Top FA/trade targets for the Patriots

Sciz said:

I assume they'd have to lose Olivier Vernon before they can sign Williams. Vernon is currently on the cap for $12.7 million, so anything less for Williams would mean that they're saving money compared to where they are right now.

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They transition tagged Vernon I heard

Armchair Quarterback said:

Top free agent TE on the market if he makes it to FA. Pats paid Chandler $3.250,000 this year. We've already had this discussion, no sense in going back and forth on it again.

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Oh that was you? LOL.

Unless we want to resort to GOP debate tactics we've exhausted that one to death.

TBR said:

I like this guy. He's coming off a broken tibia though.

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Bones heal. Good size. Did OK in 'Nawlins.

Sciz said:

I assume they'd have to lose Olivier Vernon before they can sign Williams. Vernon is currently on the cap for $12.7 million, so anything less for Williams would mean that they're saving money compared to where they are right now.

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I was also hearing though that this could signal Wake getting the boot.

crownontherocks said:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports free agent DE Mario Williams is visiting the Dolphins on Saturday.

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If Mario wants a contender, the Fins are not that. He is stepping down from the Bills not up. In looking at the roster, you have Jones, Sheard, Ninkovich, Flowers Grissom and Branch who player DE in a heavy set. They also have Rufus Johnson who made have been the Teams best pass rusher in the pre-season. Honestly you could have

signbabybrady said:

Kinda makes you ignore who his father is.

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Long might be very important!

Honestly you have many DE on the roster right now: Jones, Ninkovich, Sheard, Grissom, Flowers and Rufus Johnson who might have been the best pass rusher last pre-season. Actually Branch played DE in a heavy package. Easley might be the guy that could be a DE. As far as depth, that position is stacked .......but...I would take a flyer on Chris Long. He said he played like crap and believe he could come back. He has accountability. He wants to play for a contender.

I would prefer Mario Williams but he might be too pricey. Long is actually younger. That being said, it frees up a chance to get some "wampum" for Jones in trade if any are brought in. I am sure that 31 Teams would inquire about Jones. Alas,we can't afford to keep him and Hightower ,Collins and Butler, but if Williams wants a big contract, why go there with Mario anyway?

Jones Trades? Draft picks? Yes if you know that only upon average 17% of every Draft class makes a good player by year three. Want to wait? Pro ready CB? WR? better.

Joe Haden from the Browns had concussions but now recovered. He is only 26. His contract will be $10mm but that would have to be cut down and his injury last year should promote that as an extension possibility. Lombardi knows this kid. Haden has had more all Pros wins but getting something for Jones other than a Draft pick gamble works for me. When Haden is healthy he is All Pro caliber.

How about the Cards needing pass rush and swap even up WR Michael Floyd? At 26 and 6'2" and 220, the wide body we need.

I think Chris Long is important . Why? We lost that big veteran presence and leader when Mayo retired. Williams might not fill that void and seems like a whiner, but Long looks like he can be that constant Team guy. He is honest about his play and takes accountability for him and his Team.

Is it a mistake to trade Jones? He is missed 15% of the games he could have played. Williams has only missed one game. As a negative Long has had injuries the last two years but is now 100%. Prior to that in six years he played every game. Take away Nink and Branch and we have a young defense.

Keep an eye on Tamba Hali. We know that Andy Reid and BB are close. I am sure Reid would like to see Hali in a good home if not K.C. The advantage with Hali is he can play OLB and DE. By the way he is only one year older than Williams. Again, he replaces the veteran leadership of Mayo. In 9 years Hali has missed ony 4 games.

I think Hali and Long are cheaper than Williams.

DW Toys

Sciz said:

I assume they'd have to lose Olivier Vernon before they can sign Williams. Vernon is currently on the cap for $12.7 million, so anything less for Williams would mean that they're saving money compared to where they are right now.

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Good post Cousin. Makes sense.
DW Toys

ashley1992 said:

I think Mathis on the interior of our line would be ideal. I've heard a lot of people saying Forte so that probably means it won't happen...it would be very nice to have a backfield of Forte and Lewis though!!!

I was impressed with Hicks last year, so if we can resign him, that would be great!!!!

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I know the feeling but the Forte signing just seems too perfect not to happen. He has already said he wants to play for a contender and would take a discount, he's a consummate professional and BB has heaped praise on him in the past. Seems like the sort of deal where BB will call him up the very second he is legally able to, Forte will want a reasonable amount and BB will have no issues giving it to him.

Btw, nice to see you Ashley, I feel like I haven't seen you around in a little while

Ross12 said:

I know the feeling but the Forte signing just seems too perfect not to happen. He has already said he wants to play for a contender and would take a discount, he's a consummate professional and BB has heaped praise on him in the past. Seems like the sort of deal where BB will call him up the very second he is legally able to, Forte will want a reasonable amount and BB will have no issues giving it to him.

Btw, nice to see you Ashley, I feel like I haven't seen you around in a little while

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Thanks Ross, been pretty quiet on the football front and still getting over the loss to Denver. Once free agency starts and with the draft coming up next month, things should start picking up

Going to keep my fingers crossed about Forte, I agree with you, he seems like a perfect fit!!!!!

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 20s20 seconds ago
One area to watch for free-agent mistakes: Wide receiver. Teams that need one could spend foolishly knowing draft class of WRs is mediocre.


He's right...WR class sucks this draft so WRs could come at a cost

Brady_to_Moss said:

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 20s20 seconds ago
One area to watch for free-agent mistakes: Wide receiver. Teams that need one could spend foolishly knowing draft class of WRs is mediocre.


He's right...WR class sucks this draft so WRs could come at a cost

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LETS DO SOME TRADING THEN!
Browns need pass rush, We have a player we can't afford to keep. Swap the injury recovering Joe Hayden (concussed) and the "Who know if he's gonna grow up" Josh Gordon.

It is a fair trade. We are gambling with health and off field. They both need a change of scenery. WR and CB in this Draft class are mediocre after Round 1.

I say pull the trigger and trade Chandler Jones. No thanks on Draft picks with this poor draft class!
DW Toys

DW Toys said:

LETS DO SOME TRADING THEN!
Browns need pass rush, We have a player we can't afford to keep. Swap the injury recovering Joe Hayden (concussed) and the "Who know if he's gonna grow up" Josh Gordon.

It is a fair trade. We are gambling with health and off field. They both need a change of scenery. WR and CB in this Draft class are mediocre after Round 1.

I say pull the trigger and trade Chandler Jones. No thanks on Draft picks with this poor draft class!
DW Toys

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Where am I wrong hear Cousins?

robertweathers said:

Oh that was you? LOL.

Unless we want to resort to GOP debate tactics we've exhausted that one to death.

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That would consist of grade school name-calling if I'm not mistaken.

DW Toys said:

Where am I wrong hear Cousins?

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Well, your incorrect use of "hear" is a start.

OhExaulted1 said:

That would consist of grade school name-calling if I'm not mistaken.

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I have big hands.

Bet you use those hands well!

love the Floyd for Jones idea, Gordon and Haden for Jones?
sign me up
Lets sign Mack too and have BB really kill the Browns.

DW Toys said:

Where am I wrong hear Cousins?

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What are we gonna do with Cousins when we have TB?

Brady_to_Moss said:

Albert Breer ‏@AlbertBreer 20s20 seconds ago
One area to watch for free-agent mistakes: Wide receiver. Teams that need one could spend foolishly knowing draft class of WRs is mediocre.


He's right...WR class sucks this draft so WRs could come at a cost

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This year is 2013 all over again weak draft class and weak UFA market. Players like Bowe, Jennings, Amendola, and Wallace were all significantly overpaid that offseason.

DW Toys said:

If Mario wants a contender, the Fins are not that. He is stepping down from the Bills not up. In looking at the roster, you have Jones, Sheard, Ninkovich, Flowers Grissom and Branch who player DE in a heavy set. They also have Rufus Johnson who made have been the Teams best pass rusher in the pre-season. Honestly you could have


Long might be very important!

Honestly you have many DE on the roster right now: Jones, Ninkovich, Sheard, Grissom, Flowers and Rufus Johnson who might have been the best pass rusher last pre-season. Actually Branch played DE in a heavy package. Easley might be the guy that could be a DE. As far as depth, that position is stacked .......but...I would take a flyer on Chris Long. He said he played like crap and believe he could come back. He has accountability. He wants to play for a contender.

I would prefer Mario Williams but he might be too pricey. Long is actually younger. That being said, it frees up a chance to get some "wampum" for Jones in trade if any are brought in. I am sure that 31 Teams would inquire about Jones. Alas,we can't afford to keep him and Hightower ,Collins and Butler, but if Williams wants a big contract, why go there with Mario anyway?

Jones Trades? Draft picks? Yes if you know that only upon average 17% of every Draft class makes a good player by year three. Want to wait? Pro ready CB? WR? better.

Joe Haden from the Browns had concussions but now recovered. He is only 26. His contract will be $10mm but that would have to be cut down and his injury last year should promote that as an extension possibility. Lombardi knows this kid. Haden has had more all Pros wins but getting something for Jones other than a Draft pick gamble works for me. When Haden is healthy he is All Pro caliber.

How about the Cards needing pass rush and swap even up WR Michael Floyd? At 26 and 6'2" and 220, the wide body we need.

I think Chris Long is important . Why? We lost that big veteran presence and leader when Mayo retired. Williams might not fill that void and seems like a whiner, but Long looks like he can be that constant Team guy. He is honest about his play and takes accountability for him and his Team.

Is it a mistake to trade Jones? He is missed 15% of the games he could have played. Williams has only missed one game. As a negative Long has had injuries the last two years but is now 100%. Prior to that in six years he played every game. Take away Nink and Branch and we have a young defense.

Keep an eye on Tamba Hali. We know that Andy Reid and BB are close. I am sure Reid would like to see Hali in a good home if not K.C. The advantage with Hali is he can play OLB and DE. By the way he is only one year older than Williams. Again, he replaces the veteran leadership of Mayo. In 9 years Hali has missed ony 4 games.

I think Hali and Long are cheaper than Williams.

DW Toys

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I agree re: Long. Neither he nor Hali are the ideal size to replace Jones, and Hali is a poor system fit too. But I like the way Long plays, and I think could maybe be a cheap option to replace Jones if he's traded away (which I would be in support of for the same basic reasons that you laid out).

Williams and Haden are both non-starters for the money it would take to bring them here. I'd rather that money was used to extend the guys we already have who are closing out their rookie deals.

Joey007 said:

I was also hearing though that this could signal Wake getting the boot.

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I think that's a pretty reasonable assumption at this point. A torn achilles, at Wake's age and size, is probably an effective career-ender. I think he's played his last snap as an above-average NFL player. I assume he'll attempt rehab/recovery, but barring a huge paycut I'll be shocked if he's on Miami's week 1 roster.

Dolphins can save over $8M by cutting Wake; I'd assume that's the main source of how they're prospectively budgeting for Williams.