Options at LB in free agency:
Karlos Dansby: Maybe the Cardinals franchise him, but that remains to be seen.
Terrell Suggs: You'd think the Ravens have to franchise him if they can't get something done, so I doubt he hits free agency. NE needs more help at ILB than OLB, so I don't know if they look at Suggs if he's not franchised. Oh, and I checked the NFLPA's site, they've got Suggs listed as a free agent.
Victor Hobson: Posted 80 tackles in 2005, 100 tackles and 6 sacks in 2006. his production has fallen off this season, but some outside factors have contributed. He's 27 years old, about the same size as Bruschi, and his two years of experience in Mangini's system is an added plus. I don't think he'd cost very much either.
Kawika Mitchell: about the same size as Tedy, has some experience at 28 years old, and should come cheap.
Maybe Clark Haggans
Potential Resign:
Junior Seau
Tedy Bruschi
What I'd like to do:
If Dansby would go for a deal simular to AD's (as that article suggest) I'd sign him up. Then, I'd also sign Victor Hobson.
Reasons for these moves:
Both Dansby and Hobson have the skills and size to fit in well with NE, and both have just enough experience to not be considered wet behind the ears. Neither would be considered "old" either, so with the addition of these two LB's NE would strengthen their corp for years to come.
Signing Hobson and Dansby could also give NE more leverage with Colvin. If Colvin won't agree to an extension that lowers his cap to at least the $4.5M-$5M range, than I could see NE cutting him, and pushing AD to OLB on a more regular basis. I do think NE will be able to work out an extension with Colvin though.
Maybe one of Bruschi and Seau returns. I'm not counting on either returning next year though, as it will likely depend on how this season plays out.
Free agents at other Positions that I've got some interest in:
RB:
Justin Fargas (6'1" 220lbs): Tough runner who's had some good production while playing in a bad offense. Maybe NE doesn't look at bringing in any RB's with Maroney, Morris, and Faulk already on the roster, but if they do Fargas could be an option. I don't think he'll warrent the type of money some other Backs will earn this offseason either.
Also, It will be interesting to see if their again interested in Chris Brown this offseason, as they had tried to sign him during the 2007 offseason, but he chose resigning with the Titans over signing on with NE.
WR:
There's no sense in mentioning other free agent WR's, as I'd obviously like to resign Randy Moss over bringing in anyone else. All signs point to his being able to work out a deal with NE, but if that doesn't work out, I could see NE franchising him.
Free agent options at CB:
Asante Samuel: While I really like him, and think he's become one of the best CB's in the NFL, I don't think he's resigning with NE. To me it seems more likely some other team will offer him a blockbuster deal, and while NE would give him a fair market deal, I don't think they'll be offering up the $10M per some other teams will likely offer up. So, he's only coming back at a discount, and considering what he said about NE's previous offer, I doubt he's signing at a discount.
Randall Gay: I think NE will be able to workout a deal with Randall, and he shouldn't come with a large pricetag.
Marcus Trufant: He could be an option. He's posted 77 tackles, 15 PD's, and 7 INT's through 14 games this season. He'll come with a pricetag, but I'm willing to bet he'll come cheaper than Samuel. I don't know if NE would invest that much in an outside (not developed by NE) CB, but we'll see.
Chad Scott: He's getting old, and coming off season ending injury. He'd come on the cheap though, and could add some depth to the secondary, especially since he can also play Safety in a pinch.
Jacques Reeves: He's posted 55 tackles, 10 PD's, 1 FF, and one INT this season. He'll come with a smaller pricetag, and he's still developing.
