SamBam39

next season, do you think the following three players will be signed to extensions or leave via free-agency?

Dan Koppen
Asante Samuel
Daniel Graham

aside from any further 'walkouts', these are the three biggest names that are due to have their contracts run out at the end of this season and I'm just wondering if most of you think they'll be extended or not.

I think all three are good players, but not stars, they are all young and some what talented, and I would think could be signed for a reasonable price, although I think I read somewhere that Graham may have his mind set on leaving and getting a big raise. Thoughts?

I hate to think we're gonna start losing young guys every year now, and I hope that's not the case.

BelichickFan

I've come to think that unless the players you listed sign at the teams' price they'll go despite the cap room. I expect the cap room, instead, to be used for future cap benefits. Seymour's option. Buying down (not out) Brady's deal (by giving him a bonus now and reducing future salaries an equal amount).

I really think Belichick doesn't care whether he keeps half the roster or not. But in 2-3 years when Warren (after 2008), Wilfork & Seymour (after 2009) come due he'll want to have a lot of money to lock up the keys to his defense.

SamBam39

all three? you think all three will leave? and more the following year?
I don't think so. that wouldn't make any sense. you'd be starting to
cancel out your draft picks with roster loses each year.

I gotta believe koppen and samuel will get signed - no?
where are we going if young talent leaves in groves every year?

wcda

It they fall with in the Pats price range they will be resigned. If not they are gone. Will make deciding what to do with all the draft picks we have next year a bit easier.

BelichickFan

I guess you could say the same about Branch, McGinnest, Vinatieri, Givens. Who would have thought they'd all be gone this time last year ?

If the players you listed, and TBC too, are willing to take what the Patriots are willing to pay then, yes, I think they'll stay. But I don't think losing any of them would cause Belichick to lose sleep at night. Like Felger said, they're all easily replaceable. Where I differ with him is he used the arguement in favor of re-signing The Twig. Whereas I use it in favor of getting our Cap in shape for the really important signings of Warren, Wilfork, Seymour.

PatsRI

Koppen and Samuel stay, Graham goes. Koppen - as long as he doesn't ask for crazy money I think BB likes him and will pay him as a top 10 center. Samuel - I don't think anyone will pay him as a good starter and if he's smart (a big if with players these days) he'll realize his best chance to shine is here, where good D coaches cover his flaws. Graham - I think he'll want a good starting TE money and the Pats just have too many other options. He's also supposedley made rumblings about leaving if they don't step up right away (at least I read that here somewhere during all the Branch mania).
If TBC is up I doubt he'd brake the bank so he'd probably stay too.

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BradyManny

I like Samuel as much as the next guy, but how much would you be willing to pay him? We might be able to take our chances with the draft next season.

I think Koppen is the only one that will return, I'd like to see Graham back but as PatsRI said, he's already said some business about the Pats needing to step up.

Mosi Moose

Koppen has to stay. I don't want to mess with the O Line. Would like to keep Asante--but I can see him getting some good offers out there. I'm OK if Graham wants to seek a big pay day. I think Dave Thomas was drafted for just that reason.

SamBam39

well - I think if they're gonna be extended - our best bet is before they test the free agency market. I'm hopeful koppen and samuel will be extended. I think graham may be, but may want more than he's actully worth. I think it will boild down to how highly bb thinks of him, compared to his own opinion of himself. I think he's a good blocker, but not a tremendous receiver. Pretty good. He was a first round pick though.
I get the the whole 'only if they sign for what they're worth to the pats' thing, but I also think the pats would be losing ground if they keep drafting players, training them, and then letting them walk after only 5-6 years. I can see it here or there, but not in large numbers. I think they better be able to resign a majority of their players in order to develop the roster and make progress. You also need to develop a team by keeping a core of them together over time. There is a big difference with players like McGinest and Vinatieri who are older, been around a long time, are beginning to decline, and make a lot of money. But the young guys in their prime, unless they're asking for stupid money, hopefully will be extended.

desi-patsfan

I think Koppen and Samuel stay. Dan is a question mark. Something tells me he will stay though. Could be just wishful thinking.