FA Targets - available at a reasonable price

Free Agent Top 150 - Free Agency Update - Rotoworld.com

27. Defensive end Everson Griffen -- Turned 26 in December. 13.5 sacks the past two seasons despite playing behind Jared Allen and Brian Robison. Can play linebacker, end, and tackle.

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103. Defensive lineman Corey Wootton -- Forced to play out of position at defensive tackle due to injuries in Chicago last season. Much better fit at 4-3 left end, where Wootton tallied seven sacks as a seven-game starter in 2012. Underwent minor hip surgery in January. Turns 27 in June.

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Per Twitter:

• Jeremy Maclin is off the market, on a one-year deal with the Iggles.
• Sidney Rice was released with a "failed physical" designation.

50-yard-line said:

Right now, I'm of the mind that if we manage to re-sign Talib and nab Jackson and Red Bryant (two players BB loves), our defense is stellar.

Jackson and Johnson would be even better.

And if Amendola can develop at safety, as the rumors now indicate...

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Who is Jackson? I keep hearing this name but the player eludes me.

I do not think Amendola has the size to play safety. Slot CB maybe, him, and Arrington as a tandem may equate to one full groin.

Brady6 said:

Who is Jackson? I keep hearing this name but the player eludes me.

I do not think Amendola has the size to play safety. Slot CB maybe, him, and Arrington as a tandem may equate to one full groin.

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D'Qwell Jackson, coverage linebacker released by Cleveland.

50-yard-line said:

D'Qwell Jackson, coverage linebacker released by Cleveland.

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Oh yeah, yeah.

I would like to see them bring in a safety too.

- Ward
- Delmas
- Decoud
- Mitchell

Brady6 said:

Oh yeah, yeah.

I would like to see them bring in a safety too.

- Ward
- Delmas
- Decoud
- Mitchell

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Delmas is meeting with Pittsburgh today. He won't be out there for long.

Brady6 said:

Players that peak my interest the most are –

- Matt Shaughnessy back in 2010 had an outstanding year with Oakland – 56 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 run stuffs. At 27 years old, he should have plenty left in the tank.
- Everson Griffin is a very disruptive defensive lineman and he is a physical specimen (combine results linked below). He has never received an opportunity to start but he reminds me of Michael Bennett last year, he can play outside and inside, and he is still just 26 years old. *Everson Griffen*|*Southern Cal,*DE*:*2010 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile
- Eben Britton was a second round draft picks by the Jaguars in 2009; he was very good early in his career, they moved him a lot from during his time with the Jaguars and fell off track. He has experience at RT, LG, and RG with the Jaguars. He is still just 26 years old and could be a good depth player who can play tackle and guard.
- Brandon LaFell is a receiver I really like; he is 6’2” 210 lbs. so he offers us some security with a veteran presence behind Aaron Dobson.
- Jon Beason was a former pro bowler who had his career derailed by an Achilles injury; at 29 years old, there could be an opportunity to get him back on track.
- Nick Collins was a former pro bowler who suffered what most thought to be a career ending neck injury. He received clearance to resume his playing career and at 32 years old could have a few productive seasons.

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Love to see the Pats sign Shaughnessy. He is a New England guy, raised in CT. Played 3-4OLB for the Cards this last year after being 4-3DE in Oakland. Can also play 4-3DT on passing downs. Very versatile. Great against the run. Meh against the pass although he did have 7 sacks in 2010 as noted.

Nick Collins, if healthy, could help the secondary. He was a pro-bowler before the neck injury. Good in coverage and was a hitter, not Rodney Harrison level but still a hitter.

Others have mentioned James Jones. I don't like him at all. He may have cleared up the problem, but he had LOTS of drops early in his career. He made Dobson look sure handed.

SteveKiner said:

Others have mentioned James Jones. I don't like him at all. He may have cleared up the problem, but he had LOTS of drops early in his career. He made Dobson look sure handed.

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He caught 14 touchdown passes a season ago (2012).

I think James Jones is somewhat intriguing due to the fact that he'd be coming reasonably priced, and would practically be guaranteed to upgrade some depth/talent in the WR grouping.

Then again, I don't believe that Thompkins is going to be seeing much time if he even makes the team next year, so it's possible that you feel differently and somehow have him taking up a prime role (the thought makes me shiver).

If they let Edelman walk, yes--we're going to have to bring in some kind of additional talent/competition, without a doubt. That could be any number of options, but Jones seems to be good enough for consideration in my opinion.

I don't think the Patriots are going to leave the cupboard bare for Brady at Receiver, if anything i think they have shown that it is always a priority for them and what happened last season was a perfect storm for them, usually the discussion is about how hard the cuts at those positions will be. I'm not suggesting they load up with high priced stars but there have been plenty of camps where i wondered how they would get down to 5-6. They will go ater the guys like J. Avant and other lower priced options to create competition at the position but they will most likely try to add depth and grab another talented young player in the draft.

With Edelman i think it comes down to what he can get and what they would have to pay for E. Sanders, and they will take the better option for them. I expect they will address both TE and WR significantly when all is said and done.

supafly said:

He caught 14 touchdown passes a season ago (2012).

I think James Jones is somewhat intriguing due to the fact that he'd be coming reasonably priced, and would practically be guaranteed to upgrade some depth/talent in the WR grouping.

Then again, I don't believe that Thompkins is going to be seeing much time if he even makes the team next year, so it's possible that you feel differently and somehow have him taking up a prime role (the thought makes me shiver).

If they let Edelman walk, yes--we're going to have to bring in some kind of additional talent/competition, without a doubt. That could be any number of options, but Jones seems to be good enough for consideration in my opinion.

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I agree he had a good year last year and has been pretty productive for GB, but I used to follow the Packers pretty close and back a few years ago it seemed like it was 50-50 whether he would catch the ball or not. I know I am exaggerating his problem, but it was very frustrating to watch his struggles to catch the ball.

He would definitely improve the Pats especially if JE is not resigned, but I just can't get his hands issue out of my head even though, according to the stats, drops are no longer an issue with him.

SteveKiner said:

I agree he had a good year last year and has been pretty productive for GB, but I used to follow the Packers pretty close and back a few years ago it seemed like it was 50-50 whether he would catch the ball or not. I know I am exaggerating his problem, but it was very frustrating to watch his struggles to catch the ball.

He would definitely improve the Pats especially if JE is not resigned, but I just can't get his hands issue out of my head even though, according to the stats, drops are no longer an issue with him.

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The only reason I am a bit higher on a guy like James Jones than I should be is due to the lack of talent that we had last year. I think he'd upgrade a spot at the position for reasonable cost.

I agree with you that we shouldn't jump for joy if it happens, but it would at least show that the need is becoming addressed a bit more sufficiently than say....Donald Jones, Lavelle Hawkins, etc.

Excuse my negativity, but I'm still bitter from last season's lack of talent at the position. In my opinion it was practically disgusting. That said, things would have been better with a healthy Gronk at TE, so I imagine that's what they were hoping to get by with. Now that we know that there's an obvious injury history and saw the shortcomings from 2013, there's really no excuse to not address it in a much better manner.

Folks said the same thing last year about Donald Jones. He was to be a starter.

Belichick would be a bit surprised to see that he didn't address the WR position last year. He
re-signed Edelman, signed a significant wide receiver, signed a half dozen other wide receivers (who were beat out by an UDFA), and used two top draft choices.

To say that Belichick didn't address the position last year is beyond the pale. It is really far from reality. Belichick completely revamped the position in 2013. Lloyd was dogmeat with his 70+ catches and Jones was the board's savior, this year and last. I suspect that Belichick will continue with his plan of using Amendola, Dobson, and Boyce (and perhaps Harrison at Moe).

We will again add a serious producer (Edelman or another). I suspect that Collie will be back. We may even see a Day 3 draft choice who will be expected to be inactive or on the Practice Squad.

So, this is business as usual. We may end up with exactly who we had last year (if we re-sign Edelman and Collie).

This is certainly not a crisis position.

supafly said:

We shouldn't jump for joy if it happens, but it would at least show that the need is becoming addressed a bit more sufficiently than say....Donald Jones, Lavelle Hawkins, etc.

Excuse my negativity, but I'm still bitter from last season's lack of talent at the position. In my opinion it was practically disgusting.

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mgteich said:

Folks said the same thing last year about Donald Jones. He was to be a starter.

Belichick would be a bit surprised to see that he didn't address the WR position last year. He
re-signed Edelman, signed a significant wide receiver, signed a half dozen other wide receivers (who were beat out by an UDFA), and used two top draft choices.

To say that Belichick didn't address the position last year is beyond the pale. It is really far from reality. Belichick completely revamped the position in 2013. Lloyd was dogmeat with his 70+ catches and Jones was the board's savior, this year and last. I suspect that Belichick will continue with his plan of using Amendola, Dobson, and Boyce (and perhaps Harrison at Moe).

We will again add a serious producer (Edelman or another). I suspect that Collie will be back. We may even see a Day 3 draft choice who will be expected to be inactive or on the Practice Squad.

So, this is business as usual. We may end up with exactly who we had last year (if we re-sign Edelman and Collie).

This is certainly not a crisis position.

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It takes a blind, or crazy, man to think that the Patriots adequately addressed the WR position last year. They didn't, and many, if not most, of us here, said exactly that. Also, the idea that the board thought Donald Jones was going to be a savior is insane, as would be the idea that the board was loving the Jenkins signing.

I hated the Jenkins and Hawkins signings thought Donald Jones was a capable fourth receiver.
If we Sign Emanuel Sanders and lock up Julian Edelman we will be s in good shape. I still really like Boyce and think he has a lot of potential. Don't want a overpaid James Jones or a kings ransom for Decker I would be intrigued by a low risk trade for Justin Blackmon. Its funny people are scared of Blackmons drinking trouble yet want Jared Allen I don't understand.

Ben Volin ✔ @BenVolin

CoughPatriotsCough RT @evansilva best guess for Hakeem Nicks is he winds up taking fairly cheap one-year contract after hitting the market

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If we can get him for a #3 large with a coke..then i am all in....#3 and a 10 pc? no

Brady_to_Moss said:

If we can get him for a #3 large with a coke..then i am all in....#3 and a 10 pc? no

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Nicks might be one of the hardest deals to figure out. Before last season, I say he signs a long term big money deal.

But now that he's been battling injuries for over 2 full seasons and reports coming out that he was fined multiple times last year for being late to meetings/distracted (remember when we cut several "stars" for doing the same, due to a snow storm?) I think he might be a 1 year sub-5m receiver.

I'd take a flyer for the right money. Maclin may not be as dynamic, but his injury shouldn't be persistent, Nicks' foot hasn't been alright in quite awhile.

For 1yr at 4.5-5m he might be worth it, as long as he wouldn't cost us Talib or Edelman in the process.

Brady_to_Moss said:

If we can get him for a #3 large with a coke..then i am all in....#3 and a 10 pc? no

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I'd rather focus on resigning Edleman and give the rookies and Amendola a chance after a year in the system.

ashley1992 said:

I'd rather focus on resigning Edleman and give the rookies and Amendola a chance after a year in the system.

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I want nothing to do with Nicks. Will be out half the year anyways. We need some reliable guys out there

Deus Irae said:

It takes a blind, or crazy, man to think that the Patriots adequately addressed the WR position last year. They didn't, and many, if not most, of us here, said exactly that. Also, the idea that the board thought Donald Jones was going to be a savior is insane, as would be the idea that the board was loving the Jenkins signing.

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They drafted 2, brought in two others as UFA, and signed three vets.

Looking at the list of FA WRs last year, the only thing they could have done to improve their position, even in hindsight, was...re-sign Welker. None of the others who were available - Harvin, Jennings, Alexander, Heywood-Bey, Wallace - were any more $$ valuable than Amendola.

We can agree that they missed with Welker, whatever the reasons might be. If you have something else they could have, or should have done, what is it?

50-yard-line said:

They drafted 2, brought in two others as UFA, and signed three vets.

Looking at the list of FA WRs last year, the only thing they could have done to improve their position, even in hindsight, was...re-sign Welker. None of the others who were available - Harvin, Jennings, Alexander, Heywood-Bey, Wallace - were any more $$ valuable than Amendola.

We can agree that they missed with Welker, whatever the reasons might be. If you have something else they could have, or should have done, what is it?

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It's been gone over a billion times. Mgteich knows that, because he was a part of those discussions.