The Off-season Isn't Over

[mgteich]

There are three elements left in the offseason with regard to acquisitions.

1) Belichick is still looking to improve the team whenever and whereever he can. The signing of Alex Smith and McGowan are examples. The negotiations with Burgess is another. It seems likely that Belichick will continue to look for potential upgrades or for camp competition at some of the following positions: OLB, ILB, RB/FB, STer, returner, WR and QB. The "obvious" needs are at linebacker.

2) Belichick will need to be able to move quickly (as always) to replace players who are injured, especially on defense.

3) After the last cuts, there are always opportunities to find potential help. After all, 400 players who had a chance at someone's roster are suddenly available. BTW, the June 1 date is almost meaningless these days, although some teams may need to make cuts to sign rookies, making a few additional players available in mid-July.
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The roster isn't really "final" until the start of Game 2, when players have been added that we cut elsewhere and 5-year veterans can be signed without guaranteeing the full year of their salary.

 

[stinkypete]

Good point.

Almost every year that I can think of a significant player or two is brought in between the start of June and Opening day.

 

[Pats726]

Also...there will be some cuts BEFORE training camp...with 92 now..I expect some of the UDFAs to be gone and others in...Having 12 extra slots really means that in late May and June after they return..some will get the ax, while others brought in. That is the ebb and flow..a bit exaggerated this year with the 12 flexible spots. I do think it possible one or two of teh Navy guys could end up on a reserve list..not exactly sure how that is handled.

 

[DarrylS]

Agree, believe that there will be an addition to the "obvious needs" area.. thought it was Taylor..

 

[signbabybrady]

Also...there will be some cuts BEFORE training camp...with 92 now..I expect some of the UDFAs to be gone and others in...Having 12 extra slots really means that in late May and June after they return..some will get the ax, while others brought in. That is the ebb and flow..a bit exaggerated this year with the 12 flexible spots. I do think it possible one or two of teh Navy guys could end up on a reserve list..not exactly sure how that is handled.

A reserve list is probably not needed for them. As with Kyle Eckel BB used the fact that his Navy obligations had him tied to one location (and tried to cut him to the PS)....Saban did sign him but was unable to play him for a year or so due to Navy obligations that had been worked out in New England but not Miami. So I would say a similar thing could be likely with these guys and one could hope another coach doesn't sign the guy they might not be able to use.

You put them on a reserve list and you likely lose them for the year.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Also...there will be some cuts BEFORE training camp...with 92 now..I expect some of the UDFAs to be gone and others in...Having 12 extra slots really means that in late May and June after they return..some will get the ax, while others brought in. That is the ebb and flow..a bit exaggerated this year with the 12 flexible spots. I do think it possible one or two of teh Navy guys could end up on a reserve list..not exactly sure how that is handled.

I'm not 100% on this but you can only have 80 guys @TC but yeah I think there will be some cuts and other guys will be brought in before TC.