Reiss writes (in today's mailbag) that:
1. Troy wants to play for the Pats
2. The Pats would probably want him for a Veterans Minimum deal
3. Troy's representatives think he's worth more.
He IS worth more, but giving him $100K more than the verteran's exclusion permits will cost us nearly $500K of cap space.
I looked at the $50K of bonus money given to Troy at the end of last season as a sort of bribe to get him to sign an exclusion deal this year.
I hope Troy agrees.
This is a case of REALITY meets REALITY:
I submit the following comments and questions:
These is no question, team moral is secure and high when Troy signs
The vet min. is probably the only way it can work - the combination of the loss of the exclusion coupled with the added salary is a double negative wammy.
Tedy Brusci's comments tell you all you need to know about the players feelings.
BB's comments last year tell you all you need to know about how he feels.
Recent signings mean Troy is a 4/5 (back up slot) depending on injury to others and proclivity of the new guys learning and producing in our system.
One play can change a season - think San Diego.
Troy Brown is needed this year to be that player coach on the field in addition to all of his receiving, punt returning, special team, defensive back and back up QB skills.
He is the heart and soul of the team - however, emotion is not a word in NE's vocabulary - shouldn't Troy be the one exception?
Is he in Foxboro this week?
Will he show at team charitable events??
It will be blasphemy if he plays anywhere else.
He has to be the last player to ever wear #80.
Wouldn't the value to Troy, even at Vet min. be greater for him to sign here (given the same type of endorsements as last year)?
Lifetime employment with the organization is a terrific benefit to enjoy, talk about a security blanket - I do believe the Krafts have told him that, no matter what he decides, but how can he possibly take that benefit after a year as a Jet to Colt?
How disconcerting the thought and vision of Troy in Jet green or Indy blue - puhleeze, Troy, BB, Mr. Kraft - do not allow that to happen.
Solving this one gets rid of just about every single distraction headed into mini camp - compare that to last year at this time!!
We need Troy's sons to pressure Dad once again!!
Troy Brown - if you read this, your loyal fans of New England really want to cheer you on one more year - know this.
