James Develin Announces Retirement on Instagram:

Well, when it rains, apparently the whole world decides to end

James Devlin to Tampa confirmed

Thank you, James... What a legend! Love this guy sad to see him go but didn't ever sound like he was coming back...

Vitale has big shoes to fill!

What is cap savings on this? Quick look said cap hit was $1.47m... Does that mean we save all of that? Id much rather have him for that, but we are pretty tight so perhaps this gives us a little flexibilty to sign a player or two for depth and draft picks

KontradictioN said:

Enjoy your retirement, big guy!

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This ranks right up there with the Ben Watson play on Champ Bailey and Gronk carrying 4 Colts into the end zone as the best displays of sheer will in 35 years of watching Patriot games.

Pat the Pats Fan said:

I was expecting this. Neck injury isn’t anything to eff with. He was a great Patriot, another perfect “do your job” player. One of so many we as fans have been honored to watch and root for. Take care sir, you deserve a great and full life with your family.

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Mike Reiss was hinting at this as far back as last November. Obviously Develin just made his decision now, but this was a known serious injury then. A shame, what a great player he was. Hopefully he can live a healthy fulfilling life without the post-football complications we hear so much about.

A Defiant Goose said:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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This is the off-season from hell

robertweathers said:

Vitale is not a very good lead blocker. Lazar broke this down.

I thought Johnson did pretty well when he was in there. Hes more of the Develin type IMO.

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Vitale was never in an organization that valued blocking first in its fullbacks. Not saying Vitale can’t do it, but GB utilized him as more of a passing threat while NE always uses its FBs in the traditional manner. Will be interesting to see if Vitale can make that adjustment.

Hammer of Thor said:

Vitale was never in an organization that valued blocking first in its fullbacks. Not saying Vitale can’t do it, but GB utilized him as more of a passing threat while NE always uses its FBs in the traditional manner. Will be interesting to see if Vitale can make that adjustment.

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The German fullback his name escapes me looked good as a blocker and is a big guy

Bummer ... Glad he is getting out now;, while relatively healthy ... he will be missed.


one of my all time favorite Patriot player images

I was projecting both Develin and Vitale to make the team, but now it's Johnson and Vitale.

THANK YOU JAMES

One of my favourite players on the team. Always made the running game so much better. Michel will miss him.

ChrisR2223 said:

The German fullback his name escapes me looked good as a blocker and is a big guy

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Jakob Johnson

Hammer of Thor said:

This ranks right up there with the Ben Watson play on Champ Bailey and Gronk carrying 4 Colts into the end zone as the best displays of sheer will in 35 years of watching Patriot games.

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And don't forget Blount's run against PIT.

Hammer of Thor said:

Vitale was never in an organization that valued blocking first in its fullbacks. Not saying Vitale can’t do it, but GB utilized him as more of a passing threat while NE always uses its FBs in the traditional manner. Will be interesting to see if Vitale can make that adjustment.

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Didn't seem very powerful to me. We'll see.

Sony Michel is screwed this year

.

Well, the good news is that Paul Perillo jumped off a bridge...

Taco said:

This is the off-season from hell

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It wasn't so bad up until Develin left. Really wanted to see him come back and make a huge impact on our running game again. It really is too bad for me as a fan but wish him all the best.

Thanks for the memories Develin!!

Health over football. Much success and long healthy life going forward.

Will be missed!!! That touchdown run for a yard a few years ago was one of my all time favorite plays!!!!