RussFrancis

Man, I just have a feeling. Id heard a report on NFL network this morning, Total Access, which btw Im sorry I dont have a link for, just reiterating that Taylor himself doesnt envision playing in Miami in the fall. We know Parcells came out a few days ago and said, oh no, he's gonna be a Dolphin in the fall, and if he werent, he'd be retiring. That's lip service. You dont come out and talk about your premier player retiring. Parcells is simply securing Taylor's trade value. And I believe it was Schefter that reported it (sorry, I was working, and only listening and not watching), that the Tuna was only preventing NE from getting Taylor for 'free' without having to give up any picks if they want him.

Taylor's been playing some great Dend for Miami for years, but coming to NE, he'd probably play right OLB. The move would allow Thomas to slide back inside, and it would also give NE a little more flexibilty with their #7 pick without feeling the pressing need of going LB early. Now, he's a little older. But the man has not missed or lossed a step, imo. And he hasnt missed a game in 8 years. In fact, since his 2nd year in the NFL, he's started in atleast 15 games every year for 10 years. I think he could drop and cover in our scheme blindfolded.

So, the question would be, how many picks and how much cash? The Pats had $22mil under the cap to spend prior to Moss' signing. And his cap figure for '08 is only 6 or 6.5, I forget which. And we'vte signed a few others for probably no more 6 or 7 mil. I think we still have around 10 under the cap. Are you guys on board for Taylor for a 2nd or a 3rd at about $6mi per?? I know I sure am. Take a corner or a Dback with that 1st pick, a young backer or lineman with the next one, ink Taylor for 3 years, and come back firing next season nastier than before. Could be a draft day deal. Could happen sooner. May not happen at all. But I think it's going down. I know the Taylor discussion has floated. But now, its a little clearer that he's getting moved after hearing this. talk to me about where youre at with Taylor in the fall.

PatsFaninAZ

As I understand it, we'd need to restructure something pretty seriously to get $6 million to pay him, sign our draft picks, and sign whatever other FAs or RFAs we're looking at. I don't think the number you gave of $10 million under is right -- people were throwing around numbers like $5 or $6 million yesterday.

RussFrancis

Right, that 10 figure was ballparking. Moss was I believe 6, Gaffney 2, Brushchi probably 2.5, Webster, Washington and others I just dont know. Taylor would no doubt restructure his deal to come to NE. Probably do a good base deal with incentives. Dealing with the cap is really the least of my worries on this thing. They'll figure it out. Getting the man in the uniform is the meat and potatoes. Everything else will take care of itself. I just wanted to guage again whether or not people were on board with the idea, or they were just looking forward to getting ahold of Vernon Gholston. Its a tough question.

homerpatsfan

taylor deffinately a belichic guy, would be welcome in my eyes,dont know about the $$$$

PittPatriot

RussFrancis,

I don't think Thomas likes ILB. I don't think Vrabel liked it either. Thomas is the best overall athlete on our defense and he seems best served playing a position that utilizes his speed. He played really really well at OLB in the SB...and I'd like to keep him there.

patsox23

JASON TAYLOR COMING TO THE PATRIOTS IS A NON-STARTER. They will never, ever, EVER trade him here. Especially after the Welker thing. Stop the madness. Please.

RussFrancis

That's a good point, and why Im pretty torn on this possibly happening. Thomas is solid on the outside. And Im not exactly familiar with what he actually likes more than the other. I know this much. Its tough to find good ILBs for the 3-4. Especially in the complicated NE system. It takes a certain build. A certain level of football intelligence. And certain amount of experience. Its interesting. If he werent to hate the position inside. But I agree that if that's the case, it may not be the best idea moving him inside. But Taylor is a heckuva a player. And in the end, football is football. But imagine Taylor and Thomas and Vrabel all on the field at the same time. Scary.

RussFrancis

Im telling you, Schefter or whoever it was on NFL Network mentioned NE specifically regarding where he'd go. And the Tuna isnt going to pull a knucklehead Jets move and not trade him somewhere just because he's scared. Nothing scares Bill. If he can get a deal for his guy, he'll do it. That team's in no position to compete anyway.

AndyJohnson

It is simply too expensive for what we get.
We would be spending a ton of moeny for the 'right' to play Adalius Thomas out of position, and how much of an upgrade is Taylor over Thomas? I dont know if he even is an upgrade.
Spending 6 mill, or whatever it is, in order to 'replace' Thomas with a similar player and move Thomas out of position, is just a waste of money, IMO.
I think we need to focus on how to fill the holes we have with players that fit them, rather than 'name' players who would force our best player out of position.

PittPatriot

All good points. I think it is scary because we think of blitz situations with 3 great pass rushers on the field at one time (not even including our superb Dline). However, JT is a great pin the ears back and get after the QB player (like a Dwight Freeney) but can he do that one down and run stop the next if that is what the play asks him to do?
The reason I question if AD or Vrabel really dislike playing inside is the physical beating they sustain. I think it takes a serious toll on them...but like you said, we really don't know how they FEEL about it.