Christopher_Price

Adam Schefter of the NFL Network is reporting that Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel will sign the franchise tender — $7.79 million for one year — and not a new deal, and will return to camp the middle of next week.

More...

Va_Pats_Fan

I didn't think Asante could sign a new deal....? Is there something else other than the franchise tag that is available at this point?

Vern

He can sign any ONE YEAR deal. It does not have to be the tender. The rule states only that after the deadline, no longer team deal may be reached.

This is what Lance Briggs signed - a one year deal for the same amount as the tender, plus an extra 1M and the promise not to franchised again next year. He did NOT actually "sign the franchise tender."

Alexander did something similar a few years ago in Seattle. A new deal that had the same money as the tender, but also a few extra promise clauses.

The actual "Franchise Tender" is the legal paper defined by the tag, set out last march with no edits or changes since.

__________________
"It's good! It's goooood!!" - Gil and Geno 2/3/02

RayClay

Good stuff Vern. I'm assuming all that's true, I sure can't keep up with that type of thing.

Very informative. Thank You.

__________________

RayClay

Sounds like the Pats played a little hardball if he had those options.

__________________

DarrylS

Glad to see Samuel reportedly coming back, the question will be can he catch up with the rest of the team, as there is confidence that this D has been tweaked?

__________________
"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.