What's Next?
To many fans’ surprise, the Patriots have been one of the most active teams thus far in free agency. Here’s a quick recap of the moves they’ve made:
- Signed free agent outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain
- Signed Future Hall of Fame running back Fred Taylor to a 2 year, $5 million deal.
- Signed an all-around solid tight end in Chris Baker to a 5 year, $14 million deal.
- Traded quarterback Matt Cassel and outside linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs for the 34th overall pick.
- Re-signed starting safety James Sanders to a 3 year, $9 million deal
- Also re-signed Russ Hochstein, Pierre Woods, Chris Hanson, and Eric Alexander
- Signed free agent cornerback Shawn Springs
- Acquired wide receiver Greg Lewis and a 2010 seventh round pick from the Eagles in exchange for a fifth r0und pick this year.
- Have lost Lamont Jordan, Jabar Gaffney, Lonnie Paxton, and Heath Evans to free agency
And while the Patriots have clearly been very active, they’re also clearly not done making moves yet. They still have needs. Here’s a quick look:
- Cornerback – The Patriots only have four on the roster, and would definitely take some help back there.
- Safety – The Patriots have James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather as their starters, but there is a gaping hole for one more. The Patriots would likely want a hard hitting strong safety here (maybe Rodney Harrison, although he might retire).
- Wide Receiver – The Patriots, in my opinion, now have three legitimate options at the position with the addition of Greg Lewis. Yet, they still need help. Maybe an Aaron Kelly type through the draft would help.
- Offensive Line – The Patriots have several lineman who expire after 2009, and do need some young help here at all 5 positions.
- Defensive Line – Richard Seymour and Jarvis Green both expire after 2009. Mike Wright is an unrestricted free agent.
- Outside Linebacker – Mike Vrabel is gone, which currently leaves either Pierre Woods, Tully Banta-Cain, or Shawn Crable to start at this spot.
- Inside Linebacker – Bruschi is obviously at an age where he can’t play that many snaps. The Patriots have Gary Guyton, who is a great role player and could maybe one day be a starter, but another bonafide inside-backer could help.
- Quarterback – Is Gutierrez suitable as a number 3? If not, the Pats may look for veteran help.
- Fullback – Heath Evans is unfortunately a New Orleans Saint. That means the Pats don’t have a traditional blocking back. They might look to pick one up at some point this offseason.
These positions are all needs and I suspect the Patriots will likely address each of them at some point this offseason, whether it be through a free agent signing or the draft.
What do you think is the most important? Who should the Pats pick up? When? Discuss.
Reader Comments
Nice overview. I think getting an elite safety and CB would make the biggest difference at this point. Then look at shoring up the offensive line. The other pieces aren’t as important.
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Biggest thing we need right now is an outside linebacker, imo.
Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers would do. If not through free agency, then I would target Larry English for Northern Illinois.
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I would say the Pats definitely need to focus on their LBs and DBs. Jason Taylor would be a nice pick-up but Peppers will cost too much and will demand a hefty contract as well. I would like them to sign Bodden for some depth at CB and for them to re-sign Harrison. Looking at the draft, I’d love for them to draft James Laurinatis or Larry English if either are available, then focus on the secondary in the second round.
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