Welbourn signed, Norwell cut

[BadMoFo]

The Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman John Welbourn today. To make room on the roster, the team released rookie defensive lineman Chris Norwell.

A bit from the team's press release on Welbourn:

Welbourn, 32, is a veteran of nine NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2003) and Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07). The 6-foot-5-inch, 310-pound offensive lineman has played in 103 career games with 95 starts. Last season, he started every game at right guard for the Chiefs.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/08/roster_move_for.html

 

[BadMoFo]

Sounds like a solid veteran. Someone better watch they back.

 

[363839]

That does sound like a good signing.
I thought we needed more depth on the O-line.

 

[BadMoFo]

That does sound like a good signing.
I thought we needed more depth on the O-line.

Could be, but comes with baggage. Reiss forgot to mention this:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs tackle John Welbourn, who unexpectedly retired in June, was suspended for six weeks Wednesday for violating the league's drug policy.

Welbourn, who was also suspended for the first four games in 2005 under the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, had asked to be reinstated, said Chiefs president Carl Peterson.

The Chiefs still have Welbourn under contract for three years. And with the unexpected retirement in July of Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf, they have a need at offensive tackle. But whether the 30-year-old Welbourn is taken back remains to be seen, Peterson said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2576503

 

[QB12]

Light is probably pretty banged up.

QB12

 

[ScottieC]

Light is probably pretty banged up.

QB12

Banged up from what? Kareoke?

 

[363839]

Could be, but comes with baggage. Reiss forgot to mention this:



http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2576503

Sure, but you know BB's rep with these kind of guys.
"Don't care what you did before you got here. Now's the time to get it done"
...something like that.

 

[14thDragon]

Light is probably pretty banged up.

Stephen Neal. Nuff said.

 

[OhExaulted1]

Poor Chris, we hardly knew ye.

As for Welbourn I like the pick-up despite the baggage. Started all 16 games last year and is versitile at G and T. If he can contribute great. Maybe he could also give Kaczur some good advice being a guy who's been through it.

 

[tombonneau]

Who and who?

 

[BPF]

Sure, but you know BB's rep with these kind of guys.
"Don't care what you did before you got here. Now's the time to get it done"
...something like that.

Good point.

I like this guy as a player. Was a stud for Philly and solid in KC. He is a versatile player that can play G or RT, another one of those like Ross and Stokes. Like Ross and unlike Stokes he is very athletic. This guy is a solid veteran who is good technically, uses his hands well and is strong and also adept at both pass pro and run blocking. He is more of a position blocker in the run dept than a mauler despite his size. He is quick and sudden in his initial movement and recovers quickly when beat. He is smart and picks up blocking schemes well, also does well on twists and is solid vs blitz. At this point is probably a better G.

 

[tombonneau]

Good point.

I like this guy as a player. Was a stud for Philly and solid in KC. He is a versatile player that can play G or RT, another one of those like Ross and Stokes. Like Ross and unlike Stokes he is very athletic. This guy is a solid veteran who is good technically, uses his hands well and is strong and also adept at both pass pro and run blocking. He is more of a position blocker in the run dept than a mauler despite his size. He is quick and sudden in his initial movement and recovers quickly when beat. He is smart and picks up blocking schemes well, also does well on twists and is solid vs blitz. At this point is probably a better G.

You can add to that list: "He was available in the first week of August."



I'm all for optimism, but there is a reason he was unemployed until August 3rd. Hopefully he proves to be decent depth and teams were just scared of baggage, but I will temper my enthusiasm until I see otherwise ...

 

[DefenseRules]

Is anyone else starting to become a little concerned about our OL? I guess that this is the time to work this thing out, but all this movement at the OL position is a little worrisome. That Matt Light injury is starting to bother me.

 

[Mack Herron]

Light and Neal have both been out, right? We know Neal has chronic injury issues, but Light is unknown. Easier to plug someone in at guard than LT.

 

[BPF]

You can add to that list: "He was available in the first week of August."



I'm all for optimism, but there is a reason he was unemployed until August 3rd. Hopefully he proves to be decent depth and teams were just scared of baggage, but I will temper my enthusiasm until I see otherwise ...

Oh you mean like a guy named Roman Phifer....

http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=12787

Career Transactions

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roman Phifer was signed by the Patriots as a veteran free agent on Aug. 3, 2001 ... Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft ... Signed with the Jets as a unrestriced free agent (03/05/99) … Released by the Jets (02/22/01) … Re-signed with the Patriots (06/21/02).

That means nothing, how he fits in and performs w/the Pats matters more than when he was available.

 

[OhExaulted1]

Is anyone else starting to become a little concerned about our OL? I guess that this is the time to work this thing out, but all this movement at the OL position is a little worrisome. That Matt Light injury is starting to bother me.

Not worried at all. Scar is in control and I have unwavering faith in him.

 

[tombonneau]

Oh you mean like a guy named Roman Phifer....

http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=12787



That means nothing, how he fits in and performs w/the Pats matters more than when he was available.

The fact you had to go back seven years to find an impactful post-August FA signing doesn't tell you something?

 

[Jimke]

Welbourn is a keeper who can be penciled in on our 53 man roster.

 

[tombonneau]

FWIW, found a post on this Chiefs board re: Pats' signing of Welbourne. They found it comedic to say the least. Doesn't sound like he was the most regarded lineman:

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=188456

My favorite:

Must need a speed bump for the parking lot...

 

[Rob0729]

The Pats are really playing a mean game of musical back up offensive linemen. I don't know of any of the o-linemen they are shuffling in and out right now have a shot in hell in making the roster.

If the Pats are really serious about getting a veteran o-lineman, they will be better off making a trade in a few weeks with a team loaded with back ups.