Defense - A Zero Sum Game Capwise

[RI Patriots fan]

I thought Wilfork was playing great early in the season, why do you think that he wasn't.

"There has to be something going on injury-wise with Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. He’s never going to wow with quarterback pressure, but he has been elite at taking on double teams and holding his gap against the run. Wilfork struggled mightily with that in the first two games, to the point that Jets guard Vlad Ducasse completely handled him on Thursday night. This is something to watch because the Patriots are basically playing a three-man tackle rotation with Wilfork, Tommy Kelly (who also tired against the Bills) and undrafted free agent Joe Vellano. That’s all the Patriots have."


Is Vince Wilfork dealing with an injury? | nePatriotsLife.com - New England Patriots Fan Site, Blog, T-shirts


He sucked.

 

[goheels22002]

MODEST PROPOSAL - A CAP NEUTRAL FREE AGENCY
1) Extend Wilfork (save $4M) or restructure (save $3.5M)
2) Cut Sopoaga (save $2M)
3) Cut Adrian Wilson (save $.7M)
3) Sign Talib long-term ($5M first year cap effect)
5) Re-sign Fletcher (costing about $.7M, if that much)
4) Use the other million or a JAG or two.
5) Wait until camp to assess Kelly (and cut him if he cannot compete).
6) Obviously, I don't think that we will re-sign Spikes.

IF WE HAVE THE MONEY
A) We need an upgrade to Gregory (we could simply cut Gregory and sign a replacement)
B) We need a rotational DE. Ninkovich and Jones can't play over 95% of the plays forever.
C) We need a situational pass-rusher as an upgrade over Carter, Bequette and Buchanan.

ASSUMPTION
Wilfork will be on the 2014 roster or on IR.

I'd like to see the Patriots make a run at DT Henry Melton late of the Chicago Bears. He's 27-years-old, quick for a DT and proven outdoors in the cold and elements.

Melton has baggage that will make him cheaper - a torn ACL in September 2013 compounded by an arrest in Texas while on IR.

He's had plenty of time to get ready for 2014. He'll get interest, but should be affordable in the $3 to $4 million range over three or four years given his injury history. He won't get the $8+ million he signed for after his rookie contract. Melton is probably a long-term deal guy.