JoeSixPat

While I certainly don't rule out signing some big names (Peppers?) nor the need to re-sign big name, big price tag players already on the team (Brady, Wilfork) it seems to me that Belichick could be preparing to "return to his roots" and move quickly to sign "middle class" players who offer quality both in character and ability to provide needed depth.

Both the team's situation and the uncertainty of the new CBA, as well as the way it may treat longer, lucrative contracts past the uncapped year suggest to me that if you're going to "overspend" during this offseason, the best place to do it may be among the Middle Class free agents.

These are the players that I think ideally Belichick wants on the team, guys of quality character and decent talent to provide depth - players he wants even more so than some of the big names - and I could see the Pats making a lucrative one year offer (with team options for 2nd and/or 3rd seasons) that would effectively see them increase spending in the uncapped year WITHOUT running a risk that such signings are going to adversely affect the team when a CBA is eventually agreed to.

Without a cap Belichick may see the sense of moving quickly, to make lucrative offers early to secure the services of such players before they sign elsewhere.

Just a gut feeling on my part. Anyone else feel the same or differently? (and are thanking the football gods that we're not one of the final 8 teams given this opportunity?)

robertweathers

Good post. I think you are on to something here...

I was actually thinking about this today after I had read the not-so-glowing article about Peppers in today's Globe (IE. if you push Peppers around, etc. he'll quit on you...) and wondered if BB has that same opinion of him. With that said, if BB decides to pass on Peppers and the Wilfork negotiations don't work out, what will BB do? IMO he'll start going after restricted FAs (Welker) and make deals for various players he thinks will fit in the system. So in the end, instead of the ne RFA deal we typically see every other year, we may see 3 or 4- especially teams who may be in a bit of a cash crunch and would be looking to unload players...

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WhiZa

It could very well happen especially with the Thomas fiasco, and other players looking to get paid in the next year or two. If BB is going to spend extra money on a mid-level player it better be someone who could start right away.

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Deus Irae

Unfortunately, the rules of the uncapped year mean far fewer UFAs available to work that magic with. That could hamper the team's ability to do as you suggest.

On the plus side, it's possible that teams will take this opportunity to get rid of some albatross contracts. Players cut in those situations might help make up for the shortfall.

It should be pretty interesting to watch as it all shakes out.

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Rob0729

I expect the return of good value veterans getting cut for salary reasons which has disapeared over the last few years. You are going to see a lot of older veterans who have contracts that have outgrown their value although they are still productive players getting cut especially from small market teams looking to take advantage of the lack of a cap floor. That is where I think the Pats could go crazy and pick up some good free agents.

We are already hearing about veterans who have something left (although I may not advocate the Pats going after them) like LaDamien Tomlinson, Joey Porter, Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Patrick Kearney, Deion Branch, Brian Westbrook, Osi Umenyiora, Charles Grant, and Antrel Rolle (word is now if they can't get a new deal done, they might cut him before his roster bonus kicks in) being rumored to be dealt or cut. I'm sure there are even more players facing the same ax.

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

I'll be shocked if the Pats go about this free agency like they did in '08 and '09.

MoLewisrocks

I thought we were the only team who cut veterans who have outgrown their contract value but are still productive...

I don't think Bill will "overspend" but he could re-direct his focus back to veteran value signings and I also wouldn't be surprised to see a number of RFA's persued, and not just by us.

woolster22

Its this possiblity that makes me wonder how realistic the Peppers signing really is. Dansby, to me anyways, is out of the question, considering how high the coaching staff was on McKenzie after the draft last year (they were calling him, not Vollmer, the steal of the draft). Also, assuming we do go the mid-level route, that would leave more coin for Brady, Wilfork, Bodden, and Mankins. It would also let us bring in a few more people for camp competition with the rookie-class. I would guess that it all hinges on what happens with both Wilfork and Peppers. If Peppers comes to town I'd assume they would then focus on resigning/extending their own, with maybe a lower/middle level guy or two brought in for competition. If Peppers goes elsewhere, I would not be surprised to see a whole slew of new names come to camp. Osi, Vanden-Bosch, Bullock, and Kearney to name a few would be names I'd assume the coaching staff would at a minimum throw around. I don't see LT or westbrook being plausible, they are too old, and would be filling a position which Faulk handles very well still (and is also a good locker room presence, LT? HAH!). McGahee would be interesting, and I don't think Portis would fit too well. In any case, it should be a very interesting off-season, and could easily go a number of different ways.

HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Huh? You want to rethink that sentence? I'm guessing your taking about Tyrone McKenzie?

woolster22

My bad, "him" should have been McKenzie...will be fixed (damn you jack Daniels).