The Patriots have placed tenders on three of their restricted free agents today. They also released veteran tight end Chris Baker.
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.
With free agency starting in just eight hours, I thought I would highlight a quick list of players that I think could go to the Patriots in the coming days.
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.
A few days into the combine, I thought now would be a good time to take a quick look at some of the players the Patriots have taken a look at during the combine. Note that this list is not final, there are many players that have been interviewed by the team not on this list. My goal here is to highlight a few players the Patriots have looked at, and to give you my initial thoughts on them.
- 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.
A little over a month ago, I speculated that former Patriots and free agent to be linebacker Mike Vrabel could make a return to the Patriots. Now, according to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, Vrabel would easily accept a return to the team he helped win three Super Bowls:
Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, a union player rep, has been in town at the NFL Scouting Combine taking part in meetings. Vrabel stopped for a chat with the Herald while he was in between sessions.Among the topics discussed was his pending free agency. While Vrabel said his first choice would be to return to the Kansas City Chiefs, he was open to other possibilities, including a return to New England, where he was part of three Super Bowl championships.
”I’d go back in a heartbeat. Why wouldn’t I?” Vrabel said in between sips of coffee. ”Put it this way, I’d go back, but I highly doubt they’d want me back.”
Vrabel was included in the trade which sent quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The Pats definitely missed his pass-rushing presence on the edge. While it appears he was traded for monetary reasons – Bill Belichick needed to make cap space to sign some players — Vrabel claimed he was never told a reason.
”I’m not too proud to say I’d go back there. But I still would,” he said. ”That’s Bill’s deal. Bill decides and makes those decisions and makes those calls. You’ll have to ask him. He didn’t give me a reason (why he traded me).”
So should the Patriots consider bringing Vrabel back?
I really think they should. While I don’t think the Patriots should be making a run at a bunch of older players, having a guy like Vrabel around would certainly help in the leadership department with Junior Seau retiring. Vrabel can still play on the edge, and can still get to the quarterback. However, his main asset would be his ability to set the edge against the run, something the Patriots’ outside linebackers couldn’t do very effectively this season. Vrabel could also play insider linebacker on running downs, playing on the strong side and eating up blocks, allowing Jerod Mayo to maximize his potential as a weak inside linebacker. Vrabel could also still come in on offense in goal line packages.
While I think it is still unlikely that the Patriots will bring Vrabel back, there is no question that Vrabel has certain skills and intangibles that the Patriots could certainly use.
Yesterday, Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his belief that the Patriots and recently franchised nose tackle Vince Wilfork were “close” on a deal.
“Vince was a priority. And we worked very hard and I think both sides have worked hard and I think we’re close and I hope we close something but in the end, he was our priority, the first priority… We have a number of other deals we’ve got to do. We’re going about building our team and I hope in this process we get to close this out. I know he’s a very important part of our team and I think we made an offer that can hopefully get it done.
Personally, I think an offer will get done sooner than latter, especially with today’s news that Steelers’ nose tackle Casey Hampton received a contract offer for 3 years and $21 million, with $11 million in guarantees. I wouldn’t be shocked to see an announcement early next week. Ultimately, I think the deal will land at five years, between $42 and $48 million, with around $25-$30 million in guarantees and bonuses.
In addition to commenting on the Wilfork situation, Robert Kraft also commented on the comments that Randy Moss made earlier this week about the Patriots, when Moss stated that the Patriots “don’t pay” and that he expected 2010 to be his last year with the team.
In any of the family businesses we’re in, we don’t go out and just try to spend money and always be the highest spender. We want to win. If you look collectively at an aggregate basis, we spend to be competitive but also anyone in your readership that has run a business knows that just spending wildly doesn’t mean you’re doing the right thing. You want to spend wisely and you want to spend with the right people… I didn’t interpret what he said as anti-Patriot, he’s a smart business man too. He’s getting himself positioned.
So there you have it. Stay tuned for a lot more on the combine, as here at PatriotsBlog.net, we’ll have constant updates on who the Patriots are looking at, what prospects we like, and we’ll wrap it up with a new mock draft immediately following the event early next week.
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.
- Vince Wilfork has been given the franchise tag | Courtesy Patriots.com
It’s official, the New England Patriots have placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Here is a quote from the Patriots’ official press release:
A long-term agreement with Vince Wilfork has been the team’s top contractual priority for some time. Unfortunately, despite numerous conversations and proposals, the goal has not yet been realized. Vince is a tremendous player for our team and remains a significant part of our future plans. It is because of Vince’s importance to this organization that we have assigned the franchise designation as we continue to work toward a long-term agreement. We are hopeful that Vince will remain a Patriot for many years to come.
Clearly, the Patriots are making it known, through this rather unusual press release (for their standards), that re-signing Vince is their number one priority. In fact, I think this will happen sooner than later (deadline is July). If Wilfork isn’t extended soon, it will show some serious disrespect to the guys in the locker room, and it would give Randy Moss’ claim that the Patriots “don’t pay” even more validity.
By receiving the franchise tag, Wilfork, if no extension was reach and he signed the tender, would make just over seven million this season. Wilfork is also free to negotiate a deal with any team he wishes. If that team signed him to an offer sheet, the Patriots would have seven days to match, or they could let him walk, but would get two first round picks in return. Because 2010 will be an uncapped year, the Patriots also still have the transition tag at their disposal.
Written by Stephen Verman
Much has been made of the Patriots lack of leadership this season after they performed below expectations in both the regular season and playoffs. By “below expectations,” of course we mean they failed to go 16-0 during the regular season and did not win the Super Bowl. For most NFL franchises, making the playoffs is seen as a successful season, and going to the Super Bowl a dream come true. For the Patriots, anything less than another ring is failure.
The Pats are the most scrutinized and despised team in the NFL, and for good reason. Four Super Bowl appearances and three victories within a decade are enough to make anyone jealous. Add on top of that “Spygate”, and an undefeated regular season where they frequently “ran up the score”, and you can see why NFL fans take exceptional delight in anything negative befalling the team. They leap at the chance to rub salt into the wounds. Any tough loss is a “choke.” An injury to one player becomes a “devastating blow.” Brady’s season in which he was coming off a horrific injury raises questions of whether he’s “become soft.” I welcome these misguided exaggerations. I want the Patriots to be written off. Leading the pack means you have a target on your back, and being underestimated is an advantage. I’m not saying New England can’t handle the pressure – they thrive on it – but if opposing fans want to think Brady is past his prime, and Belichick has lost the touch, I have no problem with that. They will be even more frustrated once proven wrong.
I think the problem in 2009 went beyond leadership. Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison and Mike Vrabel were not just missing from the locker room, they were missing on the field. All three were tough and confident. They played with intensity and made opponents fear them. Rodney Harrison especially was the type of player who talked a big game, and backed it up with his play. To replace these stalwarts, the Patriots need players with the necessary physical tools for the position and right mental approach to the game.
Rodney Harrison: Strong Safety
The most important aspect of Rodney’s game was to make receivers afraid to run routes over middle of the field. Knowing in the back of your mind that whether or not you make the catch you’re still going to have to absorb a bone-jarring hit, saps your concentration and desire. Maybe he’d hit you illegally or late and possibly injure you. Maybe he’d time the hit so perfectly that you cough the ball up. Regardless, you knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and if you failed, you would likely hear about it. While I don’t exactly condone illegal play, I do appreciate the attitude of risking your body and reputation for the benefit of the team.
Similar NFL player: Brian Dawkins
Potential replacement already on the roster: Patrick Chung
Pat Chung is slightly smaller than Rodney, 5’ 11” and 212 lbs compared to 6′ 1″ and 220 lbs, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in strength and tenacity. Chung was a team leader at Oregon, calling the defensive plays, and starting all 51 games he played, a school record. He has the smarts to understand complex defensive schemes, and the passion for football required to excel in the NFL. He is an excellent tackler, ranking 4th all time at Oregon with 384 tackles. He is very fast, (4.49 in the 40-yard dash) and exceptionally strong (25 reps at 225 lbs). Chung has the physical tools to be the enforcer over the middle, but was largely kept out of the lineup this season. He was still learning the position, and the Pats had Brandon McGowan and James Sanders ahead of him on the depth chart. Chung played on special teams, and in nickel and dime packages. He flashed some potential to be a playmaker, managing 2 sacks and an interception despite limited playing time.
The biggest difference is that Chung is not the dirty player Rodney was. He is of the highest character, and lets his play speak for him. Pat was often seen at the front of the pack for team sprints, and doing push-ups during down time at the Patriots training camp. To me he seems like a future leader who could become a key part of the Patriots new-look, faster defense, and possibly a playmaker they desperately need.
Tedy Bruschi: Strong-side Inside Linebacker
The true strength of Bruschi’s game is not reflected by his measurables, as he is slightly undersized for the position (6’ 1”, 247 lbs). What made Tedy great was his impressive football smarts, combined with a get-the-job-done-at-all-costs attitude. His main responsibility was to stop the inside running game, staying close to the line of scrimmage and sorting through the linemen to identify the ball carrier and drive him backward. He could also blitz or drop into coverage on occasion.
Bruschi also led by example, consistently making tough stops and causing turnovers when they were most needed. He played his entire career for the Pats, overcoming a stroke in 2005 and returning to the NFL that same year. Bruschi garnered enormous respect from teammates over his 14 seasons, and his dependability and dedication are qualities all young NFL players should strive for.
Similar NFL player: James Farrior
Potential replacement already on the roster: Tyrone McKenzie
McKenzie is a question mark at this point as he is yet to take the field in the NFL. He played outside and inside linebacker in college, but is a candidate for the strong-side linebacker role next to Jerod Mayo in the Patriots lineup. He is not as fast as Mayo or Gary Guyton, but has good strength and character. Like Bruschi, he has shown the ability to fight through adversity. Tyrone transferred from Iowa State to South Florida in 2007 so he be closer to his family while his mother delt with health issues. He worked a job to help support his family on top of his football and academic commitments. It is impossible to compare him to Bruschi at this point as his skill as a NFL player is still unknown, but entering the draft he was known as a good tackler who reads plays well, hits hard and looks to cause fumbles, while still having some coverage ability. If this is the case at the pro level he could be a good compliment to Mayo. To me he seems like a mature, grounded individual willing to do whatever is asked of him – excellent qualities for an NFL player to build upon.
Mike Vrabel: Strong-side Outside Linebacker
Pinning Mike Vrabel to one position is like saying salt is only good on French fries. Vrabel played outside linebacker, inside linebacker and also tight end in goalline situations. He excelled in each role. Vrabel epitomized what it means to play for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. He did whatever he was asked on the field, maintained a positive attitude, and even found time to joke around with players and coaches. He played on special teams, and was rewarded for his service with the occasional touchdown catch, including two Super Bowl TDs.
The main thing the Patriots miss from Vrabel on the field was his ability to set the edge against the run. This is not an easy task, as it requires excellent footwork and strength to manipulate the outside blocker (usually a tight end) and prevent the running back from cutting outside, potentially turning the corner for a big gain. Neither Pierre Woods, Adalius Thomas, Rob Ninkovich nor Tully Banta-Cain could successfully contain runners like Vrabel did, which allowed opponents running games to thrive. Without outside containment, 2-yard runs become 5-yard runs, and 5-yard runs become 25-yard runs. Vrabel was able to play stout against the run while also successfully pressuring the quarterback on passing downs, making him a three down player ideal for this position. The Pats need to find someone who can do the same this offseason if they want their run defense to improve.
Potential replacement already on the roster: None
While I was tempted to put Shawn Crable here, the little I know about him tells me he is more of a rushing linebacker like Tully Banta-Cain. I would be pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong, but there is just too little to go on at this point. Pierre Woods is a fine reserve player, but when given the opportunity he has not been able to fill Vrabel’s shoes. Both outside linebacker positions need improvement before next season and given his history of injuries, Crable simply can’t be counted on at this point.
Neal is one of the most underrated guards in football
Stephen Neal, one of just a handful of 3-time Super Bowl Champions left on the Patriots roster, has voiced his desire to continue playing football in 2010 through his agent, Neil Cornich. Adam Schefter originally reported the story. Schefter also reported that Neal was playing through broken ribs.
Neal, the Pats’ veteran right guard, made comments after the playoff loss to Baltimore indicating that he was contemplating retirement. Now, just a month later, Neal will test the open market for the second time in his career. While returning to the Patriots is a definite possibility, at this juncture, I don’t think Neal will take a hometown discount, and the Patriots have some young players (Rich Ohrnberger, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, George Bussey), that all may be looking for playing time in 2010.
With Neal coming off one of his best seasons in 2009, he should get a shorter deal for around two years, somewhere in the $5-10 million range. Neal has often been underestimated by fans, and it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out for the Patriots.
