Pro Football Weekly: Pats have legitimate interest in Lito Sheppard

[Rob0729]

From their Whispers column:

We hear that the Patriots have legitimate interest in Eagles CB Lito Sheppard, despite the fact that the Eagles have stated publicly that they’re not interested in trading him. Nevertheless, there’s a good chance of Sheppard being dealt on draft weekend, and the Pats are at or near the top of the list of suitors. The Patriots have signed a slew of corners this offseason, but none approaches the athleticism of the one-time Philly star, when healthy.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2008/whispers040508.htm

Take it for what it is worth. Their whispers column can be no more accurate at times than mike Florio's site. Personally, as long as the Pats don't have to give up too much, I think it would be a great move for the Pats.

 

[Pats726]

From their Whispers column:



http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2008/whispers040508.htm

Take it for what it is worth. Their whispers column can be no more accurate at times than mike Florio's site. Personally, as long as the Pats don't have to give up too much, I think it would be a great move for the Pats.

Yes...and can get him to a good contract...so there is no bickering..I think he has a few years left..but if they can get him cheap..and with a good understanding of what is needed here..a GOOD trade.

 

[Keegs]

that's good news.

I woke up this morning thinking "man, the pats could really use another injury-prone defensive back".

 

[fgssand]

I noted this in draft day thread on Lito:

1) In 2004 he signed a 5 year 25MM deal and his base this year is 2MM , guaranteed. Since he is signed through 2011, his bargaining power really is not that great.

2) His cousin is Gaffeny, FWIW.

I sure would not be giving up #1 or even a #2...but a 3 & maybe a 5 next year may makes sense, if we can sign him reasonably.

 

[bradmahn]

I noted this in draft day thread on Lito:

1) In 2004 he signed a 5 year 25MM deal and his base this year is 2MM , guaranteed. Since he is signed through 2011, his bargaining power really is not that great.

2) His cousin is Gaffeny, FWIW.

I sure would not be giving up #1 or even a #2...but a 3 & maybe a 5 next year may makes sense, if we can sign him reasonably.

I may be wrong, but I believe I've read that the Eagles are looking for a low first rounder in return. Regardless, I highly doubt they will (or would) give him up for "only" third and fifth round picks.

If, however, the Eagles are interested in someone projected to go in the top ten of the first round, they may swing a trade for Sheppard with a swap of first round picks (Patriots get Lito and pick 19, Eagles get 7), as a move up like that would be a total of 625 points (as per the draft chart), or the equivalent of the 30th pick in the first round.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

that's good news.

I woke up this morning thinking "man, the pats could really use another injury-prone defensive back".

You know, maybe Box was right about your potential Keegs, you have grown on me as a contributor over time...

As long as it's not an expensive proposition it would be hillarious if we acquired him and he (and we) out performed the former NEP CB the Iggles braintrust chose to sign to a highest paid at the position FA contract to replace him. Just one more thing to ruffle Spector's feathers...

I think perhaps a draft day trade down scenario involving Carolina and Seward is more likely but we shall see. In a deep draft at a position of need for us that arguably isn't top heavy (5-6 top ten talents and no clear cut #1) not sure you want to part with a third or better for Shepard, but a 5th to move down to the teens AND bag Seward might be a savvy play. Depends on whether Fox wants a player who is a top 5 on his board and not ours who is still available at #7. Especially if that's a player the Ravens at #8 or Bears at #10 might also be hoping to maneuver for.

 

[Jimke]

If the Pats were unwilling to redo his contract, would he show up

for the start of the season?

 

[Keegs]

You know, maybe Box was right about your potential Keegs, you have grown on me as a contributor over time...

As long as it's not an expensive proposition it would be hillarious if we acquired him and he (and we) out performed the former NEP CB the Iggles braintrust chose to sign to a highest paid at the position FA contract to replace him. Just one more thing to ruffle Spector's feathers...

I think perhaps a draft day trade down scenario involving Carolina and Seward is more likely but we shall see. In a deep draft at a position of need for us that arguably isn't top heavy (5-6 top ten talents and no clear cut #1) not sure you want to part with a third or better for Shepard, but a 5th to move down to the teens AND bag Seward might be a savvy play. Depends on whether Fox wants a player who is a top 5 on his board and not ours who is still available at #7. Especially if that's a player the Ravens at #8 or Bears at #10 might also be hoping to maneuver for.

thanks.

Yeah i would like it if we got Lito, i just like making fun of how our DBs are always injured.

I think there's a good chance he could out-perform Asante if he comes here.

I never thought Samuel was that great.

 

[BionicPatriot]

So then how do we afford him and a LB, if they even like any in the later rounds? Draft speculation, IMO.

 

[FootballFanetic]

I think this would be a good move for the Pats if they can get him even for a 2. Elite CBs don't come cheap and he would help you guys plug the hole you still have back there. As a Bills fan, I can tell you that Jason Webster ain't likely to be the answer, even if he can stay on the field. (I ought to forward you the threads of Falcons fans messages to us on him last year about him not being able to stay on the field.) As for Asante tanking, just see how Nate Clements did for SF after signing one of the richest deals ever for a defensive player--the $80 million man played slightly better than a middle of the road free agent. I saw several of their games and saw him get burned in each one. Paying all that money to "shut down" corners is a risky business.....

 

[slash83]

Well the Pats must have some strong intrest in Lito this is the second time we've heard that there intrested, the other time was the start of free agency from draftdaddy so will see what happens...

 

[BradyMossTD]

Would be a solid, not spectacular, accquisition and would help out our secondary. I am interested to see if DRC's kidney situation see's him fall come dradt day.

 

[RayClay]

Moss was acquired for a 4th and took a huge pay cut.

Let's not get carried away and think that's the norm.

Looks to me like the Pats cut a big salary, carefully screened affordable vets to get a decent starter and veteran depth and are most likely, by their history, to spend picks on a CB than anything else this year.

Where does Lito fit into that?

With the always inflated market for "name" CBs, I'd be surprised if Lito doesn't look for a renegotiation and Philly doesn't look for a pretty high pick.

If we pay both ways, why wouldn't we have saved the pick and paid Asante?

I see the moves so far paving the way for 1 or 2 CBs from the draft, Richardson and we're set.

 

[RayClay]

Well the Pats must have some strong intrest in Lito this is the second time we've heard that there intrested, the other time was the start of free agency from draftdaddy so will see what happens...

You hear a story that "sounds good" as a rumor twice so it's more credible?

Apparently you don't subscribe to the Weekly World News as I do.

 

[slash83]

Moss was acquired for a 4th and took a huge pay cut.

Let's not get carried away and think that's the norm.

Looks to me like the Pats cut a big salary, carefully screened affordable vets to get a decent starter and veteran depth and are most likely, by their history, to spend picks on a CB than anything else this year.

Where does Lito fit into that?

With the always inflated market for "name" CBs, I'd be surprised if Lito doesn't look for a renegotiation and Philly doesn't look for a pretty high pick.

If we pay both ways, why wouldn't we have saved the pick and paid Asante?

I see the moves so far paving the way for 1 or 2 CBs from the draft, Richardson and we're set.

who knows maybe were goin away from that 12 yard soft zone to more of a physical man coverage scheme which happens to better fit Lito then Asante, just a thought....

 

[slash83]

You hear a story that "sounds good" as a rumor twice so it's more credible?

Apparently you don't subscribe to the Weekly World News as I do.

no a rumors a rumor to me but if it keeps coming up you start to think maybe theres something behind it...

 

[RayClay]

who knows maybe were goin away from that 12 yard soft zone to more of a physical man coverage scheme which happens to better fit Lito then Asante, just a thought....

No doubt it's possible. I just see the recent moves and ability to have some young athletes under rookie contract for years as more logical.

 

[DW Toys]

I may be wrong, but I believe I've read that the Eagles are looking for a low first rounder in return. Regardless, I highly doubt they will (or would) give him up for "only" third and fifth round picks.

If, however, the Eagles are interested in someone projected to go in the top ten of the first round, they may swing a trade for Sheppard with a swap of first round picks (Patriots get Lito and pick 19, Eagles get 7), as a move up like that would be a total of 625 points (as per the draft chart), or the equivalent of the 30th pick in the first round.

Think I would rather spend a 3rd on Carpenter with the Cowboys. He would work out well here in my opinion as a ILB and BB won't fret picking a rookie LB that high.
If both were doable CAP wise I would like that.
DW Toys

 

[RayClay]

no a rumors a rumor to me but if it keeps coming up you start to think maybe theres something behind it...

Well, when I see a team with one returning cornerback and a good cornerback being dangled, I call that a "sounds good" coincidence that a writer will speculate about regardless of "whispers".

If it's speculation (whispers? I think it is) then I apply the Billy Preston equation of nothing plus nothing = nothing.

Of course the Pats are "interested" in any talent that could help. Legitimate? Not at a high price IMO.

 

[The Great Fork]

Moss was acquired for a 4th and took a huge pay cut.

Let's not get carried away and think that's the norm.

Looks to me like the Pats cut a big salary, carefully screened affordable vets to get a decent starter and veteran depth and are most likely, by their history, to spend picks on a CB than anything else this year.

Where does Lito fit into that?

With the always inflated market for "name" CBs, I'd be surprised if Lito doesn't look for a renegotiation and Philly doesn't look for a pretty high pick.

If we pay both ways, why wouldn't we have saved the pick and paid Asante?

I see the moves so far paving the way for 1 or 2 CBs from the draft, Richardson and we're set.

This is a good point, but doesn't it matter what kind of renegotiation he wants? Certainly he isn't looking for an Asante-level overpayday, but if he is, clearly he's not worth it. No corner is. I'm glad we let Asante go at this point, he will never be worth all that money, and if we could get Lito for a decent price, it may be worth it.