CB Kyle Arrington Released

[RobertWeathers]

Is there still no chance that McCourty moves back to CB? Barring a significant trade I would be amazed that Bill thinks this corner back group is anywhere near satisfactory.

I'm kinda wondering about this now...

Is there such a thing as a cover free safety?

Some sets DMC is a FS. Some sets he is a CB.

BB has NEVER paid a F the kind of money he is paying DMC.

 

[VrabelJr]

In being my usual optimistic self, at least we brought in some really intriguing prospects at CB during UDFA. We've got 2 or 3 6'1"+ athletes to work with this offseason.

 

[Armchair Quarterback]

Clearing the deck for some May 12th signings.

 

[TomPatriot]

Pats have a log jam of CBs who can play the inside. McClain, Fletcher, etc. That and his $4.6m cap #/~$2.5m salary made Arrington expendable.

What they lack are proven CBs that can play press man on the outside.

That's right. And the Pats aren't playing press man on the outside anymore, for the most part. "New" theory I think. Run all the digs, flats, curls, quick outs and other dinky routes you want until you run out of room and then trot out the kicker.

 

[Ross12]

Arrington was pretty good inside but awful outside. They've got plenty of guys on the roster currently; even if none of them are awesome CB1's, you'd have to think at least one can be serviceable as a slot corner for a lot less money. The hunt for a CB1 continues but Arrington certainly wasn't a piece of that puzzle.

 

[RobertWeathers]

That's right. And the Pats aren't playing press man on the outside anymore, for the most part. "New" theory I think. Run all the digs, flats, curls, quick outs and other dinky routes you want until you run out of room and then trot out the kicker.

I think they want to play press/man but until the current talent on the roster can prove that the can play that style at a sustained, successful level, I agree with your assumption.

From what I saw with Butler, he had his moments. With DMC over the top, they could try. With a more attacking -style pass rush that would speed up the QB's timing, it's possible.

Just too many unknowns at this point...

 

[Marinlik]

Is there still no chance that McCourty moves back to CB? Barring a significant trade I would be amazed that Bill thinks this corner back group is anywhere near satisfactory.

A very good safety can atleast help reduce the impact of having mediocre or bad corners. You can really reduce those long TD throws that we had around 2011 where we didn't have a safety that could stay deep. That's what DMac is best at, so I would rather have him there to force the offense to dink and dunk instead of deep plays.

 

[Kdo5]

Arrington was pretty good inside but awful outside. They've got plenty of guys on the roster currently; even if none of them are awesome CB1's, you'd have to think at least one can be serviceable as a slot corner for a lot less money. The hunt for a CB1 continues but Arrington certainly wasn't a piece of that puzzle.

Not only are they not awesome CB1's. None of them outside of Butler (maybe) should even be starting. At this point all I want is a decent starter.

 

[Ivan]

Anybody still doubt that a trade of some kind is coming? There's no way the team can roll into this season with this secondary.

I agree, i think they have had something in mind for some time now. Most of the units on this team are in excellent shape and the CB's are the exception to the rule. I think it's likely he likes their young guys more than we realize but I still think he will be working to upgrade the position from here on out.

 

[glm]

You still need 3-4 decent to good CBs.

I wouldn't say they're a necessity, but they are nice to have. If the front 7 is able to execute well enough to compensate for the secondary then the defense will be fine.

That's if the front 7 executes, if they don't, well then **** Tommy will have to put in some overtime.

 

[signbabybrady]

Cover 2 Harmon and DMac take away back half of the field. Pass rush and hope the underneath zone holds up long enough.

 

[festy1986]

Honestly I could 2 flying fs about history release but wtf are the lats doing with their secondary.

It's bad.

 

[glm]

That would be an interesting assessment considering BB hasn't seen them together for even 1 full practice.

He has seen the majority of them play. Bill most likely has an idea of how the rookies will play. He most likely has at least a decent idea on how this front 7 can play.

 

[patsfaninpa]

On a more serious note.....


I sure hope some good CBs get cut loose.

I'm hoping for Sean Smith - KC or maybe Jason McCourty - TENN. Re-unite the twins!

 

[Urgent]

Really crazy.

Cap move? Tiny savings.
Restructure? Why not restructure like Mayo Wilfork Amendola etc.
Overpaid? Not by much as the starting slot corner.

 

[Ross12]

Not only are they not awesome CB1's. None of them outside of Butler (maybe) should even be starting. At this point all I want is a decent starter.

McClain has had success in a slot role in the past, Fletcher has been a decent starting CB in the past. Then there's the group of prospects. The CB unit as presently constructed isn't great, but if things work out it could be serviceable.

It feels like Bill wants an elite pass rush, awesome safety play and just serviceable CB play. Which could work, but would be a bit scary.

 

[micronin127]

Dallas in on the hook for 8/9.1/10 in base salaries for Brandon Carr. No way is he worth that, so they may cut him.

I wouldn't trade for him, because he is so outrageously overpaid, but if he gets cut... he could help us at the right price (closer to 5-6 million).

Can't think of anyone else who is likely to get cut from a team up against the cap. And can't think of a team to make a trade with or a player to target in a trade.

 

[doesntmatter1]

I'm a little surprised. They do know the Colts now have 2 Ty Hiltons? I like his tight coverage and physicality but he did have zero ball skills. I would still prefer to have him, but at least our interceptions are almost guaranteed to go up next year.

 

[Ivan]

Really crazy.

Cap move? Tiny savings.
Restructure? Why not restructure like Mayo Wilfork Amendola etc.
Overpaid? Not by much as the starting slot corner.

Hopefully you are right and they can get one of those guys to restructure, especially Wilfork.

 

[mgteich]

1) Belichick decided that Arrington wasn't worth $3M as a slot receiver. Apparently they couldn't work out a new deal (we usually call those restructures or extensions). Arrington could look around the league, find out what he's worth and come back. It does seem unlikely.

2) McClain is a decent slot corner. I didn't understand why he was signed. He's pretty bad on the outside. Backup slot corner isn't usually a roster spot. Now I know.

3) This cut doesn't affect the outside corner situation. We still have Fletcher and Butler, with Ryan as the backup, same as yesterday.

4) So, we have four corners pretty well set, before the competition begins. We could trade for someone. A vet would be cut who Belichick values more than others. McCourty could be moved to corner. Chekwa, Green, or Roberts could make the 53.

5) The savings is $3M pure and simple, Arrington's 2015 salary. There is no other money that is relevant. It really don't matter that half can be moved to 2016. There are lots of ways to add cap space to 2015 if such space were needed.