoffs but was hindered by Schottenheimer's mistakes last year. I don't think that's true, but I don't share your optimism that the Chargers will fall off the map, either. They appeared to be a more talented team than the Patriots last year, and they are arguably as talented if not more so than the Patriots this year. They're still a contender. And the Colts, despite fairly minor offseason losses, now have the confidence of having won a Superbowl. They may also have lost some of their hunger, but you can't expect them to be intimidated by a trip to Foxboro anymore. I agree that there are a lot of reasons to be excited for this year, but I'm tempering my enthusiasm.Just a quick though.Patriots eek out a W over the Chargers, and blow a game against the Colts, obviously.Chargers lose their entire coaching staff, and Terrence Kiel. I think they also cut Keenan McCardell, FWIW. I do not know of any significnt upgrades they've made in FA.Colts lose June, Rhodes, Harper. They also keep via the franchise tag Dwight Freeney. Good move. I also cannot think of any significant upgrades they've made in FA.Patriots gain Adalius Thomas >>> Banta-Cain?, Wes Welker >>> whoever was lining up in the slot, Sammy Morris >>> Corey Dillon who can't finish games anymore, Donte Stallworth >>> Caldwell at WR1, Kelley Washington > Gaffney at WR2*. Kyle Brady < Graham is the only downgrade I think we have so far. And that still, Brady is more than adequate as a blocking TE.* - Washington could be a bust and not be better than Gaffney, BUT if so Caldwell would play at the WR2 spot and HE is an upgrade over Gaffney.Oh yeah - and 2 first round picks.In summary,.
Boston
Footballguy
The Pats system is pretty difficult to pickup. Veteran WRs like Hayes and Gabriel could not handle it and became useless. Caldwell has been in the system for a year and by the middle to end of the year and in the playoffs he was performing well outside of the two brutal drops in Indy. Therefore I fully expect him to be on the team next year as continuity early in the season will be important as the newcomers learn the ropes. The guy is by no means a star and never will be. Yet as a #3-#4 guy he can be very effective. He put up decent numbers last year as a de facto #1 and there's no reason to think he can't contribute in 2007.
PatsWillWin
Footballguy
I'd rather have Morris than Dillon next season. That's not homerism, that's my opinion. Dillon looked fantastic at times last season, and still has it around the goal line, but the guy would break a 20 yard run and literally would not come back into the game. Dillon is an aging starter/platooner, Morris is a solid backup RB, which is what I think tihs team needs.
It's no coincidence that Dillon has not gotten any interest out in FA. He's basically a goal line/short yardage back at this point, and while I'm not sayiing that Morris is better than him at THAT role, Morris is more what this team needs than Dillon is.
I don't know how you could say that Welker is not an upgrade over Brown. Sure, Browns knows the offense and obviously he's had an incredible career and that srip ball last season was AMAZING...but if he's anything but your WR4 at this point, you're in trouble. I think there's a difference between saying a guy is the WR3 and a guy is the WR1 at the slot, and I think Welker is the latter. Troy Brown (during his prime) would be Welker's UPSIDE, but when did I even compare him to Troy Brown anyway?
The bottom line is he's an improvement. You don't think adding Welker upgrades this WR group? I disagree whoreheartedly if that's what you think.
As far as the Samuel situation goes, there might be a problem there, but I'm going to wait to see if there's a problem before I worry about it too much. I don't really agree that he has any leverage - Branch really didn't have leverage until the Patriots GAVE HIM SOME by letting him go find a big contract. They will not make that mistake again.
Also a key difference between Samual and Branch is that Branch was sitting out the final year of his contract which paid about $1 million - Samuel would be sitting out and giving up a $7 million season. For a guy who has made peanuts up until this point, that's a COMPLETELY different thing, IMO. But I agree there's a chance for a holdout.
As for the Chargers, I definitely did not say they will "fall off the map". I was merely pointing out that they are going through a regime change, and that can be disruptive. They, I think, are still a more talented team, but the Patriots definitely have closed the gap this off-season in a major way, and the Chargers are having all new coaches. They're not going to implode, but I think they took a small step back while the Patriots have taken a big step forward. That's all I'm saying.
As far as the Colts, their losses aren't huge (they might get June back anyway - nobody seems to want him), but they are more or less treading water...while, again, I think the Patriots are taking a big step forward this off-season.
I think saying that the Patriots' 2 main contenders have taken a step back and the Patriots have taken a sizable step forward falls shot of blind homerism.
It's no coincidence that Dillon has not gotten any interest out in FA. He's basically a goal line/short yardage back at this point, and while I'm not sayiing that Morris is better than him at THAT role, Morris is more what this team needs than Dillon is.
I don't know how you could say that Welker is not an upgrade over Brown. Sure, Browns knows the offense and obviously he's had an incredible career and that srip ball last season was AMAZING...but if he's anything but your WR4 at this point, you're in trouble. I think there's a difference between saying a guy is the WR3 and a guy is the WR1 at the slot, and I think Welker is the latter. Troy Brown (during his prime) would be Welker's UPSIDE, but when did I even compare him to Troy Brown anyway?
The bottom line is he's an improvement. You don't think adding Welker upgrades this WR group? I disagree whoreheartedly if that's what you think.
As far as the Samuel situation goes, there might be a problem there, but I'm going to wait to see if there's a problem before I worry about it too much. I don't really agree that he has any leverage - Branch really didn't have leverage until the Patriots GAVE HIM SOME by letting him go find a big contract. They will not make that mistake again.
Also a key difference between Samual and Branch is that Branch was sitting out the final year of his contract which paid about $1 million - Samuel would be sitting out and giving up a $7 million season. For a guy who has made peanuts up until this point, that's a COMPLETELY different thing, IMO. But I agree there's a chance for a holdout.
As for the Chargers, I definitely did not say they will "fall off the map". I was merely pointing out that they are going through a regime change, and that can be disruptive. They, I think, are still a more talented team, but the Patriots definitely have closed the gap this off-season in a major way, and the Chargers are having all new coaches. They're not going to implode, but I think they took a small step back while the Patriots have taken a big step forward. That's all I'm saying.
As far as the Colts, their losses aren't huge (they might get June back anyway - nobody seems to want him), but they are more or less treading water...while, again, I think the Patriots are taking a big step forward this off-season.
I think saying that the Patriots' 2 main contenders have taken a step back and the Patriots have taken a sizable step forward falls shot of blind homerism.
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Its not really nessecary to compare Pats' receivers of the past few years to the Bengals'. Obviously there is no comparison. Patriots receivers cant compete with the ridiculous #s those guys put up, and Bengals receivers cant touch Troy Brown's 3 rings. Studying depth charts involves far too much thinking in this case. This man KW has regressed for 4 straight years in Cinci, had less than 20 total catches the past 2 years, regardless of who he's been ahead of or behind on the depth chart, and had he not been signed now by the Pats would probably have been looking for work in the Arena league in a few months. He'll be cut before he's assigned a jersey. Its OK. The guys upstairs have struck out with guys like this before at the position. This'll probably be another example. But I like the philosophy of loading up the stable to find the greastest steed.....nothing wrong with that. Theyve rented this guy for $300K for a few months to give Brady an extra target to throw to while Troy Brown makes a decision and Jackson heals up. Nothing about what Gaffney or Caldwell did last season leaves me discouraged, short of those few drops by RC in the Colts' game. Considering it was their first year in the offense and first real playoff experience, Ill take it. So teaming those 2 with Welker and Stallworth leaves but one open spot and a spot where you'd like to see a dependable player. Troy Brown should be that man. jmho, of course.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
nerangers
Footballguy
Hey guys...
I heard the Pats signed a CB today...FA Eddie Jackson. I don't know much about him...here are some facts from boston.com. I am still hoping the Pats address CB/S positions at the draft this year.
Jackson in focus
26 years old
Tore his ACL against the Jets on Dec. 25, and went on injured reserve the next day
Was a restricted free agent and was not tendered a contract by the Dolphins
Has played in 39 career games, with his primary contributions on special teams, and in nickel packages
Entered the league with the Panthers as a rookie free agent out of Arkansas in 2004
Played for Carolina in 2004 and for Dolphins in 2005 and 2006
ANALYSIS: Jackson looks like the type of player who could help the Patriots' special teams units, assuming he recovers from the torn ACL suffered Dec. 25. He played at times in Miami's nickel package, but has mostly made his mark on special teams. His presence adds depth at cornerback, a position headlined by Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Chad Scott, Randall Gay and Willie Andrews.
I heard the Pats signed a CB today...FA Eddie Jackson. I don't know much about him...here are some facts from boston.com. I am still hoping the Pats address CB/S positions at the draft this year.
Jackson in focus
26 years old
Tore his ACL against the Jets on Dec. 25, and went on injured reserve the next day
Was a restricted free agent and was not tendered a contract by the Dolphins
Has played in 39 career games, with his primary contributions on special teams, and in nickel packages
Entered the league with the Panthers as a rookie free agent out of Arkansas in 2004
Played for Carolina in 2004 and for Dolphins in 2005 and 2006
ANALYSIS: Jackson looks like the type of player who could help the Patriots' special teams units, assuming he recovers from the torn ACL suffered Dec. 25. He played at times in Miami's nickel package, but has mostly made his mark on special teams. His presence adds depth at cornerback, a position headlined by Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Chad Scott, Randall Gay and Willie Andrews.
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Pat Patriot
Footballguy
Unless there is some money tied up in signing him, I would presume he is just a Training Camp body. Are the Pats still expecting Mel Mitchell back this year as a ST demon? There are only so many spots on the roster. If you conservatively count 4 roster spots for rookies (both 1sts, the 3rd and 4th), roster spots are very hard to come by. I dont think there is room for this guy but I dont know much about him.nerangers said:
Spike
Footballguy
In today's MMBQ by Peter King (link to page 3), King mentions a discussion with Drew Rosenhaus in regard to Lance Briggs re: the Patriots:
He said the Bears had a seven-year, $33-million contract offer on the table for Lance Briggs last year, but haven't offered him a multi-year deal this offseason. It's either play the year at $7.2 million (poor guy), sit out (he'll never do that) or hope some team comes to the Bears (the Patriots?) and says, "We'll give you a low first-round pick for Briggs,'' and then signs him to a $7 million-a-year deal with $20 million guaranteed.
"The Bears haven't given us many options,'' Rosenhaus said. "Come in and play this year at $7.2 million. That's it. They've said to us they have no intention of signing him to a long-term deal. If we'd have signed the deal they offered last year, Lance wouldn't have been among the top-15-paid linebackers in the league.'' I said, "The Patriots ought to send the 28th pick to Chicago for him. The Bears would have to take that, wouldn't they, rather than have a pissed-off player?'' Rosenhaus said: "From your lips to God's ears.''
I wonder what people think of this?
1. Could it get it done?
2. Is there any way the Pats wouldn't be the winner in that deal?
3. What the heck are the Bears doing with Briggs? Doesn't a pissing match seem like a bad idea?
He said the Bears had a seven-year, $33-million contract offer on the table for Lance Briggs last year, but haven't offered him a multi-year deal this offseason. It's either play the year at $7.2 million (poor guy), sit out (he'll never do that) or hope some team comes to the Bears (the Patriots?) and says, "We'll give you a low first-round pick for Briggs,'' and then signs him to a $7 million-a-year deal with $20 million guaranteed.
"The Bears haven't given us many options,'' Rosenhaus said. "Come in and play this year at $7.2 million. That's it. They've said to us they have no intention of signing him to a long-term deal. If we'd have signed the deal they offered last year, Lance wouldn't have been among the top-15-paid linebackers in the league.'' I said, "The Patriots ought to send the 28th pick to Chicago for him. The Bears would have to take that, wouldn't they, rather than have a pissed-off player?'' Rosenhaus said: "From your lips to God's ears.''
I wonder what people think of this?
1. Could it get it done?
2. Is there any way the Pats wouldn't be the winner in that deal?
3. What the heck are the Bears doing with Briggs? Doesn't a pissing match seem like a bad idea?
David Yudkin
Footballguy
As currently constituted, I doubt the Pats have the cap room to add on that much of a cap hit for 2007. They could of course cut some dead wood, restructure some contracts, or get into creative accounting to get under the cap. I'm not sure that they would be looking to have to do that, though.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
Hasnt it been stated already that Briggs is a bad fit for the 3-4 defense? I mean a good player is a good player but at some point the pieces need to fit. We cant just throw the best most expensive 11 defensive players out there and just hope they mesh. I think what we need the most right now is a PLUGGER. Is there a Ted Johnson type in FA or the draft?
jgb95
Footballguy
Patriots | R. Alexander has private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:33 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Oklahoma LB Rufus Alexander had a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 19.
Patriots | D. Harris to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:18 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan LB David Harris will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Patriots | L. Hall to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:05 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan CB Leon Hall will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Patriots | Woodley to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:39:32 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan DE LaMarr Woodley will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Looks like we might actually draft a LB!!!! But w/ BB and SP you never know.
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:33 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Oklahoma LB Rufus Alexander had a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 19.
Patriots | D. Harris to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:18 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan LB David Harris will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Patriots | L. Hall to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:42:05 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan CB Leon Hall will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Patriots | Woodley to have a private workout with team
Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:39:32 -0700
Albert Breer, writing for the Boston Herald, reports Michigan DE LaMarr Woodley will have a private workout with the New England Patriots Monday, March 26.
Looks like we might actually draft a LB!!!! But w/ BB and SP you never know.
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