DE Will Smith signed by Patriots

[dales804]

And he's finally signed. Wonder if this will affect any draft strategy at all.

Mike Reiss ✔ @MikeReiss
Filed to ESPN with @FieldYates: Patriots are signing veteran DE Will Smith, formerly of the Saints, per source.

 

[captain stone]

Better than nothing, which is what we had at backup DE.

Next up should be Dustin Keller, if his physical strongly indicated being good to go by opening day, or after the minimum 6-week stay on PUP at the latest.

 

[Nunchucks]

He is a first off the bench rotational guy. Great signing!

 

[dales804]

He is a first off the bench rotational guy. Great signing!

Yes and that's one area of need that they definitely had (have?).

 

[NE_PATS_FAN_54]

Better than nothing, which is what we had at backup DE.

Next up should be Dustin Keller.

Good depth signing. Still would love to see another forceful DL added in the draft. Don't think this signing effects their strategy at all.

 

[strngplyr]

I love the signing AS LONG AS it does not effect filling the positions future in the draft. I don't think we can count on a 33-34 year old DE for too many seasons.

 

[varjao]

 

[NE_PATS_FAN_54]

I love the signing AS LONG AS it does not effect filling the positions future in the draft. I don't think we can count on a 33-34 year old DE for too many seasons.

Especially a 33 year old (in July) DE coming off of ACL surgery. Should at least be an upgrade over Andre Carter

 

[Brady6]

I love the signing AS LONG AS it does not effect filling the positions future in the draft. I don't think we can count on a 33-34 year old DE for too many seasons.

It's a good thing we signed a 32 year old DE...

Kidding, he will be 33 on opening day. I agree but at the very least he should offer a bridge for a developmental player.

 

[ripatsfan91]

Yes! Now, Dominique Easley with 29 or trade back to the early part of second round to get him

 

[Sticky Caulk]

Good vet signing. He can drop back to cover shallow stuff if needed. He is very, very strong, so the tackle he is facing wont feel like he is also getting a breather when Smith subs in. Way better than Carter, as long as the ACL is in good shape. He was very durable through his career until that injury last year.

 

[Ring 6]

Terrific.
This works on many levels, assuming Smith is healthy.
He immediately becomes our best DE vs the run.
I think he will see a good amount of time as a DT in sub.
We won't have to worry about Ninkovichs snap count.
Ninkovich can also be a reserve LB.
I would like to see a mid round draft choice who is more of a pass rush specialist to compete with Buchanan as the 4th DE.

 

[strngplyr]

It's a good thing we signed a 32 year old DE...

Kidding, he will be 33 on opening day. I agree but at the very least he should offer a bridge for a developmental player.

Yeah, I just glanced at his birthdate and no actual age number. Saw 1981 and figured he's anywhere from 32 to turning 34, gotta make is sound more dramatic in the post though!

 

[Brady6]

Especially a 33 year old (in July) DE coming off of ACL surgery. Should at least be an upgrade over Andre Carter

I do not know the contract specifics but I do not view him as a lock for the 53 man roster. I think he will be competing with Buchanan, Bequette, and any draftees/UDFAs for one of three spots.

 

[Nunchucks]

lol, competing with Bequette....

 

[Brady6]

Terrific.
This works on many levels, assuming Smith is healthy.
He immediately becomes our best DE vs the run.
I think he will see a good amount of time as a DT in sub.
We won't have to worry about Ninkovichs snap count.
Ninkovich can also be a reserve LB.
I would like to see a mid round draft choice who is more of a pass rush specialist to compete with Buchanan as the 4th DE.

I would expect Jones entering his third season to be our best run stopping DE. Smith has not played since 2012, and was on the decline even before the knee injury. Don't get me wrong I like the signing but I would not name Smith the best anything at this juncture.

 

[signbabybrady]

NIce!!!

 

[Rob0729]

 

[Brady6]

lol, competing with Bequette....

He is on the roster, I'm sure he will be given an opportunity. Remember last season we had Benard, Cunningham, and Francis, all had shown more at the NFL level then Bequette and Buchanan yet all were cut.

 

[Rob0729]

If healthy, I think he can be a very good situational pass rusher.

I like that he is signed because that means the Pats can address the interior of the d-line which is a bigger need anyway.