Bills’ free agent wide receiver Josh Reed is set to visit the New England Patriots tomorrow, according to Pro Football Talk:
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.
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.
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 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.
And just like that, maybe Julius Peppers signing with the Bears isn’t set in stone. According to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, the Patriots are making a hard push to sign the dynamic pass rusher:
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
We’re officially nine hours in to the 2010 league year, and unlike last year, the Patriots haven’t been too busy with outside free agents yet. Their focus has been in retaining some of their own, namely Tully Banta-Cain, Leigh Bodden, Kevin Faulk, and Vince Wilfork.
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.
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.
