Tag: New England Patriots (Page 34 of 72)

      Patriots did what they had to in order to keep Wilfork: They opened up their wallets

      March 5, 2010 /

      The New England Patriots have long been known as a team that doesn’t pony up when it comes to signing free agents. But Vince Wilfork’s new five-year, $40 million deal proves just how much the Pats value the 28-year-old defensive tackle.

      Having a nose tackle that can occupy multiple offensive linemen and keep blockers off of linebackers is a vital component for a team that plays the 3-4. Wilfork, a skilled run defender, is arguably the best nose tackle in the league and while $40 million is a hefty price to pay for his position, New England had no choice but to shell out big money to retain his services.

      The Patriots defense didn’t play at the same level last season that everyone has come to expect under Bill Belichick’s guidance. It was imperative that they re-signed Wilfork and in doing so, they’ve filled a potential void that could have been detrimental to their success for the next couple seasons.

      Considering he’s only 28 and has shown no signs of decline, there’s a good chance that Wilfork will see the end of his contract in New England.


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      Patriots franchise Vince Wilfork

      February 22, 2010 /

      According to beat writer Tom Curran via his Twitter page, the Patriots have designated nose tackle Vince Wilfork as their franchise player.

      This news won’t please Wilfork, who has said all along that he didn’t want to be franchised. The one-year deal will guarantee him a $7.003 million salary in 2010, but players want long-term deals because they offer security. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that the two sides reached a standoff last week in long-term contract talks and thus, that’s why the Pats inevitably decided to use their franchise tag on the 28-year-old NT.

      Wilfork is a top 5 defensive tackle, is outstanding against the run and is vital to New England’s 3-4 defense. So while he probably isn’t thrilled with being franchised, the Patriots were never going to let their centerpiece defensive linemen walk this offseason.

      At least the two sides can continue to work on a long-term deal. The deadline for franchise players to sign a multi-year deal isn’t until mid-July so now that the Patriots don’t have to worry about competing with other teams, they can focus on making Wilfork contractually happy. Hopefully the two sides can come to an agreement.


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      Moss doesn’t expect Pats to re-sign him after 2010

      February 21, 2010 /

      Randy Moss doesn’t expect the Patriots to re-sign him once his contract is up after the 2010 season.

      From the Boston Globe:

      “I don’t think they are going to extend my contract here,” said Moss, speaking to reporters at the charity softball game of former Patriots teammate Heath Evans.

      “I understand the beast, the nature of it. I think that just with what I think and what I know I don’t think they’re going to re-sign me back. So, after this season if there is not a lockout I’ll be looking for a new team. I got a lot of respect for the Patriots and what they did for me and my family. So, the only thing I can do is just play this year out and see what my future holds after that. “

      There’s no question that Wes Welker is the Patriots’ most productive receiver, but Moss still shows the ability to get open and make plays when he’s motivated. If he plays well next season, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots at least offer him a modest one or two-year deal.

      That said, his play faded down the stretch in 2008 and in 2009. He’ll be 34 next year and while he still has the capability to dominate from time to time, his speed often diminishes throughout the year as his legs get tired. (Thus, his prediction that he won’t be brought back after 2010 might be spot on.)

      We’ll see – a lot depends on this year. If he sleepwalks through the season (as in, if he performs in 2010 like he did every year in Oakland), then there’s no way the Pats will bring him back. If he stays motivated and produces, then I wouldn’t rule anything out for 2011.


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      Would Marshall be a good fit for the Patriots?

      February 12, 2010 /

      ESPN’s John Clayton was recently asked whether or not Brandon Marshall would be a good fit in New England and this is what the Professor had to say:

      “He’s perfect for the Patriots’ offense and would add excitement to the division. Julian Edelman should develop into a nice slot receiver. I don’t know if he will be as good as Welker, but he can be very effective. The Patriots left themselves short of receiving talent last year after Moss and Welker. Adding a great receiver such as Marshall would be intriguing. They hit the jackpot in trades for Welker and Moss. Why not roll the dice a third time?”

      I think Marshall would be a good fit for any team. He’s a rare talent and a true go-to receiver in every sense of the word. He has mastered how to use his body to screen opponents from the ball while making plays in traffic and while he’s not explosive, he uses long strides to build speed and run away from defenders in the open field.

      The problem is that Marshall is a freaking coconut. His mood changes with the seasons and he’s been a headache off the field since he entered the league. Nobody questions his talent; they question the thing between his ears and that’s why the Broncos have been hesitant to commit to him long-term.

      I agree with everything Clayton says about Marshall being a good fit in New England. He would be accountable to Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, he would benefit from playing alongside Wes Welker and he would allow the Patriots to get younger at receiver – of course he’d be a great fit. But that doesn’t mean the Pats would want to fork over a draft pick (or multiple draft picks) and a new contract in order to acquire him from Denver. A lot would obviously go into a decision like that, including whether or not Marshall would behave himself after getting paid.


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      Patriots to stay away from Peppers?

      February 2, 2010 /

      One of the biggest rumors that made its rounds during the NFL offseason last year was the Patriots potentially acquiring defensive end Julius Peppers from the Panthers. Now that he’s an unrestricted free agent, those same Peppers-to-New England rumors are starting to pop up again.

      It’s highly unlikely that the Panthers will pay the absurd $20.1 million in order to place the franchise tag on Peppers and keep him in Carolina for 2010. And if they don’t, Peppers is free to sign with any team of his choosing – including the Patriots.

      But as Mike Reiss of ESPN.com notes, New England was burned in March of 2007 when they signed free agent Adalius Thomas to a hefty five-year, $35 million contract, which also included $20 million in guaranteed money. At the time, Thomas was coming off an 11-sack, 83-tackle season in Baltimore and he was supposed to team up with Richard Seymour to give New England a fierce pass rush.

      But in three seasons with the Patriots, Thomas has just 14.5 sacks and even managed to get into Bill Belichick’s doghouse last year by showing up late to a team meeting. Considering that Peppers is 30 and would break the bank as the biggest free agent name available this year, New England might be gun shy to acquire another Thomas in the making.

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