On To The Offseason… Top 5 Patriots Issues / Concerns

This is kind of early, but I see no point in looking back and reflecting on yesterdays game against the Colts.  The Pats lost and thats that.

1. RE-SIGN ASANTE SAMUEL!

Yesterday, he proved even further that he is a shut down corner.  Does anyone know if we can still resign him under this years salary cap?  I know the Buccaneers did something similar with Chris Simms, but does it still apply?  If someone could clear this up for me, that would be great.

2. Just Find Out About Belichick’s contract situation…

The big rumor is that Belichick’s contract is expiring after the season.  If it is, we need to just resign him.  There is the possibility that he may want to leave.  He’s won 3 superbowls and 5 division titles in 7 years with the Patriots.  There isn’t anything more he can accomplish.  He might just feel it is time to move on, if he does, don’t be expecting more than 9 wins next year, because we likely won’t get it.

3. Bring in Veteran and Rookie Receiver Help

It is critical that we get some help at wideout this offseason.  I don’t really need to say it, because after Ricochet (off his hands) Reche Caldwell dropped those 2 passes late, it became obvious he shouldn’t be the go to guy.  Jabar Gaffney has shown some promise, and Chad Jackson is a hard worker (he really is for those who don’t think so, if you want me to give evidence, I will), but it’s not enough.  Troy Brown has likely played his last game in the NFL, so we’re going to need somebody with soft hands to replace him.  The top free agents seem to be Kevin Curtis (ufa), Drew Bennett (ufa), and Patrick Crayton (rfa).

4. We Still Need Help in The Secondary

It seems no matter what, every year, this becomes an issue…  This will be an even bigger issue if the Patriots can’t resign Asante.  We could have signed him for one or two million a year at the start of the year, but now it will take 8 or 9 million a year.  I think drafting a 1st round defensive back is a priority no matter what.  I think the Patriots might be interested in safety Michael Griffin.

5. Keep Our Veterans

I couldn’t get any info on Corey Dillon’s contract situation, but I think there may be a team option after this season.  I really think the Patriots need to keep Dillon no matter what.  He is a straight ahead runner, and had a really great year with us.  Yesterday, he was productive because he is a north south runner.  The Colts are a fast defense, and converged on Maroney, but couldn’t on Corey.  Corey is essential to this team, and I hope we keep him as a compliment to Maroney.  There is also rumor of Tedy Bruschi retiring, which would be heartbreaking to the team.  I think it would also be nice to keep longtime veterans Vinny Testaverde and Junior Seau.  If there is anything to keep Troy Brown from retiring, even if it is extra incentives, I think the Patriots should bite for it.