Patriots Rumor The pending UFA: who do we keep? Who walks?

[Real fan 02]

Oh yes. Daniel Graham was my guy. I loved to watch him nail the DT on the WHAM play.

Yes!! D Graham was a tough gritty player.. we need a guy like that back on the roster..

 

[JackBauer]

How is Hooper not a long term answer as an inexpensive, reliable, backup TE?

He's not very good, for starters.

 

[DaBruinz]

Pats full list of Free Agents : (Note OTC did not include everyone)

ERFA: (3)
Jack Westover - FB/TE
Isaiah Iton - DL
Deneric Prince - RB

RFA: (5)
Alex Austin - CB
Tommy Devito - QB
Jack Gibbens - LB
Jaquelin Roy - DL
Yasir Durant - OT

UFA: (6) (eligible for Comp Pick Equation)
Jaylinn Hawkins - S
Khyiris Tonga - DT
Austin Hooper - TE
K'Lavon Chaisson - Edge
Thayer Munford - OT
Vederian Lowe - OT

SFA ( Not eligible for Comp Pick Equation)
Craig Reynolds - RB
Richie Grant - S
Brendan Jaimes - OG/OC
Darius Harris - LB
D'Ernest Johnson - RB
Thomas Odukoya - TE
Trent Sherfeld - WR
Patrick Johnson - LB
Miles Battle - CB


I expect the Pats to resign all 3 ERFA to 1 yr deals.

I expect the Pats to give RFA Tenders to Devito, Gibbens, and Durant.

I expect the Pats to re-sign the following from their UFA/SFA:
Tonga, Munford, Jaimes

Players who may or may not re-sign:
Hawkins, Hooper

Players I expect will be signed away:
Chaisson & Lowe.


I know that Chaisson has stated he wants to re-sign with the Pats, but I'm not sure the Pats will be willing to shell out 15-18M AAV for his services. Just like I believe that Lowe will be signed for 15-18M to be a starting LT for a needy team.

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't think we can let Chaisson walk, as we're already down a pass rusher and if we lose Chaisson, we probably need to find two.

I'm expecting 2 NEW Pass rushers regardless. One via FA and one via the draft. Mainly because my pure speculation is that Landry calls it quits because of his knee. The Pats have Ponder and Jennings. Ponder really developed nicely and Jennings stepped up to show he's above average coming off the bench. They still have Swinson, but I'm not expecting much out of him..

 

[Rob0729]

I don't see the Pats signing a LT and a RG. but I can see one. Campbell's and Wilson's position will depend on which one is signed.

 

[DaBruinz]

I would keep Tonga, Hawkins, Lowe and Chaisson

Lowe and Chaisson are going to get starter contracts with other teams. Lowe's contract may not reach Dan Moore's absurd contract, but Lowe improved over last year and I expect someone to offer him 15-18M AAV.

Chaisson is probably looking at a contract in the same range based on other players who put up similar production in the league.

 

[DaBruinz]

He will be 4 years 48 / 20 mill guaranteed

Lowe is going to be closer 4/60 - 4/76 with $20SB and another 20M in guaranteed salaries

 

[mike_usagisan]

Lowe and Chaisson are going to get starter contracts with other teams. Lowe's contract may not reach Dan Moore's absurd contract, but Lowe improved over last year and I expect someone to offer him 15-18M AAV.

Chaisson is probably looking at a contract in the same range based on other players who put up similar production in the league.

I think this is right, but I don't discount the Patriots from paying Chaisson if they don't feel great about other options in FA or the draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

I just don’t know if Lowe will get paid.

I think people are using the Jaylon Moore comp. But Moore played at a higher level with more snaps. Not sure Lowe’s done enough for someone to go hand him 15 million a year.

I'm using the Dan Moore Comp. Which is who was signed as the Top LT FA last year. And whom Lowe played better than.

 

[Toofy]

Lowe is going to be closer 4/60 - 4/76 with $20SB and another 20M in guaranteed salaries

I thought about that and felt teams might be too reticent to offer such a big one. Let's see. I feel guaranteed might inch higher close to 25 or 30 mill. But 4 years 50 might be the deal is what I think.

 

[mike_usagisan]

I thought about that and felt teams might be too reticent to offer such a big one. Let's see. I feel guaranteed might inch higher close to 25 or 30 mill. But 4 years 50 might be the deal is what I think.

Teams are desperate for LTs and it's hard to get a good one in the draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

I see sooooooooo many people here tout Marcus Bryant and I just don't get it. Am I missing something? He made the team as a late round pick so obviously they see some potential in him but he ended the year as the 5th OT on the roster after being 4th most of the year. There was an injury (Campbell) that could have elevated him to a key depth role as the backup OT and they signed a vet off someone else's practice squad instead (Munford). Then once Campbell came back they still kept Munford and relegated Bryant to 5th.

I just don't get why he's being talked about as someone who's in the running to be a starter long term as opposed to someone who should be in competition for a roster spot at all, much less a key role. Everything about he was used (or rather, NOT used) this year points to a roster bubble type of guy, nothing more. I don't get in any way how we're "spoiled" to have him.

Except that your ignoring that the Pats had Munford on their Practice Squad prior to his signing with Cleveland. Munford also had years of experience that Bryant didn't have. You would expect a vet to be better than a late round rookie.

Bryant was a 4 year starter in College, playing both LT and RT. People liked what they saw of him in camp and it's why the Pats didn't cut him and send him to the PS.

The problem I see with your thought process is that you're ignoring that Lowe and Munford are UFA and Durant is an RFA. Teams need 4 OTs and Bryant has the ability to play both sides. Nothing points to him being a bubble guy unless you completely ignore the currect roster make-up and think he's never going to get better.

 

[Toofy]

I don't think a rookie tackle or guard will mount to anything . If we want to draft let's draft them for swing positions and start them if they are good. We already invested two top 100 picks on OL last year
.I would not touch oline before 3rd round as there is no certainty that they would contribute and I want first 2 rounders to be decent contributors in their rookie season . So LB,TE, safety , CB followed by edge would be my priority for first 2 picks .

 

[DaBruinz]

He has a lot of upside potential, especially at RT with his size. But we signed Moses in FA and Moses is still better. Also starting 3 rookies is a recipe for disaster against blitz pick up.

The problem with what you're saying is that the Pats signed Moses in March. Bryant was drafted until later. Most people understood that Bryant was taken with an eye on him being a top swing tackle and/or becoming a future starter at RT. Bryant was drafted despite Moses being signed. Not the other way around.

 

[DaBruinz]

I do wonder if they think Munford is a better investment than Bryant going forward? Their use of him sort of suggests that. if they can get Munford back cheap, they might like that camp competition.

Munford is 26 with this being his 4th year in the league and will be 27 during the season.
Bryant is 23 and a rookie but turns 24 before the start of TC.

How would Munford be a better investment?

I fully expect Munford back and that Bryant and He will be the 3rdd/4th tackles on the team next year. Both have the ability to play either LT or RT. They remind me of Tom Ashworth in that respect.

 

[DaBruinz]

How is Hooper not a long term answer as an inexpensive, reliable, backup TE?

Because Hooper is 31 already. His play really tailed off this season despite playing almost the same number of snaps per game (33/32) as he did last year..

 

[DaBruinz]

We are going to reward good players who perform.. chassion has been excellent this year and really was amazing in the post season.. he re- signs.. 3 year deal.. 24 million I can see.. with the health/performance of Campbell I'd say Lowe is a important player to want to retain.

At TE.. Pitts is who I like..

NO WAY Chaisson signs for back-up money.. This is just wishful thinking on your part.

He played better than guys making over 15MA AAV.

 

[Ross12]

I know we have talked a bit about whether Diggs stays or goes. He was asked this post-game and he said:

Reporter: "Do you anticipate coming back next year?"
Diggs: "Oh **** yeah, unless they opt outta the contract ... I anticipate being here, I hope so. Love my guys, hell of a year playin with 'em. Built some real family-like bonds. So... I hope so. I don't control it, though."

 

[DaBruinz]

Absolutely... Henry is a good player..but we need more at the position.. Pitts is the guy that's dynamic and can really open up the offense next season.. it will keep defenses from playing 2 high safeties.. remember how Hernandez used to terrorize.... defenses..?

Pitts is a glorified WR. He is NOT a TE. YOU can block better than he can.. Which is saying a LOT.

The Pats need an all-around TE who can block better than Henry or Hooper on Running plays and who can also catch..

That is NOT Pitts.

 

[DaBruinz]

I know we have talked a bit about whether Diggs stays or goes. He was asked this post-game and he said:

Reporter: "Do you anticipate coming back next year?"
Diggs: "Oh **** yeah, unless they opt outta the contract ... I anticipate being here, I hope so. Love my guys, hell of a year playin with 'em. Built some real family-like bonds. So... I hope so. I don't control it, though."

I expect Diggs to be back. On the deal he signed.

The players under contract that I'm unsure of are Moses and Landry. I could see both retiring.