Bengals released LB Brian Simmons

[zippo59]

How about if we just agree to work out every single player who is cut by every team?

Has there been a single player yet that has been cut or rumored to be about to be cut, or whose might be traded, that someone has not asked, "What do you think about taking a look at him?"

Go to the Marshall Faulk or Eric Moulds thread. This one is actually pretty reasonable.

 

[Gon_Trevil]

Has there been a single player yet that has been cut or rumored to be about to be cut, or whose might be traded, that someone has not asked, "What do you think about taking a look at him?"

It's time for cuts and free agency. Doesn't it make sense to you that people on a football team's message board would want to discuss the different players who are becoming available, on areas of perceived need for the team, especially at this time in the off-season? I think it'd be ridiculous to expect otherwise.

 

[patsfan55]

Of course we need one vet inside linebacker, but IMO, Brian Simmons or Seau DO NOT fit the bill. Both of those guys might be okay as situational players, but what we need is a starter. Donnie Edwards might fit the bill, but he is awfully small to play ILB in this defense.

So I'm okay with bringing in a guy like Simmons, or maybe even bringing back Seau (he's gonna be 38 for crying out loud!), but they'd better bring in somebody that can be a viable starter as well.

and who do u propose?

 

[patsfan55]

How about if we just agree to work out every single player who is cut by every team?

Has there been a single player yet that has been cut or rumored to be about to be cut, or whose might be traded, that someone has not asked, "What do you think about taking a look at him?"

well when its a linebacker that is over 240 lbs, yeah

and when its a wr that has been productive before, ditto

 

[salty]

and who do u propose?

Clearly, Adalius Thomas is the top choice. The guy is as good a fit for the system as you will ever find. I've come to accept, however, that he will probably sign a monster contract with somebody, and given that he is 30 years old, I'm not sure its wise for the Pats to get in that type of bidding war for him. Sadly, I see the 49ers or Green Bay as more willing to throw boatloads of money at him. I'm thinking a signing bonus in the area of $18 million is not an outrageous prediction, and I don't see the Pats giving up that much.

After that, Jarret Johnson (Thomas' backup in Baltimore, but also a free agent) would be a great addition. He has played sparingly, but all indications are that he can play, and the guy has fantastic size for a linebacker in the 3-4.

London Fletcher-Baker would be a good addition. He is old, but can still play, and Belichick has spoken very highly of him in the past.

Then, like I said before, there is Donnie Edwards from San Diego. His coverage skills would be quite valuable, given that this was clearly exposed as a weakness in our current LB corps. However, he is very small for an ILB in this system, so I'm not sure he'd hold up against the run.

If necessary, I could see the Pats going for an OLB and keeping Vrabel inside next year. Obviously that is not ideal, but if there simply weren't any viable options at ILB they might have to resort to it.

 

[patsfan55]

Clearly, Adalius Thomas is the top choice. The guy is as good a fit for the system as you will ever find. I've come to accept, however, that he will probably sign a monster contract with somebody, and given that he is 30 years old, I'm not sure its wise for the Pats to get in that type of bidding war for him. Sadly, I see the 49ers or Green Bay as more willing to throw boatloads of money at him. I'm thinking a signing bonus in the area of $18 million is not an outrageous prediction, and I don't see the Pats giving up that much.

After that, Jarret Johnson (Thomas' backup in Baltimore, but also a free agent) would be a great addition. He has played sparingly, but all indications are that he can play, and the guy has fantastic size for a linebacker in the 3-4.

London Fletcher-Baker would be a good addition. He is old, but can still play, and Belichick has spoken very highly of him in the past.

Then, like I said before, there is Donnie Edwards from San Diego. His coverage skills would be quite valuable, given that this was clearly exposed as a weakness in our current LB corps. However, he is very small for an ILB in this system, so I'm not sure he'd hold up against the run.

as ive been saying since sept
im on board with gettin adalius
he would be outside though

as for fletcher-baker, ive always been a fan, but honestly i view simmons not that far off, and hes younger and would come cheaper

as for donnie, i too love his pass coverage ability and would def take him if the price is right
i was actually in here last yr very adamantly sayin the pats should trade a pick for him

 

[patsfan55]

After that, Jarret Johnson (Thomas' backup in Baltimore, but also a free agent) would be a great addition. He has played sparingly, but all indications are that he can play, and the guy has fantastic size for a linebacker in the 3-4.

.

honestly, i dont know enough about the guy
one thing i do know, a lot of ppl were talkin similarly bout beisel
as much as id be willing to welcome him as a rotation guy
im not so sure id feel comfortable with him as a starter right away like that

 

[GHOSTOFSAMGASH]

honestly, i dont know enough about the guy
one thing i do know, a lot of ppl were talkin similarly bout beisel
as much as id be willing to welcome him as a rotation guy
im not so sure id feel comfortable with him as a starter right away like that

is there at least a decent chance since baltimore wont resign a thomas, that they resign him because he has played so sparingly, and could see this as his best chance to start?

 

[patsfan55]

is there at least a decent chance since baltimore wont resign a thomas, that they resign him because he has played so sparingly, and could see this as his best chance to start?

thats what ive been wondering myself

 

[DaBruinz]

honestly, i dont know enough about the guy
one thing i do know, a lot of ppl were talkin similarly bout beisel
as much as id be willing to welcome him as a rotation guy
im not so sure id feel comfortable with him as a starter right away like that

No, they weren't. Johnson has played DE, MLB, and OLB for the Ravens. Jarrett's regular rotation had him replacing Thomas or Suggs. However, when Ray Lewis was out, Jarrett filled in and didn't miss a beat. All people said about Beisel is that he was a PROJECT at ILB being that he has played DE and was in the process of moving to OLB for the Chiefs when they moved him inside for several games before he got injured.

And, Yes, I can speak on the subject because I was one of the ones who was excited about Beisel's potential and I can admit that I over-estimated it. However, I also felt that he'd have Ted Johnson next to him for a full season. That didn't happen and things didn't pan out for him.

 

[captain stone]

It's time for cuts and free agency. Doesn't it make sense to you that people on a football team's message board would want to discuss the different players who are becoming available, on areas of perceived need for the team, especially at this time in the off-season? I think it'd be ridiculous to expect otherwise.

Very well said.