So, can we really expect a significant DE/OLB Free Agent Acquisition?

Cause I cannot tell if it's just fan speculation or if there is really something in the works. IMO, it's our biggest need. But -- if it's even possible -- I don't want to get into a guessing game as to which player it will specifically be (i.e. Lawson vs Roth vs ect.).

I wish to avoid the above because there seems to be a fair amount of doubt as to which direction we'll take in regards to base scheme: 3/4 or 4/3. Personally, I think it's a bit of a false dichotomy considering the number of 4-2-5 Nickel packages we run (+60% of the time) means that we are already heavily relying on aspects of both systems. Also, the above is aided by the fact that Belichick is notorious for presenting an alignment with players in various 'techniques' that - from my eye - make certain plays look like a hybrid of 3/4 and 4/3 as it is (but that's just me).

So with that being said, I really think this opens us up to many different players who have previously been in different systems. So basically, are we going to acquire one?

Disclaimer - Of course, seeking clarification from a fan message board about -- of all things -- the subject of fan speculation might be a tad hypocritical () but this forum is almost always up on the latest news/rumors/ect, so I guess it's all good.

I think it's speculation based on an article from a few days ago saying "New England has one more big move coming down the turnpike" or something like that. I forget the wording and where the article was from (CBS I believe).

Personally I'm hoping we resign Light, extend Mankins, and drop a 2nd rounder for Osi Umenyiora (sp?).

strngplyr said:

I think it's speculation based on an article from a few days ago saying "New England has one more big move coming down the turnpike" or something like that. I forget the wording and where the article was from (CBS I believe).

Personally I'm hoping we resign Light, extend Mankins, and drop a 2nd rounder for Osi Umenyiora (sp?).

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This is all we need to make this thing complete. :rocker:

^ that would be very nice. And how about Shaun Ellis too if there's cap room? Last time pats were aggressive in the offseason they were only one bogus holding call or 3 dropped picks from 19-0. In the words of Bart Scott "Can't wait!".

I would suspect the Pats have one more relatively major signing/trade to come because of the cap room that they currently have. They didn't make all those moves Friday, including releasing Warren for nothing.

Resolving Light and Mankins is first.

But there is plenty of cap monies available to add a significant free agent at DE or OLB. After all we have $6.5M to add to $120M cap, if we want it. Besides signing Light and Mankisn to contracts might be close to a wash capwise.

resign Light to 2-3yr deal max, resign Mankins 5yr deal, sign R. Moss to 1 year deal, trade Tate for mid round pick, sign OLB or DE from UFA list.

WR's - Welker, Ocho, Moss, Branch, Edelman, Price

Draft WR Michael Floyd in 2012

deters said:

resign Light to 2-3yr deal max, resign Mankins 5yr deal, sign R. Moss to 1 year deal, trade Tate for mid round pick, sign OLB or DE from UFA list.

WR's - Welker, Ocho, Moss, Branch, Edelman, Price

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I wouldnt take Moss back for free, no matter what he holds us back.

Snake Eyes said:

I wouldnt take Moss back for free, no matter what he holds us back.

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Moss going deep, Ocho over the middle, Branch and Welker running underneath and out routes + our stable of backs and TE's = :rocker:

Snake Eyes said:

I wouldnt take Moss back for free, no matter what he holds us back.

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I think I agree. Our WR corps this season will be just fine. Moss had 3 chances last season alone to get it together. I loved him while he was here, but he's gone, and I don't want to look back.

deters said:

Moss going deep, Ocho over the middle, Branch and Welker running underneath and out routes + our stable of backs and TE's = :rocker:

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How many players are you trying to put on offense? I don't want to go back to the empty backfield offense. 2007 was great, but this is 2011. That offense got figured out and stopped being effective.

strngplyr said:

How many players are you trying to put on offense? I don't want to go back to the empty backfield offense. 2007 was great, but this is 2011. That offense got figured out and stopped being effective.

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never happened

strngplyr said:

How many players are you trying to put on offense? I don't want to go back to the empty backfield offense. 2007 was great, but this is 2011. That offense got figured out and stopped being effective.

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Obviously you adjust the offensive gameplan every game and those players won't be on the field every snap for the entire game. We are becoming more balanced like years past and I like that because it wins games consistently. I still want us to pound the rock but we have one of the best QB's in NFL history and he should used to his potential. You can never have to many passing threats to ease pressure on your running attack and by re-adding Moss that would put this offensive group well above 2007.

deters said:

Obviously you adjust the offensive gameplan every game and those players won't be on the field every snap for the entire game. We are becoming more balanced like years past and I like that because it wins games consistently. I still want us to pound the rock but we have one of the best QB's in NFL history and he should used to his potential. You can never have to many passing threats to ease pressure on your running attack and by re-adding Moss that would put this offensive group well above 2007.

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How will putting Moss back on this team make us a better Offense than 2007? What has Moss done recently to give you so much confidence, he had a contract year last season and look at what happened. He doesn't get separation like he did in 2007, and he looked like Raiders-Moss last season. If he was magically in 2007 form, sure, but I don't believe thats the case by a long shot. For how cheap he would be to get off the market too after last season the coaches and FO must also agree that he isn't in that form or else he'd be signed already.

mgteich said:

Resolving Light and Mankins is first.

But there is plenty of cap monies available to add a significant free agent at DE or OLB. After all we have $6.5M to add to $120M cap, if we want it. Besides signing Light and Mankisn to contracts might be close to a wash capwise.

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I really like Manny Lawson over the more hyped Giants stud, who will come at a higher cost in terms of what we need to give up in a draft and in the pocket book.

Lawson is smart. Can do the things we asked McGinest to do. Is tall.

And he's smart. He probably has a chip on his shoulder since his homies in San Fran largely think he's a stiff when he is coveted by many teams in the NFL.

And when asked to rush the passer, he's been very efficient, even though his totals aren't impressive.

With a stout D-line and Cunningham coming on strong, there will be plenty of opportunities for the other guy, regardless of who he'll be.

I think Osi is officially off the table, if he was ever on it, unless the Giants can be talked down:

ClaytonESPN:
During the conversation between the Giants and Osi U, the team told him if they would shop him they would ask for a No. 1 pick [via Twitter]

The Dynasty said:

I would suspect the Pats have one more relatively major signing/trade to come because of the cap room that they currently have. They didn't make all those moves Friday, including releasing Warren for nothing.

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That's what I'm thinking too...

But there is no guarantee it's for DE/OLB

strngplyr said:

How will putting Moss back on this team make us a better Offense than 2007? What has Moss done recently to give you so much confidence, he had a contract year last season and look at what happened. He doesn't get separation like he did in 2007, and he looked like Raiders-Moss last season. If he was magically in 2007 form, sure, but I don't believe thats the case by a long shot. For how cheap he would be to get off the market too after last season the coaches and FO must also agree that he isn't in that form or else he'd be signed already.

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Since 07, we've upgraded at TE, RB but about even at WR. Moss would add another dynamic ability to our WR core and make it better than the 07 or 10. He might not be 07 material but he is still a good talent and capable of top 10 WR season.

deters said:

Since 07, we've upgraded at TE, RB but about even at WR. Moss would add another dynamic ability to our WR core and make it better than the 07 or 10. He might not be 07 material but he is still a good talent and capable of top 10 WR season.

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Have you been asleep for 18 months or so?

deters said:

Moss going deep, Ocho over the middle, Branch and Welker running underneath and out routes + our stable of backs and TE's = :rocker:

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1 - All Moss can do is go deep, he can't get separation, isn't winning those jump-ball matches, and is easily jammed at the line.

2 - He's a headcase that consumes WAY too much resources than he's worth.

3 - His roster spot means someone with actual potential, doesn't stay on the team.

He's gone, let's move on.