Big Willie open to return (merged)

[Box_O_Rocks]

The Associated Press: Willie McGinest open to NFL return

Willie McGinest open to NFL return

(AP)

"There is a possibility," McGinest said. "I've talked to (coach Bill) Belichick a few times. I'm not excited just to jump into camp, but we'll see what happens."

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

Yes, yes, yes. And he could retire as a Patriot, as he should.

 

[BadMoFo]

Willie was possibly my favorite defensive player, but if he does return I just hope it doesn't hurt the chances of a young player who may actually be more valuable to us in the future.

 

[Deus Irae]

 

[BelichickFan]

I would imagine Willie is one spot ahead of Colvin in the Desperation Address Book in Belichick's office. Seau is the guy there at ILB, Willie might be at OLB. And with only Thomas, Woods, Crable and Redd, it's not an impossible scenario.

 

[APatrioticVirginian]

Whew when I seen the headline I thought "Oh Crap!, Someone has caught me in a peephole video like Erin Andrews!"

 

[bencoateshelmet]

I thought Willie was a great player, one image sticks in my mind and thats him aiming straight for Manning in the snow at Foxboro, (I'm sure it was a play off game, 20-3?) he didn't have blazing speed but he still got there.

And whilst he should retire as a Patriot no sure he should be back as a player.

 

[Rob0729]

I was always a big McGinest fan, but I really don't want to see him back other to just retire a Patriot. He is a shell of his former self and really wouldn't be an upgrade to what the Pats already have. I would rather see Colvin back over McGinest.

There are four Belichick disciples running teams in one capacity or another and all are trying to rebuild their defenses because they inherited a crappy defense and not one of them have shown any interest in McGinest who knows the system and is a good leader. That says a lot.

 

[DarrylS]

Do not see him returning for just a farewell tour, that would be inconsistent with the philosophy of not falling in love with the veterans... otoh probably better than Colvin and might be better than some of our young un's... it is too early to judge that though.

 

[Jimke]

Willie is interested for only 4 million dollars guaranteed.

 

[RobertWeathers]

As much as I admire and appreciate Willie Mac as a Patriot and an NFLer, his return would mean that we have either experienced a major injury at LB or the young players aren't ready or have not performed.

Whatever Willie Mac has left in the tank will not be enough to bring us the kind of production we need at OLB (unless its in a limited, situational capacity).

My .02$

 

[signbabybrady]

There are four Belichick disciples running teams in one capacity or another and all are trying to rebuild their defenses because they inherited a crappy defense and not one of them have shown any interest in McGinest who knows the system and is a good leader. That says a lot.

who says they haven't maybe he doesn't want to play for those teams.

 

[Rob0729]

who says they haven't maybe he doesn't want to play for those teams.

McGinest hasn't said that he only will come back if he plays for the Patriots like Seau has. There only a limited number of teams where he would fit at this point in his career and those four are part of about 6-7 teams that he would fit in on.

The Pats have tried to sign a number of OLBs including TBC, Jason Taylor, Greg Ellis, and potentially trading for either Derrick Burgess or Julius Peppers. They haven't shown much interest in McGinest and many reports claim the Pats don't feel he has enough left to sign him. So whether or not those teams are interested in McGinest or not, it looks pretty clear the Pats aren't interested unless there is an emergency.

 

[fgssand]

I don't think money will be an issue.

I don't think finding a spot for Willie will be a problem, if indeed he has another year left in him.

Some of us think he is done, some think, even at this final stage of his career he can still set the edge and rush the passer - but, really, does any of us have a clue??

I think we should leave that evaluation to the BB & Co., if, after seeing him in TC along with Thomas, Crable, Woods, Tully, Redd etc at OL, BB feels he will contribute, then that is good enough for me.

Seeing him on that field again sure would be awesome - if.

 

[Rob0729]

I don't think money will be an issue.

I don't think finding a spot for Willie will be a problem, if indeed he has another year left in him.

Some of us think he is done, some think, even at this final stage of his career he can still set the edge and rush the passer - but, really, does any of us have a clue??

I think we should leave that evaluation to the BB & Co., if, after seeing him in TC along with Thomas, Crable, Woods, Tully, Redd etc at OL, BB feels he will contribute, then that is good enough for me.

Seeing him on that field again sure would be awesome - if.

It will come down to two things: Can he still be affective starter or can he still contribute special teams? If the answer is no on both accounts, he's got next to no shot of getting picked up by the Patriots. Roster spots are at a premium this year with all the high draft picks the Pats have and they cannot afford to keep McGinest on the roster to solely be a situational player.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

It will come down to two things: Can he still be affective starter or can he still contribute special teams? If the answer is no on both accounts, he's got next to no shot of getting picked up by the Patriots. Roster spots are at a premium this year with all the high draft picks the Pats have and they cannot afford to keep McGinest on the roster to solely be a situational player.

If he plays for the Pats I think it won't be until the season is underway and his roster spot will have been created by IR.

 

[signbabybrady]

McGinest hasn't said that he only will come back if he plays for the Patriots like Seau has. There only a limited number of teams where he would fit at this point in his career and those four are part of about 6-7 teams that he would fit in on.

The Pats have tried to sign a number of OLBs including TBC, Jason Taylor, Greg Ellis, and potentially trading for either Derrick Burgess or Julius Peppers. They haven't shown much interest in McGinest and many reports claim the Pats don't feel he has enough left to sign him. So whether or not those teams are interested in McGinest or not, it looks pretty clear the Pats aren't interested unless there is an emergency.

my point wasnt that he would only be interested in the Pats. I was debunking the four teams with patriot ties showing no interest when they could have because I would scratch the browns and Falcons off willies list because he likely saw enough of the Browns and I dont see the falcons as fit and he may see the chiefs as to far away from contending and the bronco de just sux.

I would think their are plenty of other 3-4 teams he would consider even if they wouldn't consider him IMO the Pats might be the only spot for him which makes sense for the team signing and for a vet at the end of their career. Which is probably why he has been so public about wanting back in.

I am not sure if we should bring him back. One side of me says we could use a Vet who we know what we have because as much potential as Crable and Redd have if neither step up we have woods and Tully who I think are each limited one is better vs run and the other vs pass. While the other side wonders wether Willie can do either very well anymore.

 

[mgteich]

I'd rather have Willie for crunch time than Redd.

 

[patriot lifer]

i don't want Willie any earlier than week 10. Sorry big guy, but it'll keep you fresh come playoffs and we save the roster spots until the inevitable injuries are sustained

 

[upstater1]

Whew when I seen the headline I thought "Oh Crap!, Someone has caught me in a peephole video like Erin Andrews!"

I remember a game where Willie was poked in the eye on a play. He ended up making an interception shortly thereafter, and the announcer said, "One-eyed Willie skirts in for a touchdown."