Torry Holt is now a New England Patriot

The Patriots have added another piece to their wide receiver corps.  Today, the team inked a deal with free agent wide receiver Torry Holt. Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston reports:

The Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran wide receiver Torry Holt, according to a league source. ESPN’s John Clayton reports the deal could be worth up to $1.7 million.

The 33-year-old Holt played for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, totaling 51 receptions for 722 yards. Holt, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the St. Louis Rams, enters his 13th NFL season.

While Holt, who will turn 34 this Junes, won’t be an absolute game breaker for the Patriots, he still could have an impact.  He isn’t the dominating presence he once was in St. Louis, but he could step up and be a solid #3 for the Patriots.  The #3 that Jabar Gaffney was, and that Joey Galloway wasn’t.

Holt will compete with Brandon Tate and possibly a rookie for playing time.  The worst case scenario I see with Holt is him being a great 4th receiver.

This is a low risk, potential high reward deal.  If Holt can return to anything close to his 2007 form, the Patriots will have added another great weapon for quarterback Tom Brady.

The Patriots have signed veteran defensive tackle Damione Lewis

The Patriots have added a new face to their defensive line.  According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots have agreed to a contract with former Panthers and Rams defensive tackle Damione Lewis.

The deal will reportedly contain a low amount of guaranteed money, but shouldn’t be worth more than the $755,000 Lewis earned last season.

At 6′2″ and just over 300 pounds, Damione Lewis has played exclusively defensive tackle in the 4-3 for his career.  He has put up some decent sack numbers, but was primarily a run stuffer last year in Carolina when he started all sixteen games.  For the Patriots, Lewis should be able to play multiple positions.  While his size would project him the defensive end in the Patriots’ 3-4, he could probably slide inside over nose.  Assuming he makes the roster, the majority of his contributions will probably come as a rush defensive tackle in four man fronts, likely on third downs.

While this isn’t a blockbuster signing, it is certainly a solid pickup, as Lewis should be able to find himself a niche in the Patriots defensive line rotation.

Alge Crumpler joins a depleted Patriots TE Coprs

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today the signing TE Alge Crumpler. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Crumpler, 6-2, 262 pounds, is a veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2001-07) and the Tennessee Titans (2008-09). He has stated 122 of 139 regular season games and has accumulated 367 receptions for 4,691 yards with 37 touchdowns. Among active NFL tight ends, Crumpler (12.8) ranks second in average yards per reception to Antonio Gates (13.0). In addition to his pass-catching skills, Crumpler is also known for his physical presence at the line of scrimmage, helping the Falcons offense lead the NFL in rushing in three of his last four seasons in Atlanta.

Crumpler originally joined Atlanta as a second-round draft choice (35th overall) out of North Carolina in 2001. He signed with Tennessee as an unrestricted agent prior to the 2008 season. Crumpler earned four-straight Pro Bowl honors from 2003 through 2006. He enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2005 when he registered career-highs with 65 receptions for 877 yards. Crumpler followed that campaign with a career-best eight touchdowns in 2006.

Last season in Tennessee, Crumpler started 14 of 16 games and finished with 27 receptions for 222 yards and one touchdown.

Picking up Crumpler fills a huge need for the Patriots at tight end.  Crumpler is an excellent blocker, especially in the running game.  He is listed at 6′2″, 262, but it has been reported that at times he has weighed in at close to 300 pounds.  By bringing in Crumpler, the Patriots are bringing in not only a blocker, but someone who can contribute in the receiving game as well.  While Crumpler likely won’t be matching the production he had in Atlanta, he will get some opportunities to catch some passes.

In addition to his play on the field, Crumpler will also provide a great locker room presence for the Patriots.  All week, former coaches and teammates lauded Crumpler’s leadership, intelligence, and professionalism.  That’s the type of player the Patriots were missing last year, and hopefully, Crumpler’s leadership will help fill that void.

Now, the Patriots could choose to add another veteran tight end before the draft.  However, I think it’s more likely that the Patriots bring in a tight end in round two (Rob Gronkowski, Dennis Pitta, Dorin Dickerson), and possibly another in the 6th or 7th rounds.

Kevin Faulk Back in 2010 | Courtesy Patriots.com

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports:

The New England Patriots announced Wednesday afternoon that they’ve agreed to terms with running back Kevin Faulk.

The team did not release the terms of the deal, but a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter the deal was for one year and will be signed Thursday. Another source said that Faulk will receive a $1 million signing bonus and can earn an additional $2 million in salary and incentives.

Faulk, who has been with New England since 1999, has been one of the Patriots’ most reliable veteran receivers. While he’s slowed down a bit of late, he remains productive. Faulk averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, with 335 yards on 62 carries, while tying for fourth on the club with 37 receptions.

Another great deal for New England, as they return yet another key veteran from 2009.  Faulk, who will be 34 this coming season, hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.  Although he may be the oldest running back under contract in the NFL, Faulk has avoided the wear and tear of your typical every down back, and should be back to his usual third down and passing back role in 2010.

A lot of people were worried that, considering the time it took to get this deal done, Faulk might be contemplating other options.   However, that was never the case.  According to reports, Faulk deflected interest from up to five different teams (even receiving offers from the Redskins and Eagles), but never really considered leaving the Patriots.  2010 will be Faulk’s 12th year with the Patriots.  He still wants to win, and he still has a lot to offer.

Be Happy Big Daddy | Courtesy Patriots.com

The highly anticipated contract extension for Vince Wilfork is finally here.  And boy is it big.  According to multiple reports, the Patriots have inked Wilfork for five years at $40 million, with $25 million in guarantees.  $18 million will be in signing bonuses.

This is a huge move for the Patriots.  First, it sends a great message throughout the locker room, and gets rid of that perception that the Patriots “don’t pay.”  Clearly, after giving Wilfork the richest contract for a nose tackle in league history, the Patriots do pay for the right guys.  Vince Wilfork is the right guy.  The deal is also very reasonable.  At $8 million a year, the deal is slightly less than he would probably get on the open market, but he also gets all that money guaranteed, doesn’t have to adjust to a new location, etc.  By the time this deal expires, Vince Wilfork will be 33, but will have been a Patriot for 11 years.  At that point, there’s no telling what the Patriots roster might look like.  But if Vince continues to play the way he has, he will go down as one of the all-time Patriots’ greats.

Re-signing Stephen Neal will be an underrated move | Courtesy Patriots.com

The Patriots also made one more move on the opening day of free agency by signing guard Stephen Neal to a contract extension.  Neal, when healthy, is one of the best pass protecting guards in football.  Although he is 33, he is still very effective getting out on screens, and it is well documented that the Patriots line as a whole plays better when he’s in the lineup.

No word yet on what the contract will be for Neal,  but it will be interesting to see how the rest of the line shapes up now that he will be back.  The interior seems set: Logan Mankins will be back at left guard, Koppen at center, with Neal at right guard.  But there are a lot of questions surrounding the two tackle spots.  The two most talented tackles on the roster are Matt Light and Sebastian Vollmer.  However, the Patriots recently extended Nick Kaczur, who was expected to move to right guard if Neal retired or signed elsewhere.  The most likely option is that Light will continue to start on the left side, with Vollmer replacing Kaczur on the right, with Kaczur the team’s top backup.  However, there is a chance that the Patriots do ship one of their veteran tackles out of town, namely Light or Kaczur.  This will certainly be an area to watch heading further into the offseason.

Overall, this was a solid first day of free agency for the Patriots.  They re-signed three key players in Vince Wilfork, Tully Banta-Cain, and Stephen Neal.  While the Patriots didn’t bring in any outside help from the likes of Julius Peppers and Anquan Boldin, they secured three starters.  In the coming 48 hours, I’d expect them to move closer to a deal for Leigh Bodden.  After that, look for them to address the defensive line, wide receiver, and tight end through some low cost veteran additions.

TBC Against the Jets | Courtesy Patriots.com

The Patriots have made their first major move in free agency, and it involves keeping one of their own.  Today, the Patriots announced that they signed outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain to a three year contract extension.  The deal will be worth an average of $4.5 million a year, with incentives that could bring it up to $6 million per year.  The deal also includes a $6 million signing bonus.

My first reaction is that I’m just glad to have him back.  After seeing impact defensive players leave the Patriots year after year, its nice to see the Patriots hold on to Tully Banta-Cain, especially after losing out on the Julius Peppers sweepstakes.  While Banta-Cain isn’t the most effective player when it comes to setting the edge, he is very disruptive as a pass rusher.  He has an explosive first step, and has a good variety of pass rushing moves.

My second reaction is that this contract is pretty rich.  If Banta-Cain is clearly being paid like a starter, rather, a premier starter.  However, it is clear that the Patriots value his services, and think that he should be able to continue to produce at a high level next season and beyond.  Good for Tully.  He earned it.  And to think, this time last year, people thought he would be nothing more than camp competition.

By the way, check out the 8:15 mark of this video for one of Tully’s best plays from last season.

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.

David Patten in 2001 | Courtesy Patriots.com

Today, the Patriots announced the signing of 35 year old wide receiver David Patten.  While Patten was originally brought in to catch passes from Drew Bledsoe and not Tom Brady, by re-signing Patten, the Patriots add veteran leadership, depth to the receiving corps, and a player who could immediately re-establish a rapport with Tom Brady.

While Patten may not be as fast, quick, or explosive as he once was, he showed the team he had something left in the tank, as he was worked out before the signing.  Patten played his last year for the Patriots in 2004, a year he was second in catches, second in yards, tied for first in touchdown receptions, and was first in yards per catch, at 18.2.  After winning his third championship with the Patriots in 2004, Patten moved on to the Redskins, where he was injured for the greater part of his two seasons there.  Following that, he signed on with the Saints in 2007, having his best year since his time with the Patriots, hauling in 54 catches.  However, he was injured for most of 2008, and was released by the Browns this August.

Interestingly, before Patten signed with the Saints, the Patriots brought him in for a free agent visit.  Clearly, Bill Belichick appreciates what Patten can do for a team.  While we likely won’t see Patten repeating his remarkable performances from the 2001 playoff run, he definitely brings the right attitude and leadership to the locker room.  Patten certainly faces an uphill battle for a roster spot, however, he faced far worse odds coming in as an undrafted free agent for the Giants in 1997.  Don’t count Patten out.

Dear Friends, Fans, and Family,

I am writing you today to let you know how thankful I am for everyone’s support through this trying time.  Your phone calls, texts, emails, and letters are greatly appreciated. I thank God for the people that He has put in my life to help me overcome this obstacle that has been placed in front of me. Your thoughts and prayers are truly felt and will help me to a speedy recovery.

My good friend Tedy Bruschi said to me the other day “there is no career without a comeback.” Although, I know that it will take time to be the same player that I once was. I am ready to face that challenge, and in time, I plan on coming back the player I was and much more. This is not the first time that I have faced adversity in my career, and it won’t be the last. I am committed to this football team and doing everything possible to make us better. My teammates know my commitment to them, and I refuse to let them down. Just how I know that they wouldn’t let me down. They are here for me, just like I am there for them. Even though I won’t be on the field this post season, my heart will be with them through every snap!

I will continue to keep everyone informed on my status, and I thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

Wes

It is truly sad to see a player like Wes Welker go down, a player who signifies everything good about the game.  Seeing him in pain on the sidelines Sunday was very hard to watch.  But if anyone knows Wes, they know he will work as hard as possible to get back as soon as he safely can.

While losing Welker will be a tremendous blow to the team, the Patriots will not throw in the towel.  They are resilient.  Heck, they won 11 games in 2008 without perennial Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.  While the Patriots will have to turn to the likes of Ben Watson and Julian Edelman, with a Bill Belichick coached team, and Tom Brady under center, anything can happen in the postseason.

Additional Notes

• Taking the spot of Wes Welker, the Patriots elevated practice squad linebacker Thomas Williams to the active roster.  Williams was a 5th round pick out of USC in 2008 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.  He played six games as a rookie, but was released before the start of training camp.  At 6-1, 237, Williams will provide depth at inside linebacker, and could very well see time on special teams.
• The Patriots made a few other practice squad moves yesterday as well.  Wide receiver Darnell Jenkins was placed on the practice squad/injured list.  To fill the open spots, the Patriots signed wide receivers Robert Ortiz and Nick Moore.  Ortiz has been on and off the Patriots training camp rosters and practice squad the past couple of years.  Moore, the younger brother of Saints wide receiver Lance Moore, is a rookie free agent out of Toledo who spent time this year with the Vikings’ practice squad.  Both players should provide some depth in practice, to fill the void of Wes Welker and help on scout teams and such.
• Tom Brady was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year yesterday, taking 19 of the possible 50 votes.  Buccaneers’ running back Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was second in the voting, with 14.  Brady, after missing nearly the entire 2008 season, came back in 2009 and had one of the best years of his career, throwing 28 touchdowns and nearly 4,400 yards, while leading the Patriots to another AFC East crown, and the 3rd seed in the AFC.  Very well deserved.

The host of Versus’ “Sports Jobs with Junior Seau” is returning to his old job. On Tuesday, linebacker Junior Seau signed with the New England Patriots, for whom he played four games last season after coming out of retirement.

“I’m very fortunate and honored to be involved with two class organizations – the New England Patriots and Versus,” said Seau. ”I want to thank the management of both for making my return to the NFL with the New England Patriots a reality.”

This is Seau’s third return from retirement (or semi-retirement), and I really couldn’t be happier with the move.  At 40, Seau has lost a couple of steps, but he still can provide a lot to the Patriots.

For one, he can still be used on rushing downs.  He is still very strong and good at plugging gaps and making plays in the backfield.  He plays with a very high motor, and is one of the most emotional and fiery players in the game today.  Having him back in the locker room will make an instant difference for this ball club.  He is smart.  He knows everything about the game and will only help the development of the young guys like Jerod Mayo, Brandon Meriweather, Gary Guyton, Jonathan Wilhite, and others.

Ultimately, I think that Seau’s presence is exactly what this Pats defense has needed.  With his leadership and experience, combined with the way this defense is playing, maybe “we can finish what we started” and the Patriots can deliver Seau a Super Bowl ring in his 20th season.