mgteich

Our offense was one of the best in the league in 2011. Other than at #3 WR, we got solid production from all the positions in 2011.

The question for the next month is who we will re-sign. We can then see what our needs are going forward into free agency, trades and the draft. I would hope to re-sign Welker, Green Ellis, Branch and at least one of the centers. That would leave us looking for a veteran wide receiver to stretch the field (same as every year). The offense could be in GREAT shape if we made these three re-signings and then signed a wide receiver in the first week of free agency (quite possible).

FREE AGENCY
==========

RUNNING BACK
Green-Ellis, Faulk

WIDE RECEIVER
Welker
Branch
(Ochocinco was the ineffective #3 WR in 2011 and is under contract)

CENTER
Koppen
Connolly

mgteich

===================

Many here often make the assumption that if the team can't meet Welker's contractual needs, then we can just franchise him and all will be fine. I EXPECT A NEW WELKER CONTRACT. However, if one cannot be reached, recent history tell me that Welker showing up for camp is not a slam dunk. Given our recent experience with Mankins, I suspect that Belichick will get the job done. After all, a new contract will have LESS of a 2012 cap effect than a franchise tag.

JackBauer

Assuming an ideal scenario whereby competent replacements could be found via FA and the draft, I bring back Welker and Connolly only.

More realistically, I assume Welker, Connolly, Branch, perhaps Koppen.

Rob0729

Welker will be franchised or given a deal. Connolly will be resigned. Branch will get an one year deal. BJGE is likely to go elsewhere. Koppen may stay if no one is going to give him starter money. Faulk will retire.

mgteich

I agree with your choices.

There is an issue of timing. Our best shot at re-signing these players is before free agency starts. At that time, we will not know whether we can find players in free agency, trades, or the draft who will produce in 2012. I suspect that Belichick will make a strong effort to re-sign all of them except Faulk, who I expect will retire.

Green-Ellis is the interesting situation for me. You did not list him as being re-signed. I agree. It is likely that he would want to go into free agency, where some ONE team is likely to pay considerably more than Belichick.

PatsFan2

Anybody FA on the wrong side of 30 not named Brady will be replaced.

JackBauer

Negative...

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Connelly is a lock...Belichick absolutely loves the guy for his versatility on the line just like when Russ Hochstein was here.

Green Ellis isn't going anywhere although I would rather a 25 times carry RB like Dillon which is never going to happen.

Welker is going to be Franchised....a lock for that

Ocho is a bum and will be canned before the spring

Faulk is too old and its time to go like Troy Brown did when he felt he no longer had IT.

Koppen is gone as there is a lot of talent on the line that we don't need to spend a few more million on a center in his 30s

Branch is one of those players you can toss a coin at to whether he stays or goes


Of your list I go with keeping BJGE,Welker,Connolly and Branch for WR depth...the rest have to go.

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JackBauer

You really believe that?

patsinthesnow

Sign Connolly, let Koppen Walk.

BJGE, one of my favorite Patriots, I expect gone. He will go to a team to be a good second fiddle/insurance to a star RB, such as Lesean Mccoy, Ray Rice, or Matt Forte. We will use Ridley as the primary back with Woodhead in the Sproles role.

Unless Ocho progresses, I expect him gone. If we get two FA WRs (It's not out of the question, we got 4 in 2007), I can see Branch gone as well. I hope Welker is back.