Patriots own free agents in order of resigning priority…

[Brady6]

How would you prioritize the resigning of our own free agents this offseason? I would list them as follows:

1. Talib
2. Edelman
3. Blount
4. Wendell
5. Spikes*
6. Hooman
7. Fletcher
8. Aiken
9. Mulligan
10. Collie
11. Svitek

*If the unwanted tripped to injured reserve coupled with what I anticipate to be a poor free agent market for him serves as an eye opening experience for him and he can be reformed.

I was a bit torn between Talib and Edelman at 1 and 2 because I think they both mean more to this team than they would to any other team in the NFL. I was also torn with Blount and Wendell at 3 and 4 mainly because we have Ridley but we don’t have a center that could replace Wendell unless we moved Connolly.

Admittedly I wanted to put Mulligan higher because I actually really liked what he brought to this team in 2013 as a run blocker, it was like having a 6th offensive lineman.

 

[mayoclinic]

How would you prioritize the resigning of our own free agents this offseason? I would list them as follows:

1. Talib
2. Edelman
3. Blount
4. Wendell
5. Spikes*
6. Hooman
7. Fletcher
8. Aiken
9. Mulligan
10. Collie
11. Svitek

*If the unwanted tripped to injured reserve coupled with what I anticipate to be a poor free agent market for him serves as an eye opening experience for him and he can be reformed.

I was a bit torn between Talib and Edelman at 1 and 2 because I think they both mean more to this team than they would to any other team in the NFL. I was also torn with Blount and Wendell at 3 and 4 mainly because we have Ridley but we don’t have a center that could replace Wendell unless we moved Connolly.

Admittedly I wanted to put Mulligan higher because I actually really liked what he brought to this team in 2013 as a run blocker, it was like having a 6th offensive lineman.

I look at it differently:

1. Talib. Not even close. Need to keep the secondary intact for continuity, need his outside coverage ability. Take him away and the defense falls apart against playoff-caliber opponents.






2. Blount.
3. Edelman. These 2 are close, and are way behind Talib for me, because there are reasonable-cost alternatives available. Minnesota RB Toby Gerhart is a UFA and is an excellent alternative to Blount who should be available at reasonable cost; he has more potential as a receiving threat than Blount. Edelman is an excellent player, but he has only 1 complete season under his belt. The Pats have Amendola and Boyce; they might be better off spending less money for a WR who complements who they already have. There will be a bunch in FA: Eric Decker (too expensive), Hakeem Nicks (probably too expensive), Riley Cooper (good choice), Jeremy Maclin (good choice), Emmanuel Sanders, and more.






4. Fletcher. He has tremendous utility as a reserve because he can play all 3 LB positions, and at a fairly high level.
5. Svitek. Like Fletcher, he can play multiple positions at a decent level.






6. Dump the rest. I don't want Spikes back, or Wendell particularly. I want better TEs than Hooman and Mulligan, and I don't really see a place for Collie. Aiken is a LS, and those can be found as UDFAs; he's not so good that he can't be easily replaced. I wouldn't spend a dime on any of these guys, at the very least until I've filled the major holes; the last thing I want to do is chew up valuable cap space on lesser targets.

 

[kennyb]

Problem is talib may be expensive and he has chronic injuries. 2nd afc championship game in a row. Not his fault but still.

 

[Efstratios]

I think it's safe to say that Spikes likely won't be back, unless they can bring him back on a relatively cheap contract.

My opinion, and I'm sure some of my fellow posters share it, is that Talib, Edelman, and Blount are the "big 3" that we'd like to retain this offseason. I anticipate that we part ways with one of them, and retain another, while the third one could go either way. I personally think Blount is probably the most likely one to stay, while Talib is the least likely.

I would personally like to see Fletcher back, as LB depth is great.

 

[mgteich]

Are prioritizing ignoring potential cost and ability to be replaced? That is, are you simply listing re-signs in the order that we would like to keep them (usefulness to the team) or are you considering the cost?

BTW, for completeness Carter should be #12. If nothing else, his inclusion will remind us that we need a DE.

How would you prioritize the resigning of our own free agents this offseason? I would list them as follows:

1. Talib
2. Edelman
3. Blount
4. Wendell
5. Spikes*
6. Hooman
7. Fletcher
8. Aiken
9. Mulligan
10. Collie
11. Svitek

*If the unwanted tripped to injured reserve coupled with what I anticipate to be a poor free agent market for him serves as an eye opening experience for him and he can be reformed.

I was a bit torn between Talib and Edelman at 1 and 2 because I think they both mean more to this team than they would to any other team in the NFL. I was also torn with Blount and Wendell at 3 and 4 mainly because we have Ridley but we don’t have a center that could replace Wendell unless we moved Connolly.

Admittedly I wanted to put Mulligan higher because I actually really liked what he brought to this team in 2013 as a run blocker, it was like having a 6th offensive lineman.

 

[patsinthesnow]

If every free agent besides Talib/Edelman left, the team would barely be impacted in 2014. Ridley is just as good a RB as Blount and will be in a contract year as well.

We lose Talib, then the scramble/panic to find a CB1 begins.

We lose Edelman, then the scramble to find a legit replacement begins. (Maclin/Boldin)

We lose Blount, Fletcher, Hooman, etc, no big deal IMO.

 

[supafly]

If every free agent besides Talib/Edelman left, the team would barely be impacted in 2014. Ridley is just as good a RB as Blount and will be in a contract year as well.

We lose Talib, then the scramble/panic to find a CB1 begins.

We lose Edelman, then the scramble to find a legit replacement begins. (Maclin/Boldin)

We lose Blount, Fletcher, Hooman, etc, no big deal IMO.

I agree with your general premise for the most part, with the exception that if Edelman leaves, we don't then move to the outside receivers for his replacement.

EDIT: In your defense, it would certainly seem after further thinking that they "could" in theory play the slot here in NE, although I'm not personally seeing them as slot players for this type of offense, particularly due to the fact that we'd have better options in my opinion who could take over that duty. I still think that would fall on guys like Amendola, Boyce, Sanders--but I can appreciate the thinking.

Edelman's replacement may either come in Amendola or Boyce, outside of looking at someone like Emmanuel Sanders. Looking at guys like Boldin, Maclin may be a whole different issue entirely.

I'd also think that Fletcher should be a bit higher, considering the fact that it's a position where we lack adequate depth and are likely losing a player at already. I think it'd be a bit more difficult than some to replace 2 LBs who contributed here during their careers, particularly in the same year.

 

[Efstratios]

I agree with your general premise for the most part, with the exception that if Edelman leaves, we don't then move to the outside receivers for his replacement.

Edelman's replacement would either come in Amendola or Boyce, outside of looking at someone like Emmanuel Sanders. Looking at guys like Boldin, Maclin would be a whole different issue entirely.

I'd also think that Fletcher should be a bit higher, considering the fact that it's a position where we lack adequate depth and are likely losing a player at already. I think it'd be a bit more difficult than some to replace 2 LBs who contributed here during their careers, particularly in the same year.

Good point about Fletcher. Given some of the preexisting depth concerns on the D (DT, S, CB, DE), it'd be unwise to create more of them, simply to save some cap space.

BTW are you going to change that signature of yours to "Looking forward to the 2014 season..."? Or are you still postulating how high the 13' coaching job rated? .

 

[supafly]

Good point about Fletcher. Given some of the preexisting depth concerns on the D (DT, S, CB, DE), it'd be unwise to create more of them, simply to save some cap space.

BTW are you going to change that signature of yours to "Looking forward to the 2014 season..."? Or are you still postulating how high the 13' coaching job rated? .

Yeah, I'm going to switch up the avatar and sig any day now, just haven't gotten around to it.

In regards to Fletcher--I think that he's a capable and versatile enough LB who provides special teams value, and should certainly come cheaply enough to hopefully retain. One would think that we could do a lot worse in terms of backup LBs, although that's just my opinion. We'll have to see how Belichick feels though.

 

[patsfan-1982]

#1 Talib. it's been hard watching him on the side line in back to back AFCCG's as Manning and Flacco rip the secondary a new one but we all remember how bad the pass defense was before BB traded for him and how bad it is when his not in there so the pats have to re-sign him,

#2 Edelman. teams know that who ever is playing slot for Brady is going to have a lot of rec so there wont be a ton of teams looking to drive up the price on the pats but he is young and one of the best PR guys in the game so I will take a contract that looks like the one the pats give Danny last year around 6 million a year to bring him back, I don't see the pats re-signing both Talib and Edelman so I pick Talib and go with Danny and a vet at slot,

#3 Fletcher. his a pretty good back up ILB and I would like to see him return, I don't see spikes coming back I have the pats Drafting a ILB 3rd round or higher,

#4 Wendell. the only reason his on my list is because the pats don't always up grade a position when they let a starter walk in FA and we may just see a UDFA starting at C. but I have the pats Drafting a G in the first or 2th round and moving Connolly to center,

#5 Blount. I like his size and brake away speed but lets face it he had back to back amazing games vs two of the worst run defenses in the NFL and was pretty much just Rdley's fumble insurance for most of the season the funny part is he had just one less fumbles in a lot less touches then Ridley,
so if his asking price is to high I will be just fine moving forward with the more consistent Stevan Ridley at RB,

that's my top 5 I think the rest of the FA's are pretty much roster fillers and can be replaced and even upgraded very easy

 

[DarrylS]

1. Talib... if the cost is right and he has been cleared medically, do not want to see this team franchise him, that cost is way too high.
2. Blount...this guy gave this team a huge lift, and he is still very young.
3. Edelman... if the price is right, lots of versatility
4. Fletcher.. great versatility, and has filled in when asked.
5. Hooman.. unspectacular, but steady in the run game.
6. Wendell... proven commodity, consistency on the line.

The rest can be replaced..

 

[mayoclinic]

Problem is talib may be expensive and he has chronic injuries. 2nd afc championship game in a row. Not his fault but still.

If you can find a player of Talib's ability who is immune to getting injured and is willing to sign for less, give BB a call. I'm sure he'd be interested.

 

[RIpats88]

Talib and its not even close. Good cover corners are hard to find. He is the single most important player on our defense. We lost pro bowl players in mayo and wilfork BUT the defense only fell apart when we lost talib

After watching thr afc championship game I cant see how anyone would want to see THAT on the field next year. I dont want to see dennard on thomas ever again!

I have a feeling we might lose edelman. Bb might look at it as we would be investong large $$ in two injury prone slot wr's ( and make no doubt about it, this has been edelmans only healthy year) and if BB feels boyce has made enough progress he may seek to invest more in another outside option next to dobson

As for blount. Once again, nice player for good money. But if we lost him we still have ridley who was a 1200 yard rusher the year before blount came here.

 

[mayoclinic]

I look at it differently:

1. Talib. Not even close. Need to keep the secondary intact for continuity, need his outside coverage ability. Take him away and the defense falls apart against playoff-caliber opponents.

Talib and its not even close. Good cover corners are hard to find. He is the single most important player on our defense. We lost pro bowl players in mayo and wilfork BUT the defense only fell apart when we lost talib

Obviously, we agree.

 

[Kontradiction]

I'd break it down like this...

1. Who I want them to re-sign: Talib, Edelman, Blount, Spikes

2. Who I want them to let go and upgrade: Wendell, Hooman, Mulligan

3. Who I don't care about one way or another: Fletcher, Aiken, Collie, Svitek

Here's how I'd analyze it...

1. Talib is important. He was playing like one of the better CB's in the NFL prior to injury and is a legitimate CB1 otherwise. I have my concerns about his durability and his willingness to play through pain, but he is an important cog in this defense going forward. If they aren't going to sign him, or if he won't accept a contract with incentives, they should try to make a move to replace him with a Brent Grimes-type of CB. Edelman is a very good WR3 in the system and would be extremely valuable if the other two WR positions are upgraded. Blount is a former 1,000 yard runner who ran like a man possessed down the stretch and forms a very good 1-2-3 punch with Ridley and Vereen. Spikes is one of the better thumpers in the NFL, but I have my doubts that we will see him back in a Pats uniform.

2. Wendell is a back-up at best. He played anywhere from mediocre to awful this year and was nothing to write home about in 2012, either. He's undersized, whiffs constantly on stunts, and is easily overpowered by bigger DT's (which most NFL teams have). He's a liability in the interior OL and, because of him and compounded by Connolly at RG, Brady didn't have a pocket to step into against the better defenses this season. He was abused badly in the AFCCG. The good news is that the team could move Connolly to center (his best position, IMO), Cannon to RG, and draft a RG prospect in April to solidify the interior OL. Hooman and Mulligan are JAGS at best. Their production shouldn't be hard to replace or even upgrade.

3. Fletcher is a hard worker, but his role in the nickel was taken by Jamie Collins down the stretch and into the playoffs. If Collins can work on his instincts and bulk up a little to be able to take on the run, he could be valuable in the defense and Fletcher would be easily expendable. For Aiken, it depends on what he wants vs. where the team values him. If he wants more than what the team will give him, they will find another long snapper and nobody will lose sleep over it. Collie's production shouldn't be hard to upgrade, though I wouldn't mind if they brought him back as depth either. He proved he was still capable of getting open from time to time. Svitek is a JAG as well but could be at least somewhat valuable for depth purposes if the money is right.

 

[Jackson 2]

I've read here and heard elsewhere suggestions that we sign Hakeem Nicks. This guy was fined repeatedly this season by the Giants for missed /late practices and treatment sessions. No thanks.

 

[Kontradiction]

I've read here and heard elsewhere suggestions that we sign Hakeem Nicks. This guy was fined repeatedly this season by the Giants for missed /late practices and treatment sessions. No thanks.

If he comes cheap and is healthy, the Pats should definitely take a look at him. He's about as physically gifted as it gets and proved in the Super Bowl that he's a gamer on the biggest stage. He stretches the field and also isn't afraid to go over the middle and make something happen. There also may be two sides to the story. Coughlin isn't the easiest guy to get along with and was rumored to be fired several times before his team took him to Super Bowl victories. If this is all the case, then yes please. Sign me up for some Nicks and bring in Chandler and our offense instantaneously improves.

 

[Brady6]

Are prioritizing ignoring potential cost and ability to be replaced? That is, are you simply listing re-signs in the order that we would like to keep them (usefulness to the team) or are you considering the cost?

BTW, for completeness Carter should be #12. If nothing else, his inclusion will remind us that we need a DE.

You can determine your list however you would like. I looked at importance to the team and ability to replace the player if he leaves to form my list. I thought Carter had said somewhere he was going to retire, I could be mistaken.

 

[Brady6]

Updated Top 100 Free Agent List

The list was updated on 1/19/2014: NFL Trade Rumors - 2014 NFL Free Agents List: 51-100 NFL Trade Rumors - |

Patriots on the list
Talib #20
Spikes #26
Edelman #40
Blount #79

I am shocked at Spikes being in the top 30.

 

[jmt57]

There are a couple of rankings that I mostly agree with (mayoclinic, kontra), but with a vital caveat: at what price?

The NFL is unique in regards to their salary cap, and he effect it has on roster building. This is not major league baseball, where teams like the Red Sox, Yankees and Dodgers can spend any amount of money they so desire in pursuit of a championship. If another team offers Talib an 8-figure per year deal, should the Patriots still match that offer? Or should they then look at signing someone like Bren Grimes, Sam Shields or Alterraun Verner if they are available at half of Talib's price?

The more you spend on one position such as CB, the less there is available for other positions such as DT, C, TE and WR. It's difficult if not impossible to meaningfully look at the soon to be free agents and simply say 're-sign this guy', don' re-sign this guy; it can' be accurately viewed in a vacuum in that manner.