Hold off on the celebration for now, but it looks like Bodden is returning

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports:

Free-agent cornerback Leigh Bodden has reached an agreement in principle to return to the New England Patriots, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports.

Bodden, who spent today in Houston visiting the Texans, had also been keeping an open dialogue with the Patriots. While an agreement in principle has been reached with New England, Bodden’s agent, Alvin Keels, cautioned that no contract has been signed at this point.

“Reports of Leigh Bodden re-signing with the Patriots are not true and premature at best,” Keels wrote on his Twitter account. “Leigh is still evaluating his options. Leigh has always indicated his desire to return to New England, but nothing is official and probably will not be until [tomorrow] at the earliest.”

Essentially, what Keels is saying is that the two sides have a deal in place, but Bodden has yet to sign the actual contract, meaning nothing is official as of yet.  If this is true, and barring any hiccups in the contract being signed, bringing back Bodden will be huge for the Patriots.

Bodden, in my opinion, is a #1 cornerback in this league.  To prove this to you, I bring in data from ProFootballFocus.com.  According to their rankings, Bodden was the 14th best cornerback in the league last year.  He was 13th best against the pass and 13th against the run.  Only 50% of passes thrown his way were completions, good for tenth in the league.  Lastly, his average QB rating of all passes thrown his way was just 59.3, good for 13th in the league.  What does all of this tell us?  It tells us that Bodden is a top 15, starting, #1 cornerback in this league.  With his blend of physical play at the line, his excellent man coverage, and ability to step up against the run, the Patriots will be lucky to have Bodden back in the fold.

With a potential return of Bodden, the Patriots would have him, Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley, and Kyle Arrington on the roster at the position.  Bodden would be starting on one side, while Springs, Wilhite, and Butler would battle it out for the other starting position (although Butler and Wilhite will have to man the slot position as well).

If the agreement holds, this move will really solidify the Patriots’ secondary.

While the Patriots have shown interest in retaining Bodden, losing him would create a need at cornerback for the Patriots, as the Patriots can’t rely on Shawn Springs to go a full 16 games at this point in his career.  Currently, the top three cornerbacks on the roster are Springs, third year cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, and last year’s rookie Darius Butler.

Free agent wide receiver Josh Reed has scheduled a visit to New England.

A league source tells PFT’s Mike Florio that Reed will visit the Patriots on Sunday.

Reed is coming off a season in which he was largely phased out of the Bills’ offense, catching just 27 passes for 291 yards.

In 2008 Reed had a career-high 597 receiving yards on 56 catches.

If the Patriots signed Reed, he would immediately be penciled in as the #3 receiver until Wes Welker gets back from injury. He’s also a strong veteran presence and a good locker room guy, traits the Patriots need.  More on this later as details emerge.

Caption This! | Courtesy Boston Globe

Christopher Price of WEEI.com reports:

WEEI.com has confirmed a report via a league source that the Patriots have expressed an interest in bringing back Le Kevin Smith. Smith, a defensive lineman who was taken by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2006 draft, played three years in New England before being dealt to Denver before the start of the 2009 season for a fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. Primarily a backup over the course of his four-year career, the 27-year-old free agent has started a pair of games in the NFL. His best season came in 2008 when he played in 15 games and finished with 14 tackles.

Le Kevin was actually a favorite of mine when he was here.  Not a top end guy, but a good rotation player who is best suited playing 5-technique, but can also move over the center.  If the Patriots brought him back, he would compete in camp, and would provide some nice depth along the defensive line.

The Patriots have an offer on the table for Panthers DE Julius Peppers, a source told the Boston Herald.

How much is not clear. And the Patriots will need to get behind the Bears, who made first push. But coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots are in the mix.

All the signs pointed towards Peppers landing with the Bears, and now, I really just don’t know.  If Julius Peppers truly wants to win a championship, and potentially become an all-time great, the choice should be a no-brainer for him.  I don’t know if the Patriots are matching the Bears’ offer, but these next few hours will certainly be interesting.

Update: This is also being reported by Jason La Canfora of NFL.com

With Banta-Cain, all indications are that a deal is in place (or at least very close), although Banta-Cain, who had a career high 10 sacks last season, may be enticed by a big money offer from a team like the Dolphins.

The Patriots have also been working the lines with Leigh Bodden.  It seems like he’s getting a lot of interest around the league.  Ultimately, I think the Patriots want Bodden back in New England, and Bodden wants to return so I think something should get done.  However, if a team gives him a big time offer, in the 5 years $40 million range, the Patriots may choose not to match.

As for Kevin Faulk, it seems like a virtual certainty that something should get done soon, as both sides continue to work towards a deal.  At the tail end of his career, Kevin Faulk has been very effective, and may be looking for a bit of financial security.

A few other free agent notes from around the league:

• The Jets completed a trade for Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie.  To be honest, I’m not sure Cromartie is any better than Lito Sheppard.  At least Lito Sheppard can tackle.  Look, this is probably a good deal for the Jets, but the guy isn’t a physical player, and he was greatly overrated during his “great” year in 2007.
• Julius Peppers is flying into Chicago to visit with the Bears today.  Looks like he will probably sign there.  However, there is said to be interest from two other clubs as well.  Could be the Patriots, but I have a feeling they will try to wait until the dust settles on this one.
• The Patriots are looking for a receiver, and have a couple on their radar: Derrick Mason and Kevin Walter.
• Kassim Osgood, a potential Pats FA target, looks to be headed to Jacksonville.
• Bears also signed Brandon Manumaleuna, one of the top free agent tight ends.  Also in negotiations with Antrel Rolle.  They’re not messing around.  Big start for them.

That’s it for right now.  I’m sure there will be some Patriots related news by the end of the day, so keep checking back here.

For the tenders, Logan Mankins received the highest possible tender, as it will take a first and a third round pick to pry him from the Patriots.  Kicker Stephen Gostkowski received a second round tender.  While Gostkowski likely won’t be signed to an offer sheet, I wouldn’t count out the possibility.  Outside linebacker Pierre Woods received the lowest possible tender, meaning the Patriots have the right to match any tender he signs, but since he was an undrafted free agent, they would get no compensation if he signed an offer sheet with another team and the Patriots chose not to match.

However, the surprising move out of the Patriots camp today was the release of veteran tight end Chris Baker.  Baker was a “prized” free agent addition on the first day of free agency last year, and I’m surprised to see him cut after only one year.  Baker played a lot for the Patriots, and while he wasn’t used as a receiver very often (only 14 grabs), he did manage to do a decent job as a blocker.

Baker’s release is coupled with the impending free agency of tight end Benjamin Watson.  Watson, 29, is coming off another year where he showed flashes, but never put it together consistently.  Maybe the Patriots are going to sign an extension with Watson, but it seems like Watson is intent on testing the open market.  Possibly, although I think unlikely, the Patriots are getting prepared to ship one of their second round picks to Chicago for tight end Greg Olsen.

No matter the case, the Patriots are clearly going to have a large turnover at the tight end position this offseason.

A.J. Feeley, QB, Carolina Panthers – It looked at one time last year that New England would land Feeley via trade from Philadelphia.  Once he was a free agent, the Patriots never pulled the trigger.  But if the Patriots are looking for a solid veteran presence, Feeley could still be an option. Other QB Options: Charlie Batch, Chris Redman, Chad Pennington

LaMont Jordan, HB, Denver Broncos – LaMont Jordan was a great power back for the Patriots in 2008.  Maybe its possible the Patriots revisit that route.  Other HB Options: Willie Parker, Thomas Jones, Chester Taylor

Kassim Osgood, WR/ST, San Diego Chargers – Special teams phenom will not return to San Diego.  At 6-5, hasn’t really excelled at receiver, and wants a chance to.  Has reported interest in New England.  Other WR Options: Marty Booker, Josh Reed, Derrick Mason, Kevin Walter, Kelley Washington

Stephen Spach, TE, Arizona Cardinals – Spach spent time with the Patriots a couple of years ago.  He is a good blocking tight end who could provide some depth for the Patriots if Ben Watson bolts as expected.  Other TE Options: Randy McMichael

Russ Hochstein, G/FB, Denver Broncos – If Stephen Neal leaves the Patriots, the Pats will be looking for some interior line depth (as Kazcur will likely switch over to RG).  Bringing back Hochstein would allow him to backup at guard and center, while also playing a fullback/h-back role for the Patriots.

Tyler Brayton, DE, Carolina Panthers – At 6-6, 280 pounds, Brayton could probably play 5-technique for the Patriots in the 3-4, but would also have the versatility to play end in the 4-3.  Other DL Options: Phillip Daniels, Marques Douglas, Vonnie Holliday, Marcus Spears

Jason Taylor, OLB, Miami Dolphins – If the Patriots don’t go after Julius Peppers, bringing in Jason Taylor as a veteran presence at outside linebacker could certainly be an option for the Patriots.  Other LB Options: Julius Peppers, Mark Andersen, Gary Brackett, Keith Bulluck, Chike Okeafor, Pago Togafau

Nick Harper, CB, Tennessee Titans – Harper might be up there in age, but he had a solid year in 2009 for the Titans.  Could be brought in as a veteran presence in camp.  Other DB Options: Deshea Townsend, Ty Law, Lito Sheppard

The Julius Peppers Rumors Have Been Ongoing for over a Year

The event Patriots fans have waited nearly two months since the end of the season for will finally come to fruition, as NFL free agency will commence at midnight tonight.  That being said, one name that keeps being connected to New England is that of defensive end/outside linebacker Julius Peppers.

Julius Pepper is an athletic freak who can wreak havoc rushing the passer, take on double teams against the run, and is fluid enough with his basketball background to drop back in coverage.  But you already know this.  The big question is, will Julius Peppers land with the New England Patriots shortly after the clock strikes midnight tonight?

While I obviously can’t answer this yet, I can give you some food for thought.  There are only two players that I can remember being linked to the Patriots as much as Julius Peppers has.  The first was Randy Moss.  Back in 2006, around the trade deadline, there were plenty of rumors of how Randy Moss might wind up in New England.  While it ultimately didn’t happen that time around, during the draft in 2007, Moss was shipped for a fourth round pick.  The second player was Derrick Burgess.  The Patriots were a team whose name you heard back before the draft last year.  While the Patriots didn’t pull the trigger on a trade back then, they did at the start of August.  Does this mean that the Patriots will make a blockbuster offer to Peppers once the clock strikes midnight?  Not necessarily, but it certainly seems like the Patriots will be a contender for his services.

Lets also take a look at the top four “contenders” for Peppers’ services.  The four teams most commonly mentioned are the Redskins, Eagles, Bears, and the Patriots.  From early indications, it seems that the Redskins and the Bears may be willing to break the bank for Peppers.  However, Julius Peppers is 30 years old, and at this point in his career, he may be looking to win a championship.  While there are things I like about both of those teams, neither is ready to compete for a Super Bowl title just yet (although I don’t think the Redskins are as far away as most people think).  So if Peppers is looking to win now, that leaves the Patriots and the Eagles as his top two options, assuming he is willing to take a pay cut.  There are three things that I think could sway his mind towards New England.  First, the Patriots are running the 3-4.  Julius Peppers, in the past, has made it public that he would like to play for a 3-4 team.  Second, the Patriots are in the AFC, and I think that Peppers wants that type of fresh start.  Finally, the Patriots have been there before.  They’ve won it all.

If Peppers is willing to take a slightly lower contract, around $12-$13 million a year (a deal at four years and $50-$55 million), I think he could be the key piece to another New England Patriots Super Bowl title.  If the Patriots had swung a deal for Peppers last season, I wouldn’t have been shocked to see the Patriots win it all.  If Peppers is signed, the Patriots immediately become a top 5 team in the NFL again.  If Peppers can put it all together, give 100%, he is the missing ingredient the Patriots need.

Logistically, I don’t know if the Patriots can offer that blockbuster contract t0 Peppers.  They are still finalizing a long term deal with Vince Wilfork.  They have extensions to work on with Tom Brady and Logan Mankins.  But when there’s smoke, there’s fire.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Peppers in a Patriots uniform in 24 hours.  However, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see him in another.  There’s just over 12 hours until the new league year begins.  Get ready.

• Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan: Widely regarded as the top punter on the board, Mesko is widely regarded as the top punter in the draft, and can put good velocity on his kicks.  He is also a good pressure kicker, with the ability to angle kicks and pin opponents within the 20.  However, sometimes the spin on the ball is not what you would like to see, and he can struggle with his hang time.  The Patriots could draft Mesko in the sixth or seventh round, and he could come in right away and bring better production than Chris Hanson did.
• Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: Golden Tate is a high character guy who played under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame.  While he doesn’t have elite speed, he can build up speed and make catches downfield.  He is an excellent route runner, constantly finding ways to get open.  Also, he is not afraid to go over the middle for the tough catch, or make a block downfield on occasion.  After the catch, he has excellent strength and agility to pick up very yards; works like a halfback.  He is a football player, period.  But if the Patriots want him, they will likely have to take him when they pick at 22.
• Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinatti: While he needs to work on his route running and hands (can short arm some throws when he hears footsteps), Mardy Gilyard brings excellent athleticism to the table.  He finds ways to separate from defenders in the short area of the field, and once he makes the catch, he is extremely dangerous.  With some good coaching, he could be a great pick for the Patriots in the late second round, or third round if the Pats acquire a pick there.
• Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson: At 6-4, 250 pounds, Ricky Sapp will probably be playing with his hand off the ground at the pro level.  Sapp has good initial quickness off the edge, and excellent speed to get to the quarterback.  While he doesn’t have the strength to set the edge consistently on the edge at this point, he has many of the intangibles the Patriots look for in their edge linebackers, including size, speed, intelligence, and instincts.  The Patriots could pick Sapp up in the first round, or possibly early in the second round.
• Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech: Jonathan Dwyer is a big bruising back who played in the option offense at Georgia Tech.  He has great strength, and excels running downhill, but doesn’t have breakaway speed, and isn’t the most elusive back.  Dwyer’s stock has fallen a bit, so he could be around at 44 when the Patriots pick for the first time in the second round.
• Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss: McCluster is explosive.  While he is undersized for a running back, he is very fast, but even more quick (fastest 20 yard shuttle of all running backs).  He is a playmaker, period.  At the pro level, he could play as a slot receiver, return specialist, as well as a running back.  He also was a leader among running backs at the combine with 20 reps.  McCluster could be the type of playmaker the Patriots need, and if he’s around in the middle of the second round, he would be a solid choice.
• Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan: Graham, at about 6-1 and a half, is undersized when it comes to outside linebackers in the Patriots’ 3-4.  That doesn’t mean he can’t play the position, because he certainly can.  While he didn’t really get to perform in drills in the combine after injuring his hamstring during the 40, Brandon Graham is extremely explosive and athletic coming off the edge.  He is creative when it comes to getting to the quarterback, and he has shown the ability to shut down the run as well.  He would be a jack-of-all-trades at outside linebacker for New England, and I expect the Patriots to take a long look at him if he’s around at 22.
• Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama: Rolando McClain would be the perfect fit in New England.  Strong, athletic, has experience in the 3-4, incredibly smart, great instincts, a natural leader, and a playmaker.  The only problem is that McClain almost certainly won’t be around when the Patriots pick at 22.  The Pats would have to move up to get him.  However, he is one player I certainly wouldn’t mind the Patriots moving up to get.