Would anyone kick the tires on RB Arian Foster?

[The Brandon Five]

Also, I don't think the Pats are very good at "manipulating" the cap.

I look at a team like Denver or Seattle and say, "how the hell do they have so many elite, high paid players on the roster, and here we are, with not a lot of cap space, and not a lot of high priced guys."

Seattles cap guy is elite

When you consider how underpaid Brady is it was strange to be looking at Denver (with Peyton's cap hit) and saying "how do they afford all those guys"?

 

[RobertWeathers]

Also, I don't think the Pats are very good at "manipulating" the cap.

Define "manipulate". The team has won more than 12 games or more 6 seasons in a row and their HoF/GoAT Qb which is still a Top 5 player makes $10m a year. That is slick.

I look at a team like Denver or Seattle and say, "how the hell do they have so many elite, high paid players on the roster, and here we are, with not a lot of cap space, and not a lot of high priced guys."

Seattles cap guy is elite

I don't think you are looking at the financials like everyone else is.

SEA has less cap space now than the Patriots do. They'll get some money back with Skittles retiring but they likely would have had to cut him.

DEN stands to lose 2-3 starting players from last year not named Manning.

When it's all said and done the Pats will have about $25-$30m in cap space as they will be restructuring the deals of 2nd and 3rd stringers or cutting them altogether. Big deal.

How many big name free agents are the Pats losing in 2016?

 

[Crazy Patriot Guy]

Also, I don't think the Pats are very good at "manipulating" the cap.

I look at a team like Denver or Seattle and say, "how the hell do they have so many elite, high paid players on the roster, and here we are, with not a lot of cap space, and not a lot of high priced guys."

Seattles cap guy is elite

You have to look at the number of starters and key players a team like Seattle loses each year. Yes, they have elite players but the depth gets weaker at the bottom.
We aren't sitting on a ton of cap space but we also have only 1 UFA that would command money in free agency this year.

 

[PF_SU]

Also, I don't think the Pats are very good at "manipulating" the cap.

They had Revis here last season at a cap hit of 7 Million. Gronk's cap hit next season prior to new signings/restructures is #8 among TEs. Brady's is #19 among QBs.

 

[Deus Irae]

A bit of relevant (and good, IMO) news:

The Patriots' wrecking ball could be back for more.

Running back LeGarrette Blount and the Pats have shown mutual interest in a new contract, according to a source. Blount could still hit free agency March 9, but that's not uncommon for a player who isn't expected to draw a massive payday. Negotiations between the two sides are still in the infant stages.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...ount_patriots_have_mutual_interest_in_reunion

 

[JMC00]

A bit of relevant (and good, IMO) news:



http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...ount_patriots_have_mutual_interest_in_reunion

Well if he does come back hope it doesn't end any interest in Forte or anyone else they might have had.

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

Define "manipulate". The team has won more than 12 games or more 6 seasons in a row and their HoF/GoAT Qb which is still a Top 5 player makes $10m a year. That is slick.



I don't think you are looking at the financials like everyone else is.

SEA has less cap space now than the Patriots do. They'll get some money back with Skittles retiring but they likely would have had to cut him.

DEN stands to lose 2-3 starting players from last year not named Manning.

When it's all said and done the Pats will have about $25-$30m in cap space as they will be restructuring the deals of 2nd and 3rd stringers or cutting them altogether. Big deal.

How many big name free agents are the Pats losing in 2016?

Seattle has all of their key players including QB Locked up, and were Able to add graham last year

I'm not saying the Pats are in bad shape, but they still have to lock up several key free agents and will probably lose one, most likely Jones

 

[PF_SU]

Seattle has all of their key players including QB Locked up, and were Able to add graham last year

While trading away one of their best offensive linemen. Seattle's negligence of their offensive line was their undoing in the divisional playoffs against Carolina.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Seattle has all of their key players including QB Locked up, and were Able to add graham last year

I don't think that is entirely true. There are a number of big names and key players on this list that are UFAs

Seahawks free agents 2016: A list of Seattle's offseason personnel decisions

...and paying Jimmy Graham $9m in 2016 screams cut or redo of his deal.

I'm not saying the Pats are in bad shape, but they still have to lock up several key free agents and will probably lose one, most likely Jones

That is fine but where I am challenging you is with the comment that they are not good at manipulating the cap. They very well might not be able to keep Jones but by saying the Broncos and 'Hawks are better at manipulating the cap when they will also loose key free agents doesn't support your claim really.

 

[RobertWeathers]

A bit of relevant (and good, IMO) news:



http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...ount_patriots_have_mutual_interest_in_reunion

It is good news. Blount is fine for this team.

If the o-line can block better and draft a kid that can evolve into a decent runner the running game can be good next year.

 

[patriot1136]

A bit of relevant (and good, IMO) news:



http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...ount_patriots_have_mutual_interest_in_reunion

This wouldn't be terrible bringing Blount back. I'm assuming maybe Forte is too expensive if they go this route. On the other hand, maybe we can afford a good lineman and/or receiver.

 

[patriot1136]

It is good news. Blount is fine for this team.

If the o-line can block better and draft a kid that can evolve into a decent runner the running game can be good next year.

Thats exactly what I was thinking Robert

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

Blounts YPC was actually really good lol

I understand wanting a dual threat guy, but realistically, we are gonna throw the ball a ton anyways. Teams are gonna know when it's coming. If we have all our weapons and an improved line, they can't stop it anyway

 

[RobertWeathers]

Blounts YPC was actually really good lol

I understand wanting a dual threat guy, but realistically, we are gonna throw the ball a ton anyways. Teams are gonna know when it's coming. If we have all our weapons and an improved line, they can't stop it anyway

Agreed.

If the line does its job Blount can be successful here. He was in 2013, 2014 and last year.

Every team was another Bell, Forte or Tomlinson that can run and catch and leave the D guessing. Lewis is an outstanding talent but the need some athleticism to step-up in case Blunt falls off a cliff and Lewis can't come back as quickly as they hope.

 

[PF_SU]

Blount's problem is a lack of initial burst. He depends on the offensive line to carry him past the LOS. Once he's past the LOS and has picked up speed he's good.

 

[Huckleberry1]

It is good news. Blount is fine for this team.

If the o-line can block better and draft a kid that can evolve into a decent runner the running game can be good next year.

Couldn't disagree more. Blount is unable to get outside and does nothing against good defenses. They need a first down back who can contribute In the passing game and get outside on the run. It won't matter what they do on the OL if they don't upgrade first down back, and a draft pick is a complete crapshoot.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Couldn't disagree more. Blount is unable to get outside and does nothing against good defenses. They need a first down back who can contribute In the passing game and get outside on the run. It won't matter what they do on the OL if they don't upgrade first down back, and a draft pick is a complete crapshoot.

Most running backs don't to well vs good defenses anyway. Considering the Patriots throw 35-40 times a game what is your expectation?

Please note signing Blount does not exclude the Patriots from going after Forte or another RB who can run & catch.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Most running backs don't to well vs good defenses anyway. Considering the Patriots throw 35-40 times a game what is your expectation?

Please note signing Blount does not exclude the Patriots from going after Forte or another RB who can run & catch.

My expectation is that they get a back who can threaten the edges on first and second down, imo Blount lost that ability last season and defenses knew they could pack everything inside on them, forcing Brady to throw on every down and take a beating. I think they need a
Back other than Lewis who can get outside and contribute in the passing game. I also think they need another cWR who came make plays outside the hashes and downfield because they became too easy to defend late in the year. I'm fine with Blount as a back up power back but don't want him as their starter.

 

[RobertWeathers]

My expectation is that they get a back who can threaten the edges on first and second down, imo Blount lost that ability last season and defenses knew they could pack everything inside on them, forcing Brady to throw on every down and take a beating. I think they need a Back other than Lewis who can get outside and contribute in the passing game. I also think they need another cWR who came make plays outside the hashes and downfield because they became too easy to defend late in the year. I'm fine with Blount as a back up power back but don't want him as their starter.

I agree. He has value but as we discussed a running/passing back would be a bit more of an overall fit to the offense and make it all the more lethal

 

[AvocadoIceCream]

Look LGBs YPC and tell me we NEED someone else

We don't

Pats aren't trying to deceive defenses when it comes to guessing pass or run

They just need to protect Brady and stay heathy, and nobody is stopping them