Positions that we need to address this offseason.

[IllegalContact]

Jones' 2017 cap hit was $10M. His 2018 cap hit is $15.5M.

The Pats had less than $3M in cap space at the end of the 2017 season, and currently have just over $13M in cap space heading into 2018.

The Pats didn't "give up on" Jones. They weren't going to be able to afford his second contract without making drastic cuts elsewhere and they knew that well in advance.

well, if you don't think you can afford good players, then don't expect a good defense....imagine.....defenders who are too good to play here

fact is, the pats don't spend enough on defense

 

[JackBauer]

Our CBs are fine IMO with high upside. A trio of Gilmore, Rowe & J. Jones can be a top unit.

When you remove Chung/Richards reps vs. the Eagles WRs; our CBs battled their wideouts pretty well IMO.

You like Rowe as a CB2?

 

[ashley]

If Bennett is on the roster as of March 14th (first official day of the new league year), $2M of his $6.2M 2018 cap hit becomes fully-guaranteed. If he hasn't renegotiated more cap-friendly terms before then, he'll very likely be cut. In any case, he turns 31 on March 10th, so an extension to the 2-years remaining on the contract the Pats acquired when they claimed him (2018 & 2019) in order to reduce his immediate cap hit may not be a realistic option.

Good information MM.....If that's the case and he doesn't return, how big of a priority do you see the tight end position, the biggest on offense, assuming we bring back Solder?

 

[VrabelJr]

Early 2000's was a 3-4 defense.

That played under way different rules. In modern day NFL debating the difference between 3-4 and 4-3 isn't even interesting anymore. Nickel is the new base. The more interesting discussion stems around where/how the DL are lined up rather than how many are out there but there aren't terms as succinct as 3-4 and 4-3 to talk about it.

 

[jah]

Front 7 and offensive line (especially tackles) need immediate upgrades.

 

[ashley]

Not sure what your issue with Bademosi (a UFA) is but he played well when Gilmore was out. Much better than Rowe played, imho.. Rowe was a much bigger issue last night than Bademosi..

I think Rowe is a better player, like Bademosi on special teams but don't want to rely on him in the secondary.

 

[DefenseRules]

The entire O-LINE needs to be upgraded. I don't want to see the dude who gave up that strip sack ever again!!
Defense needs a thourough upgrade at ALL positions...new defensive coordinator would be a good thing.

 

[Real World]

The front 7.

It's really the only focus they should have. Obviously they should look to improve at every position, and add depth, but the only blatant weakness is the defensive front. They get little to no pressure on the qb, and bleed between the 20s because they get pushed around too much.

Aside from that, some OL help/depth is always appreciated. The OL did have it's struggles at times, and they will need a cover corner to replace Butler who I'd say it's safe to assume is not here moving forward.

 

[patsinthesnow]

You like Rowe as a CB2?

I think he can operate fine within our system. My huge gripe last night was the domino effect without Butler. Rowe played solid last night or was it worse than I thought?

Elite CB1 take away a side of the field
System CB2 with competitive coverage & safety help


Talib
Dennard

Revis
Browner

Butler
Ryan

Gilmore
Rowe

I won’t mind an upgrade but you’re not getting one on the FA market due to $ & I wouldn’t invest a top 63 pick on one either.

 

[DefenseRules]

If Bennett is on the roster as of March 14th (first official day of the new league year), $2M of his $6.2M 2018 cap hit becomes fully-guaranteed. If he hasn't renegotiated more cap-friendly terms before then, he'll very likely be cut. In any case, he turns 31 on March 10th, so an extension to the 2-years remaining on the contract the Pats acquired when they claimed him (2018 & 2019) in order to reduce his immediate cap hit may not be a realistic option.

cut him.

 

[ashley]

I don't want to see Roberts anywhere close to being on the field next year. I think that we need to get quicker and faster and better there

This offseason is going to see a HUGE turnover to this Patriots Roster, IMHO..

At LB, they have Hightower, Van Noy, and Roberts. ..

 

[ashley]

I like Rowe better as a 3, but going into the draft, not sure if we can get someone better than Rowe at the number 2 position. I don't think it's going to be Cyrus, that's for sure.

I think he can operate fine within our system. My huge gripe last night was the domino effect without Butler. Rowe played solid last night or was it worse than I thought?

Elite CB1 take away a side of the field
System CB2 with competitive coverage & safety help


Talib
Dennard

Revis
Browner

Butler
Ryan

Gilmore
Rowe

I won’t mind an upgrade but you’re not getting one on the FA market due to $ & I wouldn’t invest a top 63 pick on one either.

 

[DaBruinz]

The entire O-LINE needs to be upgraded. I don't want to see the dude who gave up that strip sack ever again!!
Defense needs a thourough upgrade at ALL positions...new defensive coordinator would be a good thing.

ROFLMAO.. Yes.. Let's get rid of the ENTIRE O-LINE because of a stellar play by the opposing lineman.. SMH..

You realize that you just said they need to replace 16 starters? That's not even close to accurate..

 

[Steve102]

well, then people should not complain about having absolutely no pass rush.......do you want it or not? or do you want it only if it's cheap? you could use the same argument for not paying mccourty.......I would take 17 sacks over mccourty

I want it, but I want to field the best possible TEAM. If that means I get a guy like Trey Flowers with 6.5, and I get to play in the Super Bowl, I am am good with it.

 

[maineman209]

In what I believe was a moment of weakness for BB after the Seattle SB, the Patriots gave a top-of-the-market contract to Mc Courty. He just doesn't make enough plays to justify his salary. Can't get to the boundary on deep balls to the sideline or endzone. I think Duron Harmon could do at least as well, for far less money.

McCourty's role changed significantly this season. He played a combination of free safety, strong safety and cornerback (often in man coverage). He played 97% of all defensive snaps and 24 % of ST snaps.

Thru the AFCCG, he'd allowed a 46% completion rate into his coverage for 9.5 yards per catch, had one INT and 6 PBUs. He also led the Pats in solo tackles and in total tackles.

 

[IllegalContact]

I want it, but I want to field the best possible TEAM. If that means I get a guy like Trey Flowers with 6.5, and I get to play in the Super Bowl, I am am good with it.

we are not fielding the 'best possible teams' .... there needs to be more balance than what the pats have.......2 guys on defense 'get paid' ... hightower and mccourty

you get what you pay for........

over time, the pats have spent more and more money to put players around Brady.....

 

[everlong]

Looking quickly the Pats need to resign Solder and DA if they don't follow JM to Indy. They have roughly only 17M in cap space. They can cut or rework the below.

Bennet 6.1M
Allen 5M
Branch will cost them 1M in cap to cut.
McClellin 2.3M
Harris 2.1M
Gillislee 2.1M
Britt 1.4M
Richards 1.1M

Brady at 22M could get reworked and ditto for McCourty at 11.9M cap hits respectively.

 

[HailHydra]

BB made some bad calls today, especially benching Butler, but I still believe in the old man. I think Patricia did not expect the run option all game and he did a horrible job at adjusting. I can not believe we didn’t shut down Agholor.

We will need a replacement for DMaC soon, he has been non existent.

DMac wasn't the problem

 

[HailHydra]

Eh, I think we could get a better player in the draft or free agency than what we have in Nate Solder. He's getting older, has a tendency to get injured, hasn't played up to seasons past, and will be receiving a massive contract. If we can get the next Ramcyzk at the bottom of the 1st, I'd be happy.

 

[HailHydra]

I can potentially see us trading up in the first round if Vita Vea is there in the 20s. He's Vince Wilfork esque.

If were trading up it will be our first rounder and our late second round pick, weather this happens is another matter.

I cannot see Evans from Alabama falling to us in the second round, but i can see Malik Jefferson falling to us. He would bring a lot of speed and coverage ability in the LB area. He reminds me of Jones from Atlanta.

Third round comp pick. I think Josh Sweat could possibly be there for us.

Honestly this is a draft where theres a lot of very good talent. Theres a chance that maybe 7 QBs could be drafted within the first round. Which means talent could be dropping. Honestly we need a draft like we did in 2011 where we picked up Jones/HT/Collins.

Last night my god i was angry. Lets keep going.

I absolutely love Vita Vea's name