Patriots done on defense for FA?

[BobDigital]

I just want to point out something I noticed about the Patriots FA situation.

The first 3-4 days they brought in nearly all Defensive FAs. Since they signed Revis & Browner I am not sure if they have seen 1 defensive FA. They have narrowed focus on WRs (looking at Britt, signing LaFell & inquiring about Jackson).

Is this an indication the Patriots are happy with their defensive FA acquisitions as is and think they can fill the holes they have left in the draft?

If so they might not be wrong.

 

[strngplyr]

I doubt they're done, I just don't think we're seeing anyone with much name recognition after this point barring the Wilfork situation being resolved in some way, maybe the team takes a stab at Allen or Melton.

Otherwise, there aren't many names left, mostly just depth/camp fodder.

 

[Froob]

Phillips and a run stuffing DT(can Kevin Williams still play?) would be amazing.

 

[50-yard-line]

I think a lot depends on Wilfork. If he's not coming back, then maybe they bring in Pat Sims or some similar vet DT, or even grab a vet DE.

We may see a Phillips type, and maybe a depth linebacker in FA. Mostly, i think they're done, except maybe for re-signing a couple of their own guys.

But Bill seems to be in a mood this year, so who knows? Allen? Some trade for a true #1 receiver?

 

[mgteich]

All things in their time.

I suspect that this week is about another WR (or not), a running back, and an offensive lineman.

THEN, Belichick can turn back to the defense.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

They might look for a DT in the draft, but a veteran DE free agent would be nice. We have zero depth after Chandler Jones and Ninkovich

 

[JMC00]

While I think they need to get a veteran DE, I wouldn't say zero depth. In terms of a pass rusher Michael Buchanan showed promise, ya he had some rookie mistakes but what rookie doesn't. But he's now a year into the Patriots program.

He's definitely on my training camp watch list.

 

[Joey007]

While I think they need to get a veteran DE, I wouldn't say zero depth. In terms of a pass rusher Michael Buchanan showed promise, ya he had some rookie mistakes but what rookie doesn't. But he's now a year into the Patriots program.

He's definitely on my training camp watch list.

I would still look into signing a vet FA pass rusher. Who knows, if Buchanon really shows promise he may beat the vet out for all we know.

 

[unoriginal]

Currently the Pats have a 3rd round compensatory pick in play from the Talib/Revis exchange (Talib was a qualifying UFA, Revis was a cut).

In order to keep that, they would have to closely match 1-to-1 qualifying FA losses and gains. So far they have signed LaFell (3 years, $11 million, or ~3.5 million per) and Browner (3 years, $17 million,or ~6 million per) and lost Spikes (1 year, $3.25 million), Fletcher (1 year, $2 million) and of course Talib (something like $12 million per).

Because low losses are scrubbed first, LaFell and Browner scrub out Spikes and Fletcher, leaving Talib untouched, unless the Pats sign a third qualifying free agent. Edelman and Uh-oh don't qualify. Anyone they sign for vet min contracts also won't qualify.

So if the Patriots don't feel there are any FAs out there they must have, and/or any glaring positional holes on their roster, they may well be waiting to see how many of their own FAs get snapped up before signing mid-level depth players.

What complicates this somewhat is the contract Revis signed, which will basically require the Pats to cut him or restructure him next year, which means they will miss out on the free third rounder if he leaves. Perhaps they view being able to control contract talks to be worth more than the compensatory pick in that specific case. Or maybe they just don't value that pick highly at all.

 

[patfanken]

What complicates this somewhat is the contract Revis signed, which will basically require the Pats to cut him or restructure him next year, which means they will miss out on the free third rounder if he leaves. Perhaps they view being able to control contract talks to be worth more than the compensatory pick in that specific case. Or maybe they just don't value that pick highly at all.

I'm not entirely sure the above info is correct. I think it depends on the contact language and how the league interprets it. If it reads that if the Pats don't pay Revis the $20mm next season by a certain date, by the language in the contract he automatically becomes a FA. The Pats never actually "release" him, its simply part of the existing contract. That means that it COULD be interpreted that the team didn't cut him and the Pats are eligible for compensation. OR it could be that you're absolutely correct.

 

[unoriginal]

I'm not entirely sure the above info is correct. I think it depends on the contact language and how the league interprets it. If it reads that if the Pats don't pay Revis the $20mm next season by a certain date, by the language in the contract he automatically becomes a FA. The Pats never actually "release" him, its simply part of the existing contract. That means that it COULD be interpreted that the team didn't cut him and the Pats are eligible for compensation. OR it could be that you're absolutely correct.

Good point. The contract language is probably as you suggest. I WAS wondering why they didn't just add a "will not franchise tag" clause, but a voiding contract option might give them a little more negotiation control. Not an expert though.

A late 2nd-day pick certainly isn't something to sneeze at, even if it is untradable.

 

[patfanken]

Back to the OP.

Yes the Pats have a LOT left to do in this off season. Between the Draft and the rest of FA the Pats have to add a MINIMUM of:

1. a FA DE
2. 2 TE's
3. a FA C or an OLman who can become the C
4. 2 LB's

I'm not talking about camp fodder here. I'm talking about guys who we need to be able play those positions this year as starters or in a regular rotation. Not to mention a DT if one of the top 5 DTs fall to us in the first.

It should be noted that of the 6 players mentioned, at least 3 really need to be FA's
We need a FA DE - (really thin position in the draft. Phillips or Ayers could be this year's Andre Carter)
We need a FA LB (we are short 2, so one in FA and one in the draft Tripp is my draft target, I haven't a clue who replaces Fletcher)
We need a TE (again we are short 2 so one in FA or one in the draft. Niklas is my draft target, Daniels or Keller would be possible FA targets now that Chandler is off the board )
We need a C (Ideally we cut Connolly, sign Wendell, and draft Richburg)

These are not "wants" they are needs

 

[mgteich]

I'm fine will all of this except the idea that "ideally we cut Connolly". I would think he is worth keeping as a Game Day backup for the 3 interior line positions.

Back to the OP.

Yes the Pats have a LOT left to do in this off season. Between the Draft and the rest of FA the Pats have to add a MINIMUM of:

1. a FA DE
2. 2 TE's
3. a FA C or an OLman who can become the C
4. 2 LB's

I'm not talking about camp fodder here. I'm talking about guys who we need to be able play those positions this year as starters or in a regular rotation. Not to mention a DT if one of the top 5 DTs fall to us in the first.

It should be noted that of the 6 players mentioned, at least 3 really need to be FA's
We need a FA DE - (really thin position in the draft. Phillips or Ayers could be this year's Andre Carter)
We need a FA LB (we are short 2, so one in FA and one in the draft Tripp is my draft target, I haven't a clue who replaces Fletcher)
We need a TE (again we are short 2 so one in FA or one in the draft. Niklas is my draft target, Daniels or Keller would be possible FA targets now that Chandler is off the board )
We need a C (Ideally we cut Connolly, sign Wendell, and draft Richburg)

These are not "wants" they are needs

 

[patfanken]

I'm fine will all of this except the idea that "ideally we cut Connolly". I would think he is worth keeping as a Game Day backup for the 3 interior line positions.

I'm not sure what to do about the C and back up OL position. You are correct, that Connolly is very valuable because we know he could capably back up at 3 positions. However, you can't justify paying a backup, even one as versatile as Connolly, that starter's cap number.

It might just come down to making a choice. IIRC, In 2011 Connolly did an admirable job pass blocking but wasn't much of a run blocker starting at C. Wendell, on the other hand, has excelled at run blocking and shown weakness in pass blocking last year. You also have to consider that Wendell statistically had a great year in 2012 (top 10), but had a poorer year last season.

In the Draft, Martin in supposedly the best C option. I've seen him be rated as high as a low #1, and as low as the 6th in one mock. There's a possibility he might be there at 62, but if he and Niklas are both there, who do you go for. Richburg is the 2nd rated C, and who knows where he'll go. In an ideal world to us in the 3rd AFTER we've gotten our DT and TE. Both these kids are projected to be starting C's in the league. The question is can they be upgrades at center THIS year. I am not sure.

Here are 3 possible scenarios. Let me know what you think

1. The Pats sign a swing T to a contract that will create a $1.5MM cap number. Ideally it will be Svitek, but there are others who seem capable. We move Connolly back to C, and Cannon to RG, with the hope that one of the unknowns like Josh Kline can wind up being a capable back up. Now we don't need to bring in a FA center, and any C we draft will have the luxury of not having to start right away.

2. We bring back Wendell and release Connolly. Again we move Cannon to RG, sign the swing T, and draft the rookie C. This is the scenario that not only creates the most cap room, but could create the best run blocking OL in the league. On the other hand it carries the risk of not having a proven interior OL back up, and a perceived weakness in pass protection at the C position.

I say"perceived", because only coaching staff really knows how much responsibility of any weakness of the interior line's pass defense was actually Wendell's

3. I don't know how happy I'd be with this one, but it is an option. In this one we restructure Connolly and pay him as a back up. Move Cannon to RG and pass on Wendell. Then sign the back up swing guy and draft a C in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and hope to hell he can be an instant upgrade over Wendell and Connolly. This one leaves us with outstanding experienced depth all across the OL, but creates a huge question mark at Center.

Bottom Line: At this point I have a clue which would be the best plan, or even if there aren't better ones.

 

[mgteich]

4. Restructure Connolly, re-sign Wendell and draft a center (and a mid round RT/OG). In any case, if I were to cut Connolly, it wouldn't be until well into camp, when I knew a lot more about my draftee and perhaps one of the kids from last year (Kline, Cave and Barker). Wendell could also be the Game Day backup if Connolly won't take a haircut.

You and I are in the distinct minority, wanting to bring back Wendell. To me, Wendell would be an inexpensive addition.

I would think that we could reduce a lot of uncertainty by signing Wendell and Blount this week. This would leave lots of options open at OL.

After all, re-signing Wendell need not be a long-term commitment, although he could be an inexpensive backup going forward.

I'm not sure what to do about the C and back up OL position. You are correct, that Connolly is very valuable because we know he could capably back up at 3 positions. However, you can't justify paying a backup, even one as versatile as Connolly, that starter's cap number.

It might just come down to making a choice. IIRC, In 2011 Connolly did an admirable job pass blocking but wasn't much of a run blocker starting at C. Wendell, on the other hand, has excelled at run blocking and shown weakness in pass blocking last year. You also have to consider that Wendell statistically had a great year in 2012 (top 10), but had a poorer year last season.

In the Draft, Martin in supposedly the best C option. I've seen him be rated as high as a low #1, and as low as the 6th in one mock. There's a possibility he might be there at 62, but if he and Niklas are both there, who do you go for. Richburg is the 2nd rated C, and who knows where he'll go. In an ideal world to us in the 3rd AFTER we've gotten our DT and TE. Both these kids are projected to be starting C's in the league. The question is can they be upgrades at center THIS year. I am not sure.

Here are 3 possible scenarios. Let me know what you think

1. The Pats sign a swing T to a contract that will create a $1.5MM cap number. Ideally it will be Svitek, but there are others who seem capable. We move Connolly back to C, and Cannon to RG, with the hope that one of the unknowns like Josh Kline can wind up being a capable back up. Now we don't need to bring in a FA center, and any C we draft will have the luxury of not having to start right away.

2. We bring back Wendell and release Connolly. Again we move Cannon to RG, sign the swing T, and draft the rookie C. This is the scenario that not only creates the most cap room, but could create the best run blocking OL in the league. On the other hand it carries the risk of not having a proven interior OL back up, and a perceived weakness in pass protection at the C position.

I say"perceived", because only coaching staff really knows how much responsibility of any weakness of the interior line's pass defense was actually Wendell's

3. I don't know how happy I'd be with this one, but it is an option. In this one we restructure Connolly and pay him as a back up. Move Cannon to RG and pass on Wendell. Then sign the back up swing guy and draft a C in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and hope to hell he can be an instant upgrade over Wendell and Connolly. This one leaves us with outstanding experienced depth all across the OL, but creates a huge question mark at Center.

Bottom Line: At this point I have a clue which would be the best plan, or even if there aren't better ones.

 

[meatface]

They really need to sign a veteran DE so that Nink and Jones do not have to play every snap. Its also a place that would be much better for them to get in Free agency as this years DE draft pool is not very deep. Shaun Philips still seems like the best idea but maybe his asking price is too high.

 

[Brady6]

The suspect they will look at –

Corey Wotton
Robert Ayers
Will Smith
Shaun Phillips
Pat Sims
Terence Cody
Arthur Moats

Others that I have not mentioned as well, they are likely waiting for the market to settle and do some bargain shopping. Mark Anderson is a UFA as well they may have interest in him if he is healthy.

 

[IllegalContact]

I would like to see them kick the tires on Pat Sims unless they've straightened things out with wilfork......If wilfork is healthy, I think siliga can spell wilfork to substantially lower wilfork's snap count

I think Siliga can take a huge step with an offseason program with the pats.....considering this guy showed up in the middle of the season, he did fairly well

 

[AzPatsFan]

I just want to point out something I noticed about the Patriots FA situation.

The first 3-4 days they brought in nearly all Defensive FAs. Since they signed Revis & Browner I am not sure if they have seen 1 defensive FA. They have narrowed focus on WRs (looking at Britt, signing LaFell & inquiring about Jackson).

Is this an indication the Patriots are happy with their defensive FA acquisitions as is and think they can fill the holes they have left in the draft?

If so they might not be wrong.

What more do they NEED on Defense? It seems to me the only NEED is a reserve LB after losing both Spikes and Fletch in FA. But they have #4 and #6a #6b and #6c and #7 to allocate to that task.

We fans think that it would be nice to have a #3 DE to enable a little rest for Chandler and Nink who are both established players as DEs. We don't know what to expect if anything from Armstead, Buchanon or the proven DE Andre Carter, that came back late last season, and still accumulated a few sacks. There is even a remote possibility that Bequette may start to 'get it'. Carter may not have the stamina to go for long, but the Pats don't need him to do so. Giving him a periodic play or two will rest the starters.

BB has seen all of them, he knows what he needs; and what he has, we DON'T. We can only speculate. There is always a high draft pick to use, if necessary.

The interior Offensive line is older than the DTs and lacks talent. The MOST important issue is to keep Brady healthy. Giving up 40 sacks/year almost guarantees Brady will end up in traction.

 

[Deus Irae]

I just want to point out something I noticed about the Patriots FA situation.

The first 3-4 days they brought in nearly all Defensive FAs. Since they signed Revis & Browner I am not sure if they have seen 1 defensive FA. They have narrowed focus on WRs (looking at Britt, signing LaFell & inquiring about Jackson).

Is this an indication the Patriots are happy with their defensive FA acquisitions as is and think they can fill the holes they have left in the draft?

If so they might not be wrong.

It's more likely that they don't see great fits between FAs and the remaining holes, IMO. They're most likely not getting 2 LBS, a S (maybe 2), a pass rushing DE and a front of the rotation DT from this draft, especially since they also need to address some offensive issues.