cstjohn17

This has been touched in a variety of threads but with so many unknowns it is possible that the offense will have a whole new cast of characters.

Of the 11 starters 6 have the potential to leave.

Starters
QB - Brady - under contract, thank goodness - this is a good start
TE1 - Gronk - under contract
TE2 - Hernandez - under contract
LG - Mankins - under contract
RT - Vollmer - under contract, back injury
LT - Light - under contract, may retire
RG - Waters - under contract, may retire

RB - BJGE - free agent
WR1 - Welker - free agent, likely to be franchised
WR2 - Branch - free agent
C1 - Connolly - free agent


Key reserves
WR3 - Ocho - under contract, high cap number, could be cut
Tackle - Solder - under contract
C2 - Koppen - free agent

Ice_Ice_Brady

The content of this thread seems to contradict the title.

Rob0729

I think the only differences we will see on the offensive personnel from last year is a different WR starting as the outside WR, Branch becoming a back up, and another different depth WR or two. Otherwise, I think the line up will be the same.

Yes, there is talk about both Light and Waters retiring, but I guess I am confident/hopeful both return. I expect Light to get an extension where most of his 2012 base salary is guaranteed so his cap number drops $2-3 million. Maybe I am just dreaming.

HowardRoark

Do you think we bring back BJGE?

DonBlackmon55

yes. There is great value BB puts on veteran RB who does not have the case of fumblitis. We saw evidence of this after Ridley fumbled in Broncos game.

Also, RB depth is necessary. Lawfirm - Ridley - Vereen - Woodhead is a good foursome of youth and experience.

JackBauer

I see them going a different direction, but who knows. I'm probably just substituting my personal opinion of what I think should happen for my estimation of what I think the Patriots will do.

stevedogc

I dont get why there would be an extension if Light in considering retirement and the Pats already have his replacement. I hope he comes back cause as we saw with Volmers injuries, having three starting caliber tackles was key. I wonder if the Pats would give him a little extra bonus for 2012 to entice him to put off retirement one more season. He can still play at a high level. I also wonder if the retirement talk by Light and Waters is just a way for those guys to get out of any off season camps and programs. Then they will all of a sudden make up their minds for one more year right around the time camp opens up.

HowardRoark

What is that different direction? Ridley/Vereen/Woodhead? Or someone else added into the mix?

Rob0729

Forgot about him. I say 50-50 at best. I think they will likely go with Ridley and Vereen. I still think Vereen has a chance to be an impact guy and the lack of the offseason and hamstring problems just tanked his season. We have seen in flashes what Ridley can do. He needs to improve his ball control though.

Rob0729

You extend Light so his cap number goes down for this season. If Light comes back, 2012 will likely be his last season. An extension is just a case of creative book keeping to gain more cap room (assuming they need it).