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

AndyJohnson said:

Have you been asleep for 18 months or so?

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wide awake. If Moss doesn't come back idc, if he does I would understand the move. I'm just saying why it might make sense. And before ya'll say he is finished and all his skills have eroded last season he had 40yr old Brett Favre and 38yr old Kerry Collins throwing to him in offenses not even as close to ours. He struggled early in the season with us but we were also breaking in new TE's, WW back from ACL surgery, etc. Moss could still put up big numbers here nad be a dynamic player in our loaded offense.

Snake Eyes said:

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.

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A WR is getting cut or traded either way imo. I think Tate is toast. He isn't that great of a pass presence and has only been a one trick pony with KR duty. I see Taylor Price easily taking Tates spot on the team.

deters said:

wide awake. If Moss doesn't come back idc, if he does I would understand the move. I'm just saying why it might make sense. And before ya'll say he is finished and all his skills have eroded last season he had 40yr old Brett Favre and 38yr old Kerry Collins throwing to him in offenses not even as close to ours. He struggled early in the season with us but we were also breaking in new TE's, WW back from ACL surgery, etc. Moss could still put up big numbers here nad be a dynamic player in our loaded offense.

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Moss = turnovers. Going deep to moss ends drives. He doesn't get open anymore and it results in a turnover or loss of a down. This new offense we unveiled last season turned the ball over one time over the final stretch of the season and it was when Woodhead took a helmet to helmet (if i remember correctly) hit. 0 interceptions.

I much more prefer our redesigned small play and safe but consistent offense over a big play offense with no big play makers.

New England is done playing fantasy football.

deters said:

wide awake. If Moss doesn't come back idc, if he does I would understand the move. I'm just saying why it might make sense. And before ya'll say he is finished and all his skills have eroded last season he had 40yr old Brett Favre and 38yr old Kerry Collins throwing to him in offenses not even as close to ours. He struggled early in the season with us but we were also breaking in new TE's, WW back from ACL surgery, etc. Moss could still put up big numbers here nad be a dynamic player in our loaded offense.

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BB gave him away. He went to Minnesota and stank. He went to Tenn and stank worse.
Other players on those teams produced. If it was the QB and not him, why did Minn not want him, and Tenn bench him.
You can make all the excuse you want and only hold Moss accountable to the never attained perfect world. I will stick with my eyes, 3 NFL HCs decisions, and the fact that everyones skills decline at some point.

strngplyr said:

Moss = turnovers. Going deep to moss ends drives. He doesn't get open anymore and it results in a turnover or loss of a down. This new offense we unveiled last season turned the ball over one time over the final stretch of the season and it was when Woodhead took a helmet to helmet (if i remember correctly) hit. 0 interceptions.

I much more prefer our redesigned small play and safe but consistent offense over a big play offense with no big play makers.

New England is done playing fantasy football.

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There was a grand total of 1 game where relying on Moss led to turnovers, and he was gone shortly after.
NE never played fantasy football they had the GOAT at QB and a WR who could get open deep so a couple of times a game they threw deep and it was very successful.

The biggest priorities for me right now are Mankins letting signed to a long term contract and getting Light signed. Of course getting the 3 unsigned rookies signed. I think Osi is outside what the Pats can afford under the cap. Lawson would be nice by not critical. I expect a big leap up from Cunningham.

AndyJohnson said:

BB gave him away. He went to Minnesota and stank. He went to Tenn and stank worse.
Other players on those teams produced. If it was the QB and not him, why did Minn not want him, and Tenn bench him.
You can make all the excuse you want and only hold Moss accountable to the never attained perfect world. I will stick with my eyes, 3 NFL HCs decisions, and the fact that everyones skills decline at some point.

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He did stink it up, I agree. But look at the teams he went to. It was essentially like heading back to the Raiders. I doubt he comes back here and I won't be upset if he doesn't but we need another WR who draws attention from DB's. I just don't have faith in Tate or Price filling in for Branch, Ocho or Welker. Another proven target is needed imo. An aged Moss commands plenty of attention still.

Back to the original topic of the thread:

Miguel's page says we have about 10 mil in cap space. After cutting Kazcur I think resigning Light is a must. Then we need to sign Solder, Dowling and Vereen. That will take a lot of our cap space and I'm not sure we'd have room to make any other moves.

Here's where it becomes blurry.

Now if we resign Mankins long term we'll save somewhere between 2-3 million. If we restructure 85's contract (going to happen just a matter of when) we could free up another 2-3. If we can file somebody's contract under the 3.5 million exception we would save, you guessed it, 3.5 million. So if we can manage to get these 3 things done we'll free up 7-9 million.

The last factor which I haven't seen a clear answer on if dead cap created by the cuts. If it doesn't count against our cap this year we can add 6.5 million in cap space.

In my dream scenario we bring back Light and add Pat Williams and Osi. A little more realistic would be Light, Pat Williams and Manny lawson all being added to the team.

Snake Eyes said:

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.

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I thought maybe it would be a possibility but that was before the Pats signed OchoCinco. Now I cannot see it at all, those two guys demand the ball be thrown to them, and when you have guys like Branch, Welker and the TE's that just isn't going to happen on a game to game basis. It would be a nightmare for Brady and O'Brien. Now that OchoCinco is here, Moss would not be a good fit.

I don't see how a DE/OLB isn't added, but I'm not sure if they'll pay up for Lawson or Roth, especially if they lock up Light/Mankins.

Jacob Ford might be an interesting option. Had a big year playing alongside Haynesworth in 2008, and at 6'4" and 250 lbs, has the measurables to line up at OLB.

deters said:

He did stink it up, I agree. But look at the teams he went to. It was essentially like heading back to the Raiders. I doubt he comes back here and I won't be upset if he doesn't but we need another WR who draws attention from DB's. I just don't have faith in Tate or Price filling in for Branch, Ocho or Welker. Another proven target is needed imo. An aged Moss commands plenty of attention still.

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Here's the main problem with bringing back Moss: you would have no less than 4 active WRs each week that don't play special teams. You would need to activate no less than 5 WRs each week to have Edelman and his return skills. (not even including Tate) With as many TEs and RBs as we have, the numbers game gets very complicated.

If another WR is brought in, fine. But it will have to be someone that contributes to more than just the offense.

strngplyr said:

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]

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If this is true, then Osi is on the table ..... assuming he'd fit whatever scheme we use this year. Further, a 1st pix is negotiable (or in the high 20's, low 30's), what's important is he's being made available. I'd offer a 2nd and a conditional 3rd for him (again, if he fits the scheme BB decides to use this season).

Aßßynormal said:

If this is true, then Osi is on the table ..... assuming he'd fit whatever scheme we use this year. Further, a 1st pix is negotiable (or in the high 20's, low 30's), what's important is he's being made available. I'd offer a 2nd and a conditional 3rd for him (again, if he fits the scheme BB decides to use this season).

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I agree. Saying you want a 1st and getting a 1st are very different things. 2nd rounder + ... sign me up!

Aßßynormal said:

If this is true, then Osi is on the table ..... assuming he'd fit whatever scheme we use this year. Further, a 1st pix is negotiable (or in the high 20's, low 30's), what's important is he's being made available. I'd offer a 2nd and a conditional 3rd for him (again, if he fits the scheme BB decides to use this season).

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I agree, which is why I added "unless they can be talked down". I think we could negotiate for him, but we won't pay a first in my opinion.

So the Jints want a 1st

The agent is the intractable Tom Condom

And the player wants $8M or so per year

Other than that Mrs Kennedy, how was the parade?

Another possibility on FA/trades: They're done dealing and have moved on to the business of preparing for the season.

patsfan13 said:

The biggest priorities for me right now are Mankins letting signed to a long term contract and getting Light signed. Of course getting the 3 unsigned rookies signed. I think Osi is outside what the Pats can afford under the cap. Lawson would be nice by not critical. I expect a big leap up from Cunningham.

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Cousin, I agree with all except the need for an OLB. I think Lawson is that guy. Excellent on coverage which is where Cunningham and Nincovitch are weak. He can rush. Manny is still young and has a ton of speed. Prefer Osi but price??????

We also need a quick type DE. I will get blasted like I did for suggesting Moss, Haynesworth and Ocho in the past......(ye I did and I did win a few once in a while) Hope we get Mr. Hide not DR. Jeckel in Al.

I am going to suggest Jamaal Anderson just cut from ATL. It was a surprise to some as he was coming into his own as a solid run defender. Maybe he gets the pass rush deal hear. Former first rounder is young and 6'6" and 289lbs. and can set the edge.

We need to move on with this Tate experiment. I would take a flyer on Braylon Edwards who should be cheap. He averaged 17ypc.
I agree on Mankins and Light.
DW Toys

Aßßynormal said:

If this is true, then Osi is on the table ..... assuming he'd fit whatever scheme we use this year. Further, a 1st pix is negotiable (or in the high 20's, low 30's), what's important is he's being made available. I'd offer a 2nd and a conditional 3rd for him (again, if he fits the scheme BB decides to use this season).

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Why would you be willing to overpay for the (non-QB) player when you'd also have to give him a big contract?

PatsWickedPissah said:

So the Jints want a 1st

The agent is the intractable Tom Condom

And the player wants $8M or so per year

Other than that Mrs Kennedy, how was the parade?

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As soon as you said:Tom Condon,I lost my erec****:bricks:

Deus Irae said:

Why would you be willing to overpay for the (non-QB) player when you'd also have to give him a big contract?

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A second round pick can be M. Light or Wheatley. For that matter, a late first could net you a Meriweather. Draft choices are crap shoots, the second we gave for Dillon was well worth the two years he gave us (we gave Dillon a big contract in year two that we got stuck with ..... we do have some jewelry to show for it though).

Pisssah reminded me his agent is Condom, so he may be prohibitive from that point of view. Still, all those sacks and forced fumbles ........ it's worth looking into at minimum.