PATRIOTSFANINPA

The Pats will enter the Final Eight if the 2010 rules go into effect this season and that would severely damage the hopes of us getting anything more than a JAG as an additional OLB or WR this upcoming season.

NFL: A return to 2010 free-agent rules would impact final-eight teams - ESPN

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Sicilian

Didn't the Jets seem to find ways around that pretty easily? I can't remember exactly, it might have been through trades, but it's not like it completely cripples you.

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Some fans want top caliber players in FA so in that case....yes it will cripple your chances.

Now if you want a JAG,then no big deal

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Oswlek

I don't think the FO is nearly as interested in a big name WR or OLB as the fans are anyway.

I'm not expecting one with or without the rule.

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"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

Shelterdog

I doubt the final 8 rules are in place again-once the 8th circuit rules on whether there can be a lockout or not the two sides will come to some kind of an agreement very quickly-but even if the rules are put in place they aren't as onerous as the article suggests. As I understand it the Pats could sign:

* a new unrestricted free agents for every free agent who signs elswhere, as long as the new Patriot player's salary is less than the departed player;

* one player who makes more than about $5 million a year

* as many players as they want with first year salaries of less than about $3.5 million.

They could get one very good free agent, a bunch of decent ones, and if Light signs elsewhere one guy who makes as much as Light which could be a lot.


NFL.com news: 2010: An uncapped year odyssey

PATRIOTSFANINPA

There is only ONE really big name player at OLB I would love to have and think that as an addition that would improve this defense immediately and that is Tamba Hali
.... that will never happen

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Deus Irae

Hali was franchised by the Chiefs.

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Sicilian

Which means if the Patriots somehow pulled that off (which is 99% unlikely), it would likely be done through a trade, which isn't part of the final eight rules I believe.

Shelterdog

Yup.

It's conceivable that they do away with the franchise tag in the next deal but I doubt it.

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Even if they do drop the tag, it will cost a team an arm and a leg to have Hali signed in a deal

The Pats don't sign players at substantially high salary and that is what it will take to get a guy like Hali who is coming off a tremendous season.

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