NFL Free Agency 2022 edition

[RIpats88]

1. all this Jonnu over Jakob stuff is nice in theory, but Jonnu won't block in the trenches, consistently, and be happy about it.
2. all the talk about "slow start" to FA, um... we don't have the money! BB made his big splash last year, now we have to live with it.
3. I'm not convinced OBJ would be any better in his first year here off a LATE ACL tear, than Agholor in his 2nd year. We have to let it ride.
4. What we have to assume is that Bourne and Jonnu will be better, and whether it's the addition of MonTy (my new nickname), and/or a new WR, we'll be growing in the passing game.
5. White being back is huge, I think our run game can be even better - depending on the solidification of the OL - which is now the biggest offseason story. We need another legit FA starter - whether G or T.
6. I think draft will be our chance for CB1, LB/EDGE, DL, OL, WR

Supposedly this is a very strong receiver draft. Hopefully we can get someone. And not make the mistake we did in 2019 or picking the only receiver that sucked...

 

[ralmat55]

The article says "leads back to the idea of getting more out of Smith as a complement to Henry (68.5% playing time). Thus, it wouldn't be a surprise if the traditional fullback isn't as big a part of the offense in 2022."

Replacing Johnson on the field does not mean Smith becomes a traditional Johnson-type battering ram. There are lots of very exciting formations with Smith in the backfield (split back with Stevenson) and more 2 TE offense. The article specifically says this. Probably you just skimmed the article.

Why do you feel the need to argue with me when we agree or say that I didn’t read the article which I did? I used the word hybrid. Thought that covered the various ways he might be used.

Smith is an inflexible athlete lacking balance and body control. Thus, you really can’t throw passes to him down the field where the catch might be contested. He’s also limited as a in-line blocker because he doesn’t have the balance to recover if the defender beats him to the punch.

But, he has the size and speed to be a handful for LBs and DBs to catch and bring him down. Pre-snap movement or swing passes out of the backfield are two ways to get the ball to him in space and to get some good yards after the catch. He also has the size to be a lead blocker as well.

There’s a role for him in the offense, and, if, he becomes a productive weapon in the red zone his impact might justify his salary even if the overall numbers don’t.

 

[Grogan14]

Patriots will not be using a fullback next year according to Jakob Johnson

 

[zimmy]

makes sense not to have a traditional full back if they really want to get the most out of Jonnu and Dalton Keane.

 

[Love The Drake]

makes sense not to have a traditional full back if they really want to get the most out of Jonnu and Dalton Keane.

So that means Mac will be throwing More.

 

[upstater1]

Supposedly this is a very strong receiver draft. Hopefully we can get someone. And not make the mistake we did in 2019 or picking the only receiver that sucked...

He's been really bad. As hard as it is to believe, 3 of them that went in the next 30 picks have done worse. As always drafting WRs is a crapshoot. As Harry, Campbell, Arcega-Whitehead and Isabella have shown. It's a 50/50 proposition. in fact, I'd throw Mecole Hardman into the disappointment category. If we grab a WR in the second round, all of us will expect more production than what Hardman has given the Chiefs.

9 WRs went in the first 2 rounds in 2019. 4 of them were busts. 1 of them was 50/50. The other 4 were big hits.

 

[50-yard-line]

Regarding last years FA signings- there is a possibility that they could improve in year 2. Its not out of teh question. Especially Jonnu and Godcheaux. Jalen Mills I am less optimistic. He is what he is, they only spent 6million/year for an experienced hybrid safety/cornerback. He is and never was the second coming fo Revis Island.

Everything for the Pats hinges on the draft. They need to hit on at least 3 very good picks this year.If they select mostly busts again, the team willl continue to languish in the middle of the pack.

Godchaux isn't a giant anchor. Never was. Isn't paid like one, at all (7mil/per for the guy who had the most snaps on the DL isn't much at all). Get a Jordan Davis-type and stick him in the middle and put Godchaux on one side of him, and the guy will be worth every penny and more. he wasn't nearly as bad as so many here keep repeating - and gets blamed for plays when he wasn't even on the damned field.

And Mills at 6/per for 4 years was a steal. That's peanuts for a vet. They missed him big time in the AFCWC last year, especially with Dugger, and possibly still JC, banged up. Getting a versatile, smart vet for 6 per upset you, really?

The two signings from last year who need to be more involved (which means they have to get them the damned ball) are Smith and Agholor.

 

[50-yard-line]

1. all this Jonnu over Jakob stuff is nice in theory, but Jonnu won't block in the trenches, consistently, and be happy about it.
2. all the talk about "slow start" to FA, um... we don't have the money! BB made his big splash last year, now we have to live with it.
3. I'm not convinced OBJ would be any better in his first year here off a LATE ACL tear, than Agholor in his 2nd year. We have to let it ride.
4. What we have to assume is that Bourne and Jonnu will be better, and whether it's the addition of MonTy (my new nickname), and/or a new WR, we'll be growing in the passing game.
5. White being back is huge, I think our run game can be even better - depending on the solidification of the OL - which is now the biggest offseason story. We need another legit FA starter - whether G or T.
6. I think draft will be our chance for CB1, LB/EDGE, DL, OL, WR

1. That's not what the article said. Said they'll probably go with less FB formations.
2. They could have made the $$$ if they wanted. They have to be collecting their chips for next year and 24, waiting to see what they really have here with some of the young guys who were buried behind older vets.
3. Agree.
4. Agree. And Agholor. If the inside game gets stronger, they need Mac to take some shots down the field.
5. From your lips to God's ears. So happy White wasn't crippled by that nasty injury.
6. Seems to be a lot of promise in the draft this year, and in positions of need for the Pats.

 

[NFL Mystique]

Tennessee has weapons. But that doesn't matter much when the QB is unable to fully take advantage of said weapons.

 

[NFL Mystique]

It'll carry him to age 38 I believe, he's not like all-time-great level but he has the tools to win a title obviously. $40M a year is a good chunk of change, but he's around $20M this year before the extension kicks in and I'd guess this is a backloaded deal, so they are probably keeping their window open a few years. Obviously the issue is they have very little in the way of valuable draft picks so they have to purchase their talent, money becomes more important.

Yep.

Rams will eventually pay the piper big time. But it won't matter if they get multiple SB's out of it. In fact, I'd say it's already worked.

Their approach worked because they were only held back at one position. QB. I don't believe it'll work for teams with holes in other positions.

 

[farn]

Patriots will not be using a fullback next year according to Jakob Johnson

Kinda weird. BB loves him some FBs.

 

[upstater1]

Are there any post-June 1st cuts that teams are talking about?

Any big contracts in their last 2 years?

Wondering what the outlook is for veterans on the market in June.

 

[jah]

Kinda weird. BB loves him some FBs.

He used to love having 3 guys the size of Vince Wilfork and 4 guys the size of Willie McGinest on the field at the same time too, but things change I guess.

 

[Love The Drake]

He used to love having 3 guys the size of Vince Wilfork and 4 guys the size of Willie McGinest on the field at the same time too, but things change I guess.

And people said BB couldn’t adapt.
If we run some 3 tight end 1 Receiver package with White in the back field that could cause a lot of matchup problems for linebackers and safeties.
Asi Asi and Keene were both very productive talented players.
I think all 4 tight ends make the roster no fullback.
I think Stephenson and Keene and ASI ASI can do similar or in some instances better than a pure fullback can do.

If anything having those guys rotate in and out of slot. Backfield and line can cause a defense confusion which would equate to high percentage chunk plays for Mac and Co.
We really could use a high end number 1 which I think would make this a very difficult offense to prepare and scheme for.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Why do you feel the need to argue with me when we agree or say that I didn’t read the article which I did? I used the word hybrid. Thought that covered the various ways he might be used.

Smith is an inflexible athlete lacking balance and body control. Thus, you really can’t throw passes to him down the field where the catch might be contested. He’s also limited as a in-line blocker because he doesn’t have the balance to recover if the defender beats him to the punch.

But, he has the size and speed to be a handful for LBs and DBs to catch and bring him down. Pre-snap movement or swing passes out of the backfield are two ways to get the ball to him in space and to get some good yards after the catch. He also has the size to be a lead blocker as well.

There’s a role for him in the offense, and, if, he becomes a productive weapon in the red zone his impact might justify his salary even if the overall numbers don’t.

Agreed. Athleticism costs money. If we want athletes we have to pay. The return is sometimes less and sometimes more than expected. Smith is a specimen. Let's hope he has the smarts to fit in Y2. Looks like the Pats will try to expand his role and let's hope it is a fit. I realize people expect on his salary if must be a fit but that is not always the case.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Evan is having a tough day. Stick to what you're good at. The "sources" game has been out of control. I get that people come across stuff but he's not known for breaking anything. If you don't have real info with those things it shows after a while.

 

[PatsFan2]

Lazar's reporting is on par with McCourty’s and Judon's recruiting need I say anymore.

 

[venecol]

Thinking about it. This free agency is more like the norm for the Patriots under Belichick than people are realizing. It seems that most years the Pats sit out the first week of free agency and then go for the value guys who still are good, but not nearly as high priced in week two. And they typically lose several of their higher priced free agents. Let's JC Jackson walk isn't new. They have let players of his caliber walk before. Trading Mason was a bit out of the norm. But most of the other moves and non-moves are not.

The question is now is whether this strategy can work in a Post-Brady era. That hasn't been put to the test yet.

I just think after last year and with the cap expected to explode, people were expecting the Pats to be more aggressive this year. But they are sticking to their usual strategy. They will likely be far more active this week than last. There are still some good free agents left at positions the Pats have needs. Hopefully, they sign some of them.

Who are these good FAs left? Can you list a few names at each position of need? Serious question.

 

[PWRxWLF]

Evan is having a tough day. Stick to what you're good at. The "sources" game has been out of control. I get that people come across stuff but he's not known for breaking anything. If you don't have real info with those things it shows after a while.

I agree. I really don’t like his generic “stand by my tweet” **** though. He could’ve said “Patriots continue to gauge starting price of weapons throughout the league. Cordarelle Patterson is one they decided not to pursue.” Or something like that. Instead he continued the negative slant and made it sound as if the Pats were in negotiations then let themselves get outbid, at least that’s how I took the original tweet, which could be a me problem.

 

[DaBruinz]

Hopefully it's true. Their age at LB really showed last season. I'd rather take younger guys who make a few more mistakes (at least for a season...) but can attempt to make up for it with athleticism, vs. the group last year who seemed to typically be able to read things right but don't have the burst to actually make the play. Van Noy seemed to have more in the tank left than Hightower, and he got cut. I'd be surprised to see Hightower back for more than peanuts.

By not bringing back Hightower, Collins, and Van Noy, the Pats are automatically younger at LB. By swapping Winovich for a 3 year younger Wilson, they also got younger.

I'm excited to see what this LB corp can do.