Bottom line: neither player will sit for the season. Nor do I see a trade happening if one isn't done before the draft this year. Either guy is gonna cost a top 15 this year and at least a third this or next. The steal you away price is a first this and next.
Neither of these guys is gonna sit out, considering the money they are to be paid to play. The only sad part is they will miss camp and that means they have a slow start. They may huff and puff, but no way they leave @.5million dollars a game to make a point. Bottom line, as I said, both play under the tag.
But that is not to say there wont be a deal cut with Asante for a contract here. The question and deal breaker is the whole 3 year thing. The Pats can configure a 5 year deal, with the first 3 years matching or approaching his asking price IF they can ammortize it out over 5 years or so, and they can make the 5th year a junk year to renegotiate for, too. Effectively giving Asante the control after the 4th year. But that is only if Asante is willing to sign for 5 not 3.
