From the Hart: Wilfork deal a great one
Written by Andy Hart on March 5, 2010 – 8:38 pm -Finally, late in the first day of free agency, we have some really good news to mull over. The Patriots have reached a long-term deal with Vince Wilfork that will keep him in New England for the next five years. The pact apparently will pay him $40 million, including $25 million in guarantees.
That’s some good coin for a good guy and a great professional. He’s arguably the best nose tackle in the game and easily at the best player on his defense from a year ago. For better or worse, he was indeed New England’s most consistent defender and playmaker.
The Patriots retain the centerpiece of their 3-4 front and, dare I say this, keep him fat and happy. He gets his money. And something that’s become a rarity in football, business and this work in general, a nice guy seemed to finish first. He lived up to his word and was rewarded for it in the end. That sends a great message both inside the locker room and outside of Gillette Stadium.
It may not feel quite the same as adding a big-name free agent, but there is certainly a good feeling in at least retaining a big-name free agent.
In a related note the team has also re-signed guard Stephen Neal. After talking about retirement in the wake of the AFC Wild Card loss to Baltimore, Neal apparently decided he wasn’t done with the game of football or the only team he’s played for in the NFL. I thought there was a chance he would retire, but never thought he’d play for another team. There were rumors of interest from Houston, but I never really gave much thought to him playing for another team. I am a little disappointed that I won’t get to see him compete on a UFC pay-per-view any time soon.
Neal’s deal is a lesser one, but I feel kind of like I do about Wilfork’s. It’s great for the team to bring him back and great to see a good guy taken care of by his team. I know Neal has his injury problems, but he’s a good guy, physical presence on the line when healthy and a team guy.
So it looks like the first day of free agency didn’t bring us any new faces, but we did get to bring back Wilfork, Neal and Tully Banta-Cain. They were key contributors from a year ago and will be counted on this fall.
Now, that’s all fine and dandy, but we still have to wait to see what Bill Belichick has in store to improve a team that was getting blown out of the postseason the last time we saw it. The Jets got better today. The Dolphins may have gotten better.
The Patriots, at the very least, stayed the same. A year ago that was good enough to win the AFC East and earn the No. 3 seed in the conference.
What do you think of the first day of moves? Are you more happy that the Patriots re-signed Wilfork, Neal and Banta-Cain or more upset that the team couldn’t add a big-time talent like Julius Peppers or Anquan Boldin? Let us know with a comment below!
Posted in Free Agency (2010) |
March 5th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Yeah delighted Vince got signed and I think Banta-Cain deserves a contract based on his performance last year. I agree with your points too about Neal and Vince that it’s good to see good guys getting deals done, helps team spirit and camraderie in the dressing room. I wonder what Moss is thinking - “hey, they actually DO pay sometimes”
Was disappointed Boldin didn’t make it our way. I think Ravens got him for a steal.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
I agree ont he Boldin point. I think the Ravens are a team to beat in the coming years. They need to re-tool on defense. But now the offense should be much better. Rice is a star. Flacco is improving and now they have added to potentially explosive options in the air with Stallworth and Boldin.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Boldin for two mid-round draft picks and $7m per year!? In spite of his moderate injury history he’s a quality receiver, verging on one of the best in the game and we couldn’t get it done.
Okay, so the Pats didn’t have a 3rd round pick; well they could have offered a 4th from this year and a 3rd next. Hell, I don’t think offering our worst 2nd this year and asking for a 3rd or 4th in return would be too much either.
Delighted the team has kept Wilfork, Neal and TBC, but the Ravens underpaid for a receiver who would have solidified our corps for the short and long term future. Mixed-positive from me, although I probably don’t sound like it!
March 5th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
delighted that vince has signed. big relief. interested to see our next move and how we can get better. i think and hope bodden will be back
March 5th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
“MEMO TO MOSS”
Your boy Vince just got,
“STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!”
March 5th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Dolphins seem to have locked up Dansby. It will be interesting to see who will be the starting CB’s if we won’t resign Boden. Butler and Wilhite or Butler and Wheatley. Butler would be the only real good CB back there *sigh*…..ohhhh boy.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Knowing what Boldin got paid and that he’s never been the #1 guy, I’m not that disappointed. Plus, he’s 30 and injury prone. Not to say i wouldn’t have liked to see him on the team, I’m just not too upset we didn’t get him. Happier about retaining our guys. I’ve actually been more of a B. Marsh guy personally. I feel like his attitude problems had a lot to do with the Darrent Williams murder and him wanting to get out of town after he HC and QB were pushed out. He’s still a producer. I’m actually disappointed about Dansby cus now MIA can pick up an OLB that we needed. This will be a fun draft weekend though, none the less.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I think it sends a good message to the team when they took care of the team issues first (re-signings) but as a result they may have missed the opportunity to snag a game changer type player. Instead, we see them going to the Jets, Ravens, and Dolphins. Just hope they can solve the wr, cb, and lb issues.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I might be the only one who shares this opinion, but I think that Brandon Marshall is worth signing and giving up a 1st round pick for. He’s got a similar game to Boldin, but he’s younger. In a year when we could potentially trade two of those 2nd rounders and end up with a 1st rounder, a second rounder, and Brandon Marshall, I’d find anyway possible to make that happen.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I am extremely happy that Wilfork will a Patriot for years to come but I am much more disappointed that the Patriots didn’t sign any big names. I mean, they gave Peppers an offer but I felt like they didn’t go all out for him. I think they need to grab one of the bigger DL/OLB’s still out there before they’re not available anymore. Maybe either Aaron Kampman or even Shawne Merriman.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
good day overall, we got our middle now its time to get our outside rushers. With Peppers gone Either Sergio Kindle, or Brandon Graham. (Big Michigan fan)
March 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
We could have give a second rounder for Boldin. The need is big at WR. I don’t want to see the Pats going after a Reche Caldwell-type of receiver…And the draft haven’t gave good receivers for us in the last decade… I have the impression that we have holes to fill if we want to be on top of AFC east (pass rush, running game OR receivers). At least, if Wilfork is happy, that’s a footstep in the good direction…
March 5th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Yea I was disappointed about the Boldin trade since considering what the Ravens gave up, pats could have done it as well.
I hope the draft goes well.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Good Guy? Are you kidding me? Come on,good guy’s don’t win Super Bowls! Hungry,even angry players get to the big game! Nice guy,please! We did’nt do anything to make this team better. Yes re-signing Wilfork is big,Banta Cain could have gone either way.So,basically we did nothing! Like Andy said,the Jets got a lot better today! Dolphins are on there way,talking to Dansby,etc. At this point the Jets are the favorite to win the AFC East.Now they have 2 Shut down CB’s, in Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie! Revis vs. Moss and Cromartie vs.Welker! Jets are building a team to beat the Pats!
Stephen Neal,did anyone watch the Super Bowl vs.the Giants? Our entire “O” line was schooled,and that was 3 years ago! Neal should re-tire! He can’t do the samethings he used to! What about moving Matt Light to Guard and put Vollmer at Tackle? Or vice versa? Vollmer is the goods!
Im so disapointed about today’s lack of signing any new players! Players who can and will make a difference!
We still don’t have a running game,even though Chester Taylor was out there, still no Elite Pass Rusher,and no legit starting Cornerback! Leigh Boddon is still un-signed,he’s the best CB we have! Were in trouble people! We can’t afford another off-season of signing old guys for cheap! Shawn Springs,what did he do? Nothing,Joey Galloway,nothing,Greg Lewis,nothing,Rob Ninkovich,nothing!!! And the biggest NOTHING so far this off-season……David Patten.WHY? He’s 35 years old! He was born before the end of the Vietnam War! What purpose does Patten serve? A 6′0 180 old Wide Out. Oh, I’m sorry, he’s a nice guy! Let’s sign him to a 10 year 90 million deal! Is Bill Belichek taking his medicine? Guys like Brandon Marshall, Kevin Walter,Shawn Merriman, Chris Chambers,though he’s older he caught 36 passes in 8 games and scored 5 TD’s last year with the Chiefs!
Ya know on opening day we could have this starting line-up: QB-Tom Brady RB-L.Maroney FB-? WR-Randy Moss WR-Sam Aiken WR-Julian Edelman TE-? Our 2 TE’s Baker is gone and Watson will soon be! WTF?
Starting 3-4 D, NT-Wilfork RE-Warren LE-Green LOLB-Banta Cain ILB-Mayo ILB-Guyton ROLB-Burgess,Woods,Crable?
CB-Wihite CB-Butler SS-Sanders FE-Meriweather SAD.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Trade Adalius Thomas to Jets in change for Vernon Gholston
March 5th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Good re-signs and VERY happy Vince got his due … but we’re not getting better. At this point we have a lot of holes - WR, OLB, RB - and I’m not sure we can get ‘em all plugged with just the draft.
March 5th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
… The Wilfork and Banta-Cain news unfortunately are just 2 pieces of a very far from complete puzzle for the Patriot D so fans should not get too jacked…In all reality, there is Much more rebuilding that remains toward getting the dominant team everyone would like to see !
March 5th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
this is really great. i was beginning to think the pats were going to do literary nothing on the first day of free agency. not a whole lot done but its a start, now trade for some restricted free agents that wont cost a lot in draft picks.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:54 am
Well I’m glad the Pats are at least keeping Wilfork and Banta-Cain. I’m not even worried that we missed out on Peppers, Vanden Bosch, and the other various safeties and linebackers. I know that there will be tons of talent for us in the 3rd and 4th round of the draft (yes, I’m banking on us trading back six times to get some more value and practice squad depth).
Hey, can anybody coach up Welker or Tate’s knees??? Can they learn faster healing at the pro-level?? What, the fans think we should sign Boldin?? No thank you. I don’t want a top-talent who has reason to hate the Jets. Nope, not when I know Randel-El and Kevin Walter are out there somewhere…..
I better just end this now. I can’t even tell if I’m being sarcastic.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:28 am
I think it’s key that the patriots are starting to take care of their guys.
March 6th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Well keeping Wilfork, Banta-Cain, and Neal are nice, they were all expected. I have been waiting 1.5 years for Julius Peppers to join our defense and I am pretty ticket off that the Pats did squat to get him here. I would like to see us pick up Thomas Jones from the Jets and get another bruising back in the draft. We need Faulk back, but can flush the other 3 useless backs we have under contract. We have no running game, no imposing defense, we strike no fear in opponents like we used to. I have no clue what Bill is thinking as far as not rebuilding, not bringing back Weis, and not having ANY Offensive or Defensive Coordinator. I am waiting to see, but really calling into question what the heck Bill is thinking. Make some serious moves Bill. We are all watching and waiting. GET IT DONE
March 6th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Good re-signings, but come on, team has remained the same while the others are improving and passing the pats in talent. Pay the price and get some talented players or it will not be a great season for Pats & fans. Draft does not usually help the team the first year so we need some help “NOW”!!!!!!!!!!!
March 6th, 2010 at 11:56 am
I think it is great that we took care some of are guys. I think it is now time to take a shot at some big time players, like Merrimen or Marshall. We should be able to take care of alot of our needs with the draft.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Elated about Vince. It’s nice to see that they’re starting to take care of their other good players too [Neal, TBC]. I’d like to see them get a deal done with Mankins too. Cromartie to the Jets makes that good “D” even better. It would be cool If NE could sign Thomas Jones. Not sure that Dansby is going to make MIA that much better.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Vince’s deal will send a good message to the rookies that come on board in April, ” work hard and you will be treated well as long as your good and dont get injured or ask for too much money”…wait a minute…
but seriously, this is good for the Patriots moral.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Pats Fans- #84 is home in the DOME !
March 6th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
The Pats are doing the right thing taking care of their players first. There is a much bigger picture. Look at what they have on the offense. Brady, Moss, Edelman, and the returning vet who knows the system Patten. I am pretty sure B.Watson will be back in the fold. Not to mention B.Tate if healty will be a very productive player. Look at the history of the patriots Championships! We don’t need BIG names we need players that fit into the system, the same system that won 3 championships. On the defense the patriots lacked the leadership early in the session so what do they do sign J.Seau in the middle of the session. We will be OK! we do most of our work on draft day
March 6th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
This is a good deal. However, it is bittersweat as well. No, the team didn’t get better, but at the same time the team didn’t get worse. The Pats had a good season last year, albeit not as good as we have become accustomed to. This signing keeps them competitive and allows them to go out and fix the apparent holes. If this signing didn’t get done, then there would be another and even bigger hole to fill. May I remind everyone who looks down on this deal as it wasn’t too long ago that the Pats were the Detroit Lions of the league. We need to look at the big picture. This signing keeps the Pats competitive, allows them to work on the holes they have, and sends a good message to the lockerroom and future free agents that this team is about winning.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Andy, I question your certainty that Neal would not resign with another team. He had expressed his interest in exploring the open market and I find it hard to believe that neither Kansas City or Denver would be interested in adding him to their squads.
As far as the first day of free agency is concerned, I am excited to get Wilfork, Neal, and Banta-Cain back, but I was disappointed the Patriots were not at all active on the free agent market or in trades. It looks as if Boldin could have been had, but the team was not interested in extending his contract and that makes enough sense to me. Brandon Marshall could be making his way to Seattle, which would make Branch even more expendable to the team. It would be a blessing if he were to get cut or traded and end up in New England. He may not be a game changer, but having a solid number three would be.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Ok, so we have anchored the D with Wilfork. TBC pleased to have back. If i were Moss, based on what’s happened with Wilfork, id maybe have second thoughts about saying ‘its looking like my final season here’. But we have been somewhat slow this free agency. Some of the big names off the board or gone to our rivals already. But to be honest, we shouldnt worry. BB knows what hes doing. I think build in the draft maybe the way to go. But its still early days. Theres still masses of talent out there in the FA pool. Our D still has holes, granted. As is our WR situation. But wait and see. Congrats to VW, TBC and Neal
March 6th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I think we have to replace Dan Koppen, who I believe is the weakest link. There are a few really good centers in this draft. I also believe Rich Ohrensberger can probably play the position.
March 6th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
I don’t think it was the draft compensation that bothered the Pats so much….They just didn’t want to give up that kind of contract to Boldin….It might sound fair, but $8 million a year is a lot when you are already paying Moss and Welker good money at the same position. Boldin has been hurt alot the last three years. And he’s not really a game breaker anymore. He’s a possesion receiver who works over the middle. We already have a few of those. Not to mention you still have the face of your franchise Mr. Brady who has to be extended. There’s only so much to go around
March 6th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Just wanted to add I think this is a sign of the Patriots still wanting to get younger through the draft. Signing a 30 year old WR with injury concerns doesn’t fit that model. This was a badly aging team the last few years and for better or for worse, they are going to try to rebuild through youth
March 6th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
I was disappointed the Pats backed out of the Boldin talks until i read the first headline saying, “After missing out on Boldin, patriots in Wilfork to five year deal” I now wonder if we got him if Vince would not have gotten paid which would have sucked since he is the big bad show stopper for this defense and ill take Vince for five years than Boldin for any amount of years
March 6th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
FA signings does not necessarily make a winner. Otherwise Washington would be winning the SB every other year. Why spend outrageously for a 30 WR who’s never really been a #1, might be injury prone and had the benefit of being on the other side of Larry Fitzgerald? Carlos Dansby? Don’t even know if he’ll be productive in the 3-4 and he’s the highest paid ILB/MLB in the league, despite not being as good as Willis, Mayo, Beason…Signings like these set your team back in the future. I, unlike many of you, are not content with ruining the future of this team for what some see as a last shot at a SB. It would be a last shot if we went out and just signed all the big names that are out there. Don’t forget we went to the big show just a few years ago. How many teams can boast 4 appearances in 10 years? Stop acting like the world is ending and trust BB and staff to do their jobs.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
I can’t do anything but congratulate Big Vince and the Pats. Outstanding on both sides. We have one legit, proven star on D and now we get to keep him. Pats, well done on day 1. Draft well and we are back in the game.
March 6th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Dave you really want to replace Koppen? The weakestlink on the o line. Is Matt Light. How times did he get beat at the start of last season? They do have a much better guy to replace him in Vollmer. Maybe they can trade Light and pick up a third round pick.
March 6th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I’m very happy we re-signed NT Vince Wilfork! But, at this point I don’t see us using the 3-4 Defense! Without a dominating OLB as a pass rusher its really useless! So that makes me think,how is Wilfork gonna be as a DT? Its not the same as a NT,different assignments,more in/out type rushing.Also,who’s gonna play next to him in the 4-3? Mike Wright is good, but at 6′4 295 he’s not a big enough guy to throw Offensive linemen around!Ron Brace,he’s got all the tools,6′2 330 and strong as hell,huge arm’s! However,last season he started 3 of the last 4 games because of injury to Wilfork,he didn’t do well at all! What can we do?
March 6th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
OK. I’m sorry but i’m not so impressed that we signed Vince, granted its nice thats the PATS paid money to somebody for once, but I would rather have Peppers or Dansbury, and rely on the rest of the deffensive line to step up their game. I don’t think that kid from Michigan will be there at 22, and PATS don’t like to move up to get their player. The Jets will win the AFC east this year. Get ready to see green PATS fan, cause the PATs don’t like to pay much green….
March 6th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I EAT MY WORDS we sighned Big Vince and a couple other good choices Now bring Le Kevin Smith back and get a good corner and were in business I’m happy were getting rolling in the F/A market. Bodden to many injuries Walter the Texans second receiver keep an eye on him GO PATS
March 6th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
I’m happy we got all three back. Peppers and Boldin seem like really good people to get but if you break it down maybe its better we did not waste money on them. I do think that the Pats need to make some more moves to get the team better for next year but i have a feeling that will come in the draft. The pats will make some random signs that will work out in the long run, i wouldnt be surprised if We trade our first for a 2nd for this year and next or something like that. What ever gets us back to the SB i’m all for
March 6th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I am thrilled at the three resignings. I knew something would get done with Wilfork but for it to be just days after he was tagged is shocking though awesome! I am though hugely surprised that the Pats couldn’t trade one of their second round picks to Arizona for Boldin. This might be like the Pats trade for Moss. Oh well, bring it on Ravens! For sure we won’t be embarrassed on our turf like that again.
March 6th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Sounds like Leigh Bodden is next for the Pats!!
March 6th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
…. It was good to see the guys get taken care of… However I was bummed to see Boldin slip through for the price the Ravens paid… Something of note is the Bears signed the SD TE so perhaps that means they are gonna move Olson… Or perhaps thay see Golden Tate as being the answer @22 when they pick in the 1st round… Of course that means thet are gonna have to put some passing plays into the playbook for TE’s…. Moss, Endleman, Tate and Olson would give Brady some decent targets….
March 6th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
someone just wrote that the 3-4 defence is useless without a dominant outside linebacker. I dont remember the pats ever having a ‘dominant’ olb. vrabel and mcginest were never dominant pass rushers, they were solid and we won 3 super bowls. we need alot of help but at the position lets not start goin crzy here cuz we didnt get peppers, lets see what b.b. does in the draft, weve certainly got the ammo to trade up and get who we want
March 6th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I’m not sure the Pats realize the Free Agency season has started. I see several teams moving to improve their rosters to include the Jets and Dolphins while the Pats read the obituaries carefully looking for players they can raise from the dead like Patton. OK VW re-signed great now what?
March 6th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I think everyone needs to relax. Peppers is not worth the money he got. I would be disgusted if we shelled out that money. There are games where he disappears completely. He has NEVER played OLB in a 3-4, so it would be a HUGE RISK and there is no guarantee he can make the transition. So we would be paying $12 to $15 a year for a project?!? That’s not smart business. I actually want us to do a sign and trade with Oakland for Kirk Morrison to be our ILB next to Mayo, with Guyton filling in. I think that not everyone understands that you have to do what makes sense for your team and for the organization. It would great to have got Boldin or Peppers, but Boldin wanted Moss money and Peppers wanted way too much. Both players are 30 years old and have maybe 3 good seasons left. I would rather see us find a one or two year fix for a lot less money and develop a young draft pick behind them that can play for 10 years. Jason Taylor would be a nice fit for the locker room/starting lineup. Derrick Mason too. We really just need to re-sign Bodden and then we can consider new deals for Brady and Mankins. I think that as long as we draft well, this team will be a contender. We can draft a TE/make a trade for one and draft a young OLB to develop, as well as young WRs, and offensive lineman. I would love if we somehow got Brandon Graham, Terrence Cody, Golden Tate, and C.J. Spiller or one of the top RB’s, and one of the top TE’s like Gresham.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:09 am
I am happy with the re-signings. It’s not realistic to expect the Pats to sign all those big name players out there. Dansby is now the highest paid ILB, Peppers is one of the highest paid LBs. I say they should try to sign Antonio Bryant. With Brady throwing him the ball he could be a great WR. If not Bryant, they could try for Marshall if they don’t have to give up too much. If they can’t sign either, I would find a way to get Golden Tate in the draft.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:23 am
I love the know it all’s here. We will suck,the Jets and Dolphins will beat us. Kraft and Belichick didn’t fall off the turnip truck people. Brandon Tate may be a very productive receiver like we have seen in the past with givens and YES even a young Patten. The Pats will make the right moves forward. And you may all be right, we may not win the Superbowl this year. But we won’t be a 8-8 team either. What we will be is a younger team built for years to come. I never beleived the Pats under Tom Brady and Bill would win 10 superbowls, but I feel we will winner another in the next 2 years. You people should be happy we have the team we do. I grew up being a Pats fan in the 80’s and I never dumped on them once. Seems to me there are alot of fairweathered fans here.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Great signings to bring team guys back. That’s how we won superbowls. Next big move is to bring coaches back. Why not sign McGinest and Bruschi? They understand the system.
How many super bowls has Moss delivered??
March 7th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Hey, Brandon in FLA: sometimes good guys do win Super Bowls….in reference to your comments about Stephen Neal, yes we watched the game againts the Giants….maybe you didn’t notice that Neal was not on the line that you comment “got schooled” during that game due to a knee injury early in the game…in my opinion, the line has always performed better when he is in the game! He truly is a nice guy and deserving of the respect the Patriots have extended him. Guys like him that are true team players help make the team better. He was on several of the winning super bowl rosters, so yes, sometimes good guys do win super bowls!
March 7th, 2010 at 9:09 am
It sounds like Brendon in Fla, is a Dolphin Phan…”IN BILL WE TRUST”
The Pats are doing what “Needs” to be done, and that’s retaining all their play makers… According to NFL.com this draft is one of the best in a long time, so, that being said, we should go after players in the draft…My point is, what did A. D. do for us after giving him a big money package, and what did Hainsworth do in Washington last year with all his money????
March 7th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
My biggest gripe with the Pats, and I’ve been following them since they were formed in ‘60, is Running Back. I find it so hard to believe that they STILL have L. Maroney!!! I can’t understand why people seem to think he is so good. Overall, at best, I consider him mediocre. Also don’t feel that RB, by having 3 or 4 people rotating out is all that great. If you have a good/decent RB, and a back-up, you’ll probably pay as much as having 3 or 4 mediocre RB’s, but MAYBE, a chance to have a real pile-driver!!!
March 7th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
I agree as far as Boldin and Dansby goes, Boldin is injury prone. But as far as Marshall goes, we need to get this beast. I’ve been thinking, is there a possibility of trading Moss with a pick for Marshall. Would Denver be interested in Moss?
Kampan signed with Jaguars. Let’s grab Merriman and/or Dummervil. Because next season will look exactly like this past one, no sacks, no pressure, plenty of time for QB’s to disect the D right and left.
March 7th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I am okay with the fact that we haven’t made a big splash in free agency and picked up a Chester Taylor or Julius Peppers. Rather happy that they spent it on retaining Wilfork and, to a lesser degree, Banta-Cain.
What will however piss me off totally is if the Pats trade down in the draft looking for “value”. My dad uses to say “For peanuts, you get monkeys” and that is pretty true of our draft class over the last 5 years. The last great “value” we ever got in a lower round was a QB called Tom…
It doesn’t happen all the time. So please Kraft/Bellichick trust your scouts and pay the kids some money and draft some “talent” instead of “value”
Jets are making moves, as are the Dolphins. It will be a while before the Bills get relevant again. Pats however cannot stand pat (pardon the pun).
Just feeling disgruntled!
March 7th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Vlad…The Patriots are not going to sign Marshall or Dumervil. They are not going to give up multiple early round picks and pay top dollars for a WR that causes trouble or an undersized OLB. They would rather just try to get somebody in the draft and pay them a rookie salary. Welker was an exception because he was only a 2nd rounder and a reasonable contract. I would be shocked if they went after any RFA that ws tendered with a 1st round pick
March 7th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
a perfect example of value in late rounds of the draft is julian edelman. the signing of vince tully and stephan are very good, and i feel like it does show our younger players that if you work hard you will be rewarded.
in my mind the patriots are doing the right thing by trying to get bodden back and just waiting till the draft come, everybody just feel for all the hype on julius peppers and whoever watched kampman he isnt a 3-4 guy. Merriman isnt attractive to after seeing what kind of pass rush is in this years draft. i am really excited about brandon graham and other prospects in the draft. i say brandon graham because he is peoples pick for the pats to pick. the patriots only glaring hole in my mind on the defensive side is the pass rush if we get bodden back are secondary is good it is just that we dont have a very fast pass rush so quarterbacks have all day to throw. on offense i actually like the running back community we have so many of them i dont know about you guys but fresh running backs are some of the funnest players to watch we just need to stay healthy. alright maybe the phisical running style should speed up a little maybe find somebody who can get to the edge and give us more big play capability. now to receiver, moss, and welker are very good maybe it is time to start trying to replace moss but we are good there for now. we are all so worried about a 3rd receiver but think about it once welker is back edelman and welker could be on the feild all at the same time. two welkers on the feild teams have troubles stopping one welker throw moss in there and you have an explosive offensive attack. last season i feel like we never really used edelman unless welker was injured. i was a little upset about that. if we need another wide out why dont we just use brandon tate and use the four receiver set. tate in my mind was a first round draft prospect, due to injury he wasnt. sam aiken even showed he is relibile at times when called on, but if the patriots look for a receiver i would go for a guy by the name of vincent jackson, and not brandon marshall. i didnt really look into this one though i am not sure what vincent is tagged with but he doesnt come with all that baggage brandon does. but all i am say is the patriots need there draft picks and to stay in the first round and if the have to trade down the board to get the best pass rusher in the draft like brandon graham.
also i feel like the pats have to trade A-D to the jets i am sick of him being a disappointment to this team. my only problem with this team is the pass rush it make our dbs look like garbage. tully and vince were great but the draft has to hurry up and come. oh yeah we gotta find one more vollmer the we will have a great o line.
bill and robert did a good job keeping the only leadership on the d lets get some more of that to.
p.s you guys looking for another football analisist haha seems like i am doing a good job just like all of you guys keep it up.
March 7th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
For RB, I hope the Pats go after Pierre Thomas. He would only take a 2nd round pick and he’s only 25. I doubt they will find someone better in the draft in the second round.
March 7th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
great for Wince, great for the Pats, great for Stephen and Tully. Is it enough to keep winning?
March 7th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
it great deal but i advise the pats to go for L.T. they need a serious playmaking running back like him
March 7th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
The pats started slow did a house cleaning, and now will shop for help, Josh Reed is in for a visit not a bad third receiver I trust they will really do what’s best to win, don’t really see them trading down……unless the player they covet is gone…Brandon Grahm of Michigan
March 7th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Vlad, I strongly disagree that we “need” to get Merriman or Dumervil or Marshall. Merriman and Dumervil, if we were to sign them, would cost us a 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick, which we actually don’t have any this year. Marshall would cost us a 1st rounder, and he’s a cancer-he was in McDaniels’ dog house to start and end the year. He wouldn’t last with Bellichick. It would be another Adalius situation. What we do need to do is draft better, which last year we did. We definately acquired a solid group of players in last year’s class, and as long as we keep that up and sign solid veterans to mentor and start for us, we will get back to the promise land. I would actually like to see a Derrick Mason signing personally. He’s a leader and a tough, durable WR. We would spend half the money on him as we would need to for Marshall and he comes with more experience and leadership.
March 7th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Yet another year we miss out on Peppers.
March 8th, 2010 at 12:10 am
Get Marshall. He’s ripe for the picking. He’s a BEAST plain and simple. He’s a 1st down specialist and it takes two to tackle him. I know Bill LOVES this guy. Do a sign and trade. I can be done and lets snag Chester Taylor too!!
March 8th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Wow well i know 1 thing that the jets gana be all over us this year with the lack of good players we have…..
March 8th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Good that Pats resigned most of their key players. Not signing Bodden would be bad news. The team needs to concentrate on getting MUCH better on Defense. Right now they are falling behind other teams (besides Jets/Mia). They need to get much better on D, in order to compete with Saints, Minn, Dal,Indy.. Right now they are probably ranked 7-10th overall in the league..
March 8th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Thomas to Jets for Vernon Gholston?!!! are you kidding me? why don’t you rather hand out the defense’s playbook to Rex Ryan!? isn’t enough for you having to change the signal calling for a game because some backup QB ended up with the JETS?? honestly, people sometimes just forget about basics in Football trades. YOU NEVER TRADE STARTING PLAYERS TO TEAMS IN YOUR DIVISION!!!
March 8th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
glad we kept productive players. there are a lot of holes still to be filled.starting to see the same attitude as other boston sports teams.(sold out.. ..so why go all out). I wonder if the hunger to win it all is gone. maybe empty seats can cure the soft approach. whatever happened to the KRAFT whatever it takes ? is it the coach or the owner <
March 8th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
one more thought…. is it do just enough to be competitive and fill the seats ? Once a team wins for a few years they need to re-load.the yankees know they make more money when they win and it doesn,t take them long to re-load. I hope the patriots are the evil empire of football.
March 8th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I Definately go for a new house in this draft, stop pursuing guys in the free market. It is time to go from cero and rebuild this team with NEW players, let it be recievers, defensive backs, Running backs and pass rushers. I’ve said before and will say it again: The ONLY guy for whom I will trade higher in the draft is TAYLOR MAYS. He is a natural DESTROYER, ball skills? well, look at the combine workouts and tell me. Move Pat Chung to corner and returner, keep Butler as CB, Mix Sanders with Mays as Safeties and also trow Merriwether for some extra coverage options or even to corner. I’m telling you, IT wont be long before Mays knocks someone off his feet in the NFL I only pray it isn’t one of our recievers in case we don’t get him.
March 8th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Enough with the Merriman talk, take a look at what he’s done since he got caught juicing and the blew out his knee. There’s a reason SD has no interest in retaining him. And the last great value? What about Edelman? Vollmer? Pryor? That’s just last year. What about Guyton? You people forget that a lot of these drafts that you talk badly about came when this team was the hands down best in the league. Not easy for a rook to make the teams of 2003-2007 that was laden with high quality veteran depth. Yet still we got Meriweather, Sanders, Mayo, Warren…stop complaining and stop wanting to look at FA to win, that’s not how the NFL works.
March 8th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
God I hate Free Agency.
Especially on this blog.
We get a normal, good article about the very good Wilfork deal.
Then, we get 50 of the 70+ comments discussing moronic trades, over-reactions to not getting players.
One person suggesting Le Kevin Smith and a Cornerback will bring us the Superbowl. Hell, we had Asante and Le Kevin and still lost.
Andy:
1) Mike Bell. Saints tendered him at the lowest level. Worth a try? Young and a hard runner. Cut Taylor and use this guy and Maroney.
2) Antonio Bryant. Two year deal with an option on a 3rd.
3) Bodden. Sign the guy for decent money for 3 years. Likely gives him 1 more shot at free agency.
Then draft Odrick to sure up the D-Line for the 3-4.
And then get the pass-rusher we all want. Hell, get 2 of them and lets see what Crable can do as well.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
We made it without big names to the play off please find more weapons for Brady to throw too and run more & defense did good jus have to be more consistent.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Enough with the “undersized OLB” talk, same talk that preceded the Freeney draft and some other players, who only later end up being good/great players. I believe Dumervil’s knock was his size as well, he went in 4th round. Man was playing like a beast in college but apparently his size was a big no-no. How many NFL teams would love to have a time machine now. What does it matter if Dumervil is undersized, dude is a beast.
Don’t worry about Marshall. I couldn’t stand Moss either with his shannanigans, but once he came here……..you know the story.
With draft you don’t know what you are getting, so why not replace a draft pick with a proven player when the said player is available. Maybe they can work out a trade with Chargers, same way Jets did, to get Merriman for cheap. You have to realize that without any serious sack threat, next season would be the repeat of the past one, maybe even worse.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Some thoughts. Overall relieved we resigned TBC, Neal and Vince. I know Pats Fans were hoping for a big splash for a big name in the FA market (Peppers) but we can overlook the big names right here at home. Go listen to NY sports radio (I get to hear this every day). What the Jets would do for Tully as an pass rusher? Jets fans feel they are ONE player on D away from the SB.
Anyhow whats left in the FA market is role players/depth and washed up talent.(not including the Jets Thomas Jones) Please BB stay away from Merriman and LT!! I would be shocked if LT has anything at all left in the tank.
Our RB situation is tragic. It seems sacreligious to even say the K. Faulk simply doesnt scare anyone at all. His YPC avg is misleading running so many draw plays and 3rd and 12 runs that the D gives him 6 yards. Morris at 31 has had “moments” and has heart but the body has given out on him. Moroney? Cant believe he is STILL at Pat. Hopefully we can trade him for a draft pick? Would love to see TJ in a #20 Pats uni. this fall.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Pascal, I agree with you 100%… It’s the draft that is going to have us challenging for the championship again, not high payed over the hill players like we payed for in Adalius Thomas…He’s a whinner and he doesn’t fit in B.B.’s plan, plain and simple!!!
Draft young kids that want to play for Bill and are willing to “listen” and “DO YOUR JOB”!!!!
March 9th, 2010 at 9:59 am
at the very least, lets go get Ryans (MLB-HOU) and draft Shipley (WR-TEX) Vincent Jackson may be too costly, besides we might be able to trade up to get Dez Bryant (WR-OKLST) in the first.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:07 am
come on patriots we need another DB do us all a favor and sign marlin jackson, deshea townsend or gebril wilson. it wouldnt be bad to have joey porter or antonio pierce either were taking this free agent thing way too slow
March 10th, 2010 at 8:27 am
i agree with andy cut taylor and get mike bell or ladanian thomplinson. im not really impressed with brain westbrook
March 10th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I hope Bill B. sees the need for the Pats to aquire, not 1, but 2 tough, strong running backs. We gotta have ‘em if we hope to be a contender.