Some want to declare the dynasty dead. I moreso think they were actually looking like the better team against Denver, but 3 horrible mistakes cost them the game. Anyhow, this offseason, the only potential contractual loss is Givens as an UFA. I see the WR corps coming back w/ Branch at #1, Andre Davis at #2. After that, it's up in the air. Givens, I'm thinking, is probably gone. I'd love to see him stay, but preparing myself for the worst. Troy Brown? Still a very solid 4-5. Bethel Johnson? I just don't see him back. He's fast, but never developed. QB. Brady. and CAssell as the backup is solid. Anybody who saw him against Miami has to believe that he'll only be in NE for a few years and then a solid starter somewhere else. The kid does look good. Can Flutie come back next year? I think he can, but I also think he was more of a safety net this year, while Cassell developed. I see a rookie at the #3 slot. Risky? Yes, but you can't waste cap room on anything else. RB. My biggest area of concern. I love Corey Dillon. But, IMHO he was never in good shape this year. Age? I'll agree, but we need to draft a solid young RB. Faulk makes great plays, but he also puts the ball on the ground, a lot. Pass is a very solid FB who can tote the rock in a pinch. But, NE really needs to address the position this off season. I also see Heath Evans back next year. TE. I think they're in great shape. Watson lost his rookie season, so this really was it. But, man when the kid came on late in the season, he was everything I expected. Anybody see the overhead shot of him chasing down Bailey, at altitude? That dude can fly. He's stong, great hands. They've got to get him into the offense more. Dan Graham is like another tackle on the line. And, he's got great hands and can get down the field. To be fair, the TE's didn't catch many balls this year, because they were in for protection a lot, with all the line injuries. But, I don't think there's any change at the position. Oline-I think we're in great shape. We lost our center, Koppen, our Left Tackle and left guard for most of the year. And still were decent. With light and Koppen back next year, and Mankins having a season under his belt, and Kaczur with a lot of PT to come off the bench. We're in good shape here, though I expect another mid round pick in the draft. So, overall I don't expect many wholesale changes on the O side of the ball. Another RB, some more WR help and probably a mid to late round pick for the line. That's really it. D-line-Simply put, I think we're set for some time. Wilfork was awesome the second half of the year. As was Ty Warren. And Seymour is IMHO the best all around DT int he game. There are better pass rushers, and better run stuffers, but he's at the top in both. We've still got Jarvis Green too, and Mike Wright can get it done. This front three should be anchoring this D for a few more years, at least. And providing the backbone to a very good run D. LB-A position of great concern, that needs to be addressed. Yes, the starters are awesome, but aging. McGinest is great, as is Bruschi. But they're getting up in years. Doesn't show in their play, but you've got to start looking to the future and getting some young guys some PT. they've still got at least one, and probably two years, but I expect to see some new blood again this year. Vrabel should probably be w/ these guys, though I expect at least 4 more years from him. Monty Beisel actually played solid, when he saw the field, late in the year. I expect him back, and to develop into a solid ILB. I don't expect Chad Brown back, nor do I expect him in the NFL next year. Whether it's a lack of hard work, and doing what you have to do, or what. He's just not the great LB he has the tools to be. Secondary-What a year. Injury riddles is an understatement. But, on the plus side, guys like Asant Samuel, James Sanders and Ellis Hobbs emerged to be solid players. The PT they got will pay dividends next year, and years to come. The future is bright. I expect no drafting here. I expect Poole to be gone. He's a solid player, but he's missed the bulk of the last 2 years on IR. And we've got younger, cheaper players to take his place. At SS, I see Harrison back next year, no later than 4 games in. I see Geno wilson w/ the team and starting the year at SS, giving way to Harrison, and moving to weak safety. Artrell Hawkins will also likely be vying for the backup job at the safety positions. James Sanders also fits into this mix, and will probably start the season at safety opposite Wilson. He should beat out Hawkins and be the primary backup. I see al 4 players on the roster next year though. The corners. I see Wilson (who can play both) and Samuel as the starters. Ellis Hobbs is also in the mix, as is Guss Scott. Both Wilson, Samuel and Hawkins can play corner or safety. It really gives the team some flexibility. Oh yeah, what about Hank Poteat? I think he fills out the backfield. So, we have Harrison, Samuel, Wilson, Sanders, Hobbs, Scott, Hawkins and Poteat on the roster. And they should be good. Address the LB corps, not for next year but the future. But, I believe, barring 9 defensive players on IR, the Pats D should be a dominant unit next year, led by a run stuffing front 3, and solid play behind them. The tools are all there, it's just a matter of keeping them healthy, which the Pats are due for a year where they don't start 44 players in the season. DC-The way BB made the decision made it pretty clear that he thinks highly of Pees as his new DC. He's been w/ BB 2 years, and his work w/ the LB"s this season is to be commended. That's my OPINION. I don't see many changes. And really no significant ones, other than the DC, which is IMHO on a short leash. OC? I don't see a change. My expectations are high. I expect a 12-4 or 13-3 record, and no worst than the #2 seed next year. I think they're in the INdy seat from last year. They probably feel that not being in the #1 or #2 slot hurt them, and that's a strong motivator. Next year, I expect them to reclaim the Lombardi and continue to build on their foundation as a Dynasty.
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Pat' off season and next year (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter PMENFAN
- Start date
redsoxfan
Footballguy
I agree with much of what you said. A few comments on the secondary, though. You left out Randall Gay. He'll be back and will be another experienced, mid-level, solid contributor as well. Possible starter. However, even with him returning I think they may bring in one more Vet. I'm thinking Ty Law would be a really nice fit. I don't think he'll stay in NY (no way they renew his contract as is) even with Mangini coming in. NE is in many ways the perfect fit for him.He can play corner, but if he really has started to slow down a step (as some people think) then he could move over to safety. He knows the system in NE, he knows the coaches, and he would give them a backup plan at safety in case Rodney can't come back.At WR, Givens will be difficult to replace. I'd love to see him stay, but sadly I think he'll move on to another team where he has the chance to get some money and to be a #1. Davis started to come on towards the end of the year and I think they'll try to keep him, though since he's a UFA he could decide to go elsewhere. Not so sure about Troy Brown. He has definitely slowed down a lot.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
Those that have already written them off from here on out don't get it and probably never did. They should still be considered one of the favorites for next year, and with better health are positioned for another title run. They have some high salary cap numbers to address, though. After next year, I suspect Seymour will be gone. I doubt they will pay him fair market value, as it goes against their mantra of trying to low ball all their players' contracts "for the good of the team." Seymour will insist on being the highest paid at his position in the game and will want a big signing bonus (and rightly so), and the Pats will try to play the "Brady took less to stay, you need to as well" card and likely will let him leave town.
Agreed. I overlooked him. He'll be there.
I agree w/ Law moving, and the move to safety. He's not going to be w/ the Jets, and he's have to come down to probably no more than $2.5 million to play in NE. I can't see it. He's be a telent boost for sure, but I think Hawkins has already filled that role, cheaper. I'd love to see Law come back. Even playing at about 70% for the first half, in a new system, he had 10 picks this season. He's still a top 10 cover corner, and probably top 5, in the NFL. He can play safety, I just think he's still too good a corner to move, just yet. My hope is that he realizes they TEAM play in NE is better than the individual pay day he got in NY. Time will tell. I just see him able to get 6-8 million per elsewhere. NE can't pay that.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
As far as Law goes, the Pats apparently offered him $5-6 million LAST year, so I doubt they cut their offer in half after he had 10 INT and was a Pro Bowler again.
Unfortunately, you're right. As I said, I think he's the best in the game, and not easilly replacable. IN fact, I'd say irreplacable. But, the harst reality of the salary cap era is that you lose your best players. I don't know what the tone of the renegotiated contract was, but my gut tells me that he'll play for less than market value, and the Pats come up a little to accomodate him, and he stays. Milloy and Law were both very good talents that he let go. As were Damien Woody and Tom Ashworth. But, Richard Seymour is a very rare type of talent, AND he's willing to play within the system. They've got to keep him. He could have 15 sacks a year, if that's what they wanted him to do. But, he's willing to utilize his immense talents playing his role. Please, for the love of New England, find a way to keep him.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
Prior to the 2005 season, Seymour was threatening a hold out until he got a new contract. He really didn't get one. All the Pats gave him, IIRC, was a $1 million extra salary wide for the season that just ended. So his last year of his contract is 2006. If I were Seymour and the front office asked me to take anything less than top dollar, I would be insulted.Brady is a different story, IMO, as he gets millions of dollars in ensdorsements to make up the difference. Seymour doesn't, and this will probably be his only chance for a HUGE payday. I don't fault Seymour for wanting to cash in while he can. He could be out of the game with one injury, so he needs to bank roll what he can get.
That was before they gave both Harrison and Seymour money. They are in a better position now, in that they've already prepared the roster for a future without Law. I probably lowballed it a bit at $2.5, but for cap reasons, that's really all I could see them paying. Bottome line. The only way I see him back is if he wants to come back, to win, and is willing to give up "feeding his family" just a bit for a solid chance at another ring or two. After reconsidering what you say, I'd say a 3 year contract, w/ about $4 million up front and about $3 million per. They wont give him a one year deal. So, 3 years at $13 million. I'm sure they'd love to have him, and maybe package a couple of the young guys for a LB. But, the reality is that they don't NEED him like the future showed after last season.
Pretty good chance of it. As for Seymour DY, I agree w/ much of what you say, and we're saying essentially the same thing. I'm just trying to put as positive a spin on it as I can, while you're taking a most negative (probably closer to reality) look that I'm just not ready to take yet. Regardless, it's been a joy watching him play and develop for the Pats. I'd truly hate to see him in another uniform, unless of course the Pats revert to a predominantly Red uniform that is.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
I see Law getting some combination of 3 years and $21 million of which it amounts to maybe a $6 million signing bonus and an annual salary of like $2 million, $5 million, $8 million. So someone will take him for 2 years and $13 million.
Mike Herman
Footballguy
Vinatieri will also be a free agent. The Pats gave him the Franchise Player tag the last two years. He'll be expensive (as far as kickers go) to keep.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
The nightly talk show on Fox Sports New England was more negative than I am being, and they effectivel said Seymour is as good as gone and they put his chances of returning at somewhere been "no chance" and "needing divine inspiration." They pretty much said enjoy his last year with the Pats. Doesn't mean they are right, but they were not overly optomistic.
Another intriguing possibility. He, moreso than Law, benefitted from playing for BB. And, the nasty taste of not even making the playoffs has to hurt, after 2 rings in 3 years. His situation is similar to Laws, only he can only play safety. Imagine him and Harrison at the safeties, w/ Law and Geno Wilson at the Corners and Asante Samuel at the Nickel. NT-Wilfork
DT's-Seymour,Warren
OLB-Colvin, McGinest
ILB-Bruschi, Vrabel
Corner-Law, Wilson
Safety-Milloy, Harrison
All this done by trading Sanders, Hobbs, Gay and Dillon to get Lendale White in this years draft? It'd be a geat D to be sure, but I can't see it happening. One thing BB doesn't do is play for short term gain. All the moves are done for the long term. But, it sure was nice thinking about that D taking the field for a year or two. They'd be nothing short of dominant.
He's already expensive as a Franchis taggee. I think they'll keep him at a slight increase. My understanding is that he' content being the franchise tagee, which pays him as one of the top at his position. Vinatieris greatness comes not from his prowess as a kicker, but his prowess as a clutch kicker. You can only be a clutch kicker in the situations. My opinion, there isn't a better fit for Vinatieri anywhere in the league. It's a possibility that he leaves, but I don't see it.
Boston
Footballguy
Always up for some Pat’s talk. One of the only good things about not winning a title is it makes the offseason more interesting. I think you’ll see the Pats have a very aggressive offseason like they did after 2002. There really seems to be a chip on the organization’s shoulder right now. Last offseason’s free agent class was just dreadful. They really did not reap any benefits from it and it really hurt them when the injuries were mounting in mid-season. Fortunately the rookie crop will produce three very solid starters in Hobbs, Mankins and Kazcur. That’s very good news and the fact none of them is making big money is another bonus.Looking forward to 2006 I have no doubt that the Pats can get back to the top with some solid moves. Yet, looking at the initial post I do have a lot of different thoughts. Here’s what I see.1) Take care of the Seymour situation ASAP. Seymour proved beyond a shadow of the doubt that he’s a legit difference-maker. Guys like him are rare and the Pats need to secure him long term. He’s the foundation of that defense.2) Get a veteran #1 CB. Right now the Pats CB situation is like a pitching staff with some solid #2 and #3 guys but no ace. Hobbs looks like a real find but he probably will never be a legit #1 due to his size. I like Samuel but he has games where he gets burnt a little too often. Put him or Hobbs as your #3 and the Pats D will be benefit greatly. Gay will be back and he’s a quality guy. So, the Pats have three quality youngsters. Add in a high quality veteran and this group can be extremely productive. I’d love to see Law come back. While he’s not the stud he was a few years ago he knows the system and is still a good player. Outside of that another mid round draft pick or a low priced veteran like Chad Scott would add extra depth.3) Get Brady more weapons!!! Many disagree with me but I truly believe the Pats need a #1 WR. A guy the Pats can go to in important situations. One of the problems in Denver is they didn’t have that big time target. Remember last season the Pats offered big money to Mason so I do believe this may happen. I love Branch but his size makes him risky as a #1. There are games he can be physically manhandled. Put him as your #2 and he will be virtually uncoverable. I like Givens but have to believe if they haven’t signed him by now that’s just not going to happen. The guy I’m thinking of adding is Moulds. I think he can do for the Pats what Dillon did two years ago. The key will be money. I’m not sure if Moulds is looking to play for a winner or looking to cash in. The Pats also need a legit #3 WR. Davis can help but he’s only a #4/#5 guy who helps on special teams. He pretty much only runs one route effectively. Brown can come back because he still makes plays but he’s no more than a #4/#5 guy right now. Bethel Johnson is garbage and Tim Dwight is nothing special. Add a legit #1 to Branch and a developing Watson and the air attack could be even more dangerous. 4) A RB that can be a homerun threat. Right now the Pats backfield doesn’t have a homerun hitter. They really could use a guy who can take it the distance. As far as who they add a lot comes down to how hurt Dillon was this year. He looked bad in 2005. I’m very skeptical about him. Even if he was hurt more than we know there really wasn’t much positive about him. He looked slow, didn’t run hard and was brought down way too easily. He had no fire at all…when was the last time he stiff-armed someone? He was a totally different player than the 2004 version. Due to his contract he will probably be there in 2006. I think he can help too but he role has to be reduced. Faulk and Pass are both quality backs and are great in their roles. Evans isn’t a bad depth guy either. Yet, another high quality pair of legs needs to be added. If Dillon is shot it means it needs to be a high quality RB. If he still has mileage it could be a lesser name or a 2/3rd round type of guy. In the end, like WR the more weapons Brady has the more unstoppable this offense could be.5) D Line depth. The starting three is simply awesome. Wilfork’s development this year was very positive. Yet, after Jarvis Green there’s nothing there. Marquise Hill has shown nothing. The Pats can accomplish this through the draft or with some low money veterans.6) Similar to the D-line LB depth is needed. Vrabel moving to the middle, Bruschi coming back and Colvin regaining his form made this unit top notch again. Yet after the starting four there’s really nothing there. Chad Brown did virtually nothing and Biesel is nothing more than a mediocre backup. They drafted the Claridge kid last year who was on IR but I have no idea how he figures into their plans. The difficult part is this is the Pats system is very difficult for LBs to learn and any college player will probably be overwhelmed.7) Get a blue chip safety. Very important even if Rodney returns. Wilson is good but he proved he’s not elite this year. Hawkins is a nice backup that hopefully they can resign. Sanders showed me little this year. He looks pretty small too. The Pats need to add either a high quality veteran like Demps, Chavous or Archuleta or use their #1 here.8) Get a veteran QB as backup. Cassell looks to be the backup for the future but I think he still needs one more year before he can be counted on.Overall I feel the biggest areas of need are offensive playmakers and the secondary. After that it’s front seven depth. Between the draft and free agency these needs can easily be addressed. Do that and this team can be back to elite status very quickly.
Born to Run
Footballguy
Wasn't Milloy released by NE for cap reasons right before the start of the season. Then Buff beats the Pats in the season opener with Milloy leading the way. If my memory is correct then it would be Milloy, not the Pats, that would have the grudge.
Interesting. But, I think he fits the bill more as a #3 guy than the #1. At best I see him as competing w/ Branch at #2. He is physical, and he can get open in tight coverage. I wouldn't say I disagree that he could be a #1, I just am not sure on it. Some other WR's that could hit the market. I like Kelley Washington out of Cinci. Either he or Chris Henry could be available with Chad and Housh as the clear 1-2 punch in Cinci. Charles Rodgers is another guy w/ the tools that given another situation may meet their potential. It didn't work w/ David Terrell, but I could see them taking the chance. Bryant Johnson in AZ is another that I see as potential. I'd also like to see them take a run at Chris Perry in Cinci'. I think Cinci has some excess talent they're underutilizing. I like him as a solid #1. I'm dreaming here, but that's what this time of the year is for. As far as anybody who is sure fire to fill any of our needs, I don't see available. I do like a lot of what you said besides Boston. We have a lot of the same concernes both short and mid-term. They key is IMHO keeping BB in place. Year in an out he's got the team playing their best ball at the end. Even the year they missed the playoffs they were playing their best at the end of the year, when it matters. They'll make some moves I say great to, and some I say, "well, I've got to give the benefit of the doubt" to. Regardless, the core is solid, and they shold be a top 8 team again next year, at a minimum, though I think #1 again.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
As I see it, the Pats will likely fill one of that grocery list of wishes, so pick one from . . .- Extend Seymour's contract- Sign a top WR- Sign a starting RB- Add another blue chip DBI don't see them having a ton of money to work with (they were pretty close to even in the projected cap numbers thread).
Boston
Footballguy
The problem with both Washington and Rogers is they are headcases that have underachieved. The talents there but I'm not sure they would fit in.The reason I like Moulds is he will probably be available, he's a big compliment to Branch, has played in cold weather and hopefully he will be highly motivated after playing with bad QBs on subpar teams for the past decade. My hope is that since he's already made good money he's looking more for a title. Yet, I have no idea if that's his thinking. Outside of him there's not a hell of a lot out there as far as big time WRs go. Wayne will be there but he will be too much money. Another guy I could easily see in New England is Keenan McCardell. He's available and has a positive relatioinship with BB from their Cleveland days. He's not a stud but could help.
By the way, I like Perry too but I don't think Cincy will deal him. He's a nice weapon for them.
Boston
Footballguy
I'm not too concerned about Miami in 2006. There's still a big gap between them and the Pats. I do think Saban's a big time coach and definetly has Miami on the right path. Yet, next year I think you'll really see the train wreck Wanny left behind hurt them. This year they finally had coaching so it made a huge difference and lead to a much improved team. Yet, when you look at Miami they have no QB, most of their defensive studs are aging and the O line still needs some work. They just don't have enough young talent to overcome all of that. I see them being around .500 again and if they can straighten out the QB situation and have two more good drafts I see them making the jump back to being a potential playoff team in 2007. Right now they still have a lot of work to do and their salary cap situation (and draft position) won't allow it to happen too quickly.
David Yudkin
Footballguy
If the last game mattered, we would have seen the Pats 11-5 and Miami 8-8 with a huge chuck of New England's players hurt for much of the season.Even at 9-7 or 10-6 next year, that will still put them 2-3 wins behind the Pats.
ON WR, what about keeping Fauria and Graham on the interior, and moving Watson outside? He's big, but he's got the speed and the hands. Fumbles a bit, but moving him outside has him taking his hits from safetys and corners, not LB's. NOt saying it could or will happen, just another possibility. The more I ponder it, the more I do like the Moulds move for the reasons you give. Another guy that has to step it up is PK Sam. They keep hanging on to him, but you never see him play. If Givens goes, which I think he will, we have Bam Childress that is the same type, though slightly smaller. Out of camp, it sounded like he's get more time, but maybe he just wasn't ready.
Boston
Footballguy
The reason why Watson is such a matchup problem is because he's a TE. TE's with his size and speed are a very tough matchup. Put him at WR and his speed doesn't cause the problems it does at TE. Also, you want him in traffic making those tough grabs. While he can and will line up outside the fact he can lineup at FB, TE and WR makes him even more valuable. It's very important to the Pats that he takes it to the next level next year. There were many times this year where he was MIA. Both he and the offensive playcalling for him need to get more consistent. He has the potential to be a special player.AS for PK Sam I have pretty much given up on him. If he couldn't crack the lineup this season than I don't think he ever will. It's too bad because he has nice size. Childress is intriguing. He does have some Troy Brown qualities. I see him competing for a spot next year. In the end I think it will be his value on special teams that makes or breaks him.
Boston
Footballguy
If you look at their defense you'll see these ages:Carter-32
Holliday-30
Taylor-31
Thomas-32
Madison-31 (I believe he's already a goner)
Seau-37
Traylor-36
Tebucky-31
Zgoninia-35
I just don't see them having the young talent to make a dramatic improvement in 2006 on that side of the ball. Combine that with their QB situation and iffy O line and I just see too much work to be done to improve drastically in 2006. Again, I do think Saban has them on the right path but he inherited a team that had been run into the ground. They'll be a tough team and will play very hard but they need a lot of work on their roster to get to the next level.
Brandon Lloyd is another WR that is a RFA this year (edited to name him a RFA). I love his hands. Branch would still be the speed outside, but Lloyd is IMHO way underrated, and can be had cheap, because of playing w/ poor QB's. Agree w/ you on Watson, was just pondering possibilities to fill the role. I think he's as fast as most WR's in the league. I just think his speed on the outside, he could stretch the field. But, there is the reality that his talent on the inside is much to take away. To be fair in his criticism this year. The TE's were hobbled a bit by having to block for much of the year, because of inexperience/injury to the linemen.
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Boston
Footballguy
Agreed. Hopefully I'm not being too optimistic but I think that's something that will be worked out. Also, I'd love to see Seymour wrapped up ASAP. Get that out of the way so you know what you're dealing with there. He's on the books for good money next year with his escalators so a new deal should not dramatically change his number in 2006.Overall I think the Pats salary cap is in solid shape for a team that has been on the run they have. They can't throw money around but I do think they have enough to accomplish what they want to.
harrycarey
Footballguy
As a Colts fan i hate to say it, but i agree that the Pats will be one of the top teams next year.The three big things for them are:1. Running Back- I think they'll look to bring in a FA and a 2nd or 3rd round pick (Ahman Green, Joseph Addai types)2. WR- If they keep Givens they'll be fine, if not they need a new #2. I think he is one of the most clutch wr's today and means more to them than he will to a new team so he stays.3. Def- Youth to add depth and replace aging starters when they leave.They need to draft 2 or 3 linebackers and sign a veteran corner to go with all the young guys and maybe draft a SS to step in for harrison eventually unless they really like Sanders.
Mike Herman
Footballguy
SoloMatisse
Footballguy
Fellas....get this get that, get this old guy, get that old guy. Switch this guy to that, replace this guy with that guy......man, holy finger on the panic button, Batman! The Pats were one single bad Brady pass away from making a push toward another title.....ONE SINGLE PLAY. We know there were a couple more than that, but essentially it boiled down to one play. This team in no way needs to make wholesale changes at any position. I loved how the corners were playing down the stretch. Hobbs is going to be a great #1. He's got the skills and the mentality. The line is deep. They need to add a couple of young LBs in the draft. Oline is solid, just needs to stay healthy. Givens is a priority, imo. He and Branch form as good a tandem, when healthy, as their is in the league. Im not sweating what they do this offseason....they'll get things done. This squad is young, deep and hungry. Theyll sign well, draft well, and kick some serious tail again next year on their way to another title run. It'll be a fun offseason, but just dont lose any sleep.....
Iceman56751
Footballguy
Addai is a huge bust.Jerome Harrison would be nice - but if they cannot get a decent RB early thru the draft - then skip it and do not bother this year. The Pats could go out and get a player liek Maurice Morris for a cheap price and who can fill the role with Dillon and Kev. Faulk.
Flutie "likely coming back" if not he'll go into broadcasting
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/otherNFL/...rticleid=125188
http://patriots.bostonherald.com/otherNFL/...rticleid=125188
nerangers
Footballguy
I read somewhere that if they Franchise him, he is already in the top 5 as salaries go, so they would be paying him 20% more than last year, which would put him in the three million dollar range. He does not mind getting the Franchise Tag!
BTW as a Pats Fan I also think the Dolphins will step it up next year and should not be taken lightly. Talks of McNair going there would help that team. Chambers just needs someone to get him the ball. Go after Chambers now!!!
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SoloMatisse
Footballguy
I for one think the Dolphins will contend seriously next year, but Id love to see them bring in OLD Steve McNair. Imo, that would be a step in the wrong direction. The guy is way past his prime, gets hurt every single year and INSISTS on playing, is no longer the running threat he once was which is what set him apart, and he'd be adjusting to a new system, which would hurt that team early in the year. Miami will be right there for sure, but rolling with Frerotte or some new guy who will have to come in and learn a new system is a major disadvantage. The Pats will be pushed, but they'll still own this division for a couple more years. But dont sweat McNair with Miami.I read somewhere that if they Franchise him, he is already in the top 5 as salaries go, so they would be paying him 20% than last year, which would put him in the three million dollar range. He does not mind getting the Franchise Tag!
nerangers
Footballguy
Was reading on Scouts.com:
Here is the need list from nfldraftcountdown.com.
I agree with Cornerback and Linebacker, but I do not think WR is as pressing a need. I know the Pats have some interest in Randel El and Joe Jurivious.I think the Pats try and keep Flutie anothe year while Cassell improves. If Flutie is not kept, I think you need a Veteran at the #2 spot.I heard a rumor that CB Ricky Manning (Panthers) is burried in the Depth Chart and might be had for a third round pick. If they protect him, it would cost a first round pick. I think the Pats have an extra third round pick this year. Could be a good move for them.
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Boston
Footballguy
Wr is a pressing need...if for no other reason than they only have one under contract...and he's going into the last year of his contract. Also, outside of Branch and Givens they got virtually zero help from the rest of the unit last year. Troy made some solid catches but he's long past his prime and is strictly a role polayer. The Pats don't need to go crazy spending money on WRs but I feel pretty comfortable saying the 2006 unit will look very different than the 2005 unit and hopefully it will be deeper and more effective. One name to keep in mind is Keenan McCardell. I would not be surprised if he's wearing a Pats uni this year. He's not the player he was but he'd be a nice addition for a year or two...preferably as a #3.
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