BOTTOM LINE
There is very little financial pressure the 2011 offseason for the patriots. The FO is well-prepared for the 2011 season. The big question is the terms of the new player agreement.
I think that if you asked Brady where to allocated top dollars, his top two priorities would be to bring back Light and Mankins. The 2011 will be awesome with those 2 coming back, Warren and Bodden back, along with the top draft chocies, and Belichick's usual couple of midpriced veteran UFA's (like Crumpler and Warren). We obviously need a free agent running back or two.
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THE TOP TWO
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Personally, I would want to sign Light and Mankins to major contracts. I would also consider franchising them. Of course, some prefer a whole new line. This is the only real potential hole on this team, compared to this year's team. After all, we will get Warren and Bodden back, and perhaps Kaczur.
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SIGN the ERFA's and tender the RFA's
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Green-Ellis, Woodhead, Barrett, Arrington, Lockett, Sergio Brown, Love, Ohrnberger, Wendell Richard, and Weston. There is little downside in signing these players. I would expect a $1.8M tender to Green-Elllis and a $2.6M tender to Woodhead. Long-term contract is a good idea, if they are interested at what the patriots want to pay.
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THE RUNNING BACKS
I suspect that one of the three ancient ones will be abck, likely Faulk. But this is not a big deal. We need at least two additions before camp.
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THE REST
I like Ojinnaka as a backup OT and OG. Dante seems to agree, having him as the active backup OT.
Warren has been a positive addition. This again is not a critical issue.
The rest are special teamers. I am fine with any of them coming back. That list includes McGowan, Page, and White.
We like to talk about how great the team will be with another good draft and year of experience. This is a list of the players on the roster but unsigned for 2011. Who would you try and extend now? Who would you wait and compete for later?
Keep in mind that money you spend on these guys is money you don't have for other players. Everybody we sign is instead of someone else.
Offense
LT Matt Light
LG Logan Mankins
RB Sammy Morris
C Ryan Wendell
OT Rich Ohrnberger
OT Quinn Ojinnaka
RB Kevin Faulk
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
RB Fred Taylor
RB Danny Woodhead
Defense
DE Gerard Warren
DT Darryl Richard
DT Kade Weston
CB Kyle Arrington
LB Tracy White
S Josh Barrett
S Sergio Brown
S Bret Lockett
S Brandon McGowan
S Jarrod Page