My personal opinoin is that the Pats see Anderson as a sub package rusher, and will pay him that way. I think they also are not going crazy over a 10 sack season and acting as if it will happen every year. (See Banta-Cain, Tully).
I think Anderson, and/or his agent are chasing a paycheck that is comensurate with last years sack statistic.
I think he is visiting so many teams because he hasn't found any yet that agree with his side of that argument more than the Patriots side.
I am beginning to think it may be more likely he comes back, because he is saying he would like to stay, and I think the 'tour' is doing no more than telling him the Patriots idea of his value is much closer to the market than what he thinks it is.
I was thinking exactly the same thing, Andy. He's had a lot of visits and hasn't landed anywhere. I think the Pats made him a low enough offer that it just made sense for him to go out and see what's out there, and hopefully give the Pats a chance to match.
I think that he hasn't liked the offers he's gotten thus far, so, I'm guessing the Pats original offer hasn't been far off. But here is where I differ from you, AJ. I think its too easy to label Anderson now as simply a "situational; pass rusher". After Carter went down, Anderson had a lot more responsibility thrown on his plate. He became the OLB in some 3-4 sets. He played the run better than most expected of him, and he was one of the top 5 pass rushers in the playoffs.....when it counted.
So I say, if he manages to get out of Buffalo without a contract. I'd like to see the Pats get back in touch with him. Find out if he still would like to come back. And if the answer is yes, up the original offer by 10-.15% and get this done. He has shown he has an instinct to play 3-4, and it helps that we are playing 4-3 more often than back a few years ago.
Getting Anderson back would go a long way toward solidifying what has the chance to beomce a pretty good defense. And that's not an exaggeration. With all the flaws, etc, in the playoffs there were 12 very good teams represented. As far as defenses go, our woe-begotten 11 as ranked #5 in scoring D,, total D, even passing D (amazing) and came in tied for first in sacks (in one less game).
My point is that the defense isn't that far away.Gregory and Fanene are a start. Scott is a hope. Dowling, Barrett, and Pryor, will all help. Taking a step back and losing Carter and Anderson makes no sense. Its taken almost a decade to acquire 2 competent outside pass rushers at the same time. I don't think it would be wise to dismantle it now.....especially for what is relatively short money, He made $1.3MM last season. The $3-4MM/yr for 3 range seems fair...and doable. If it takes more than that, THEN move on.