Free Agent Signings around the League

[Claremonster]

Adam Schefter ?@AdamSchefter · 1h
Former Broncos LB Shaun Phillps reached agreement on a 2-year, $6M deal with the Tenneessee Titans, per source.

 

[strngplyr]

Belichick really doesn't like to add veteran pass rushers....no surprise there. Ever since the adalius thomas debacle

Andre Carter x2, Mark Anderson, Tommy Kelly, and Albert Haynesworth just to name a few very recently

 

[supafly]

Belichick really doesn't like to add veteran pass rushers....no surprise there. Ever since the adalius thomas debacle

I'm not really seeing the comparison myself, TB12.

A.Thomas was the most coveted defensive free agent of the year in 2007, and instantly made quite a difference. Even in 2008, he looked very good until he broke his arm in the 10th game, as he was on pace to blow away his sack total from any other season.

The 2009 season was a different story, as he didn't like playing the SAM role (reportedly), and was a bit of a malcontent with his locker room attitude problems.

Not only would I NOT see him as the definition of a "veteran pass rusher," I wouldn't think that that move in particular, would stop Belichick from exploring other vet signings.

The main difference is in age, roles, and value--if anything the Thomas signing may have made BB more gun shy about spending huge money, but I don't think that would stop him from exploring the possibility of value signings for vet pass rushers. Unfortunately, the prices were sky high this year, so there weren't many who were realistic targets in the first place. Philips' 2/6m deal was much more in line with what Belichick would have liked to see, but it's quite possible that he saw that as too high, just as well.

Our stud passrusher may very well be coming from the draft anyway.

 

[primetime]

The Patriots have two entrenched - and very good - starters at defensive end, so anyone they add is going to be a rotational player at best. I think Belichick prefers cheaper backups, so he may think Buchanan or Bequette (lol) can take a step up this year and play a solid number of downs or he may think the free agent market at this point isn't worth the cost versus bringing back Andre Carter for another go. He may be waiting to see how the draft falls his way.

Keep in mind that in 2011, Andre Carter and Mark Anderson were both signed during training camp. The fact that Belichick didn't splash for a defensive end in March doesn't mean he won't assess the roster after the draft and see what's available in early or even late summer. Robert Ayers, Will Smith, Jason Hunter, and Parys Haralson (and, heck, Anderson and Carter) are all available and likely will be.

 

[Deus Irae]

Sanchez deal with the Eagles is done. He passed his physical, per source. He moves down I-95

https://twitter.com/BrianCoz/status/449331069155020800

 

[Deus Irae]

CB Phillip Adams, former Raiders UFA, just signed a one-year deal with Seattle #Seahawks, per source.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/449327876089724929

 

[patfanken]

I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Shaun Phillips checked a lot of boxes that would have made him a great fit.

1. He would have provided depth at BOTH DE, and OLB, 2 areas of need right how.

2. He coming off a productive year in Denver where he had double digit sacks

3. He signed for a very reasonable $3MM/yr

Ah well on to the next FA prospect.

 

[JackBauer]

Robert Ayers career best was 5.5 sacks in a season.

Shaun Phillips laughs at that.

Phillips also has a ton more experience, leadership, and is better vs. the Run.

He also wore down noticeably toward the end of the season, which is never good when you're talking about assembling a roster on a perennial playoff contender.

 

[Froob]

Adam Schefter ?@AdamSchefter · 1h
Former Broncos LB Shaun Phillps reached agreement on a 2-year, $6M deal with the Tenneessee Titans, per source.

That would have been a steal and a half. Wonder why BB wasn't interested. Got to think he'd come even cheaper to a contender.

 

[Froob]

https://twitter.com/BrianCoz/status/449331069155020800

Why were they in such a hurry to sign a guy with a ****ed up shoulder who was never that good to begin with? Decent backup but I mean....really?

 

[crownontherocks]

CSN Bay Area reports the Raiders are "very close" to a deal with free agent Maurice Jones-Drew.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

CSN Bay Area reports the Raiders are "very close" to a deal with free agent Maurice Jones-Drew.

He will never win anything in his career...what a shame

 

[JMC00]

Well they'll need him. Because there's no way they can depend on McFadden

 

[Deus Irae]

He will never win anything in his career...what a shame

In Goodell's new NFL, there will be participation trophies for everyone!

 

[supafly]

The Patriots have two entrenched - and very good - starters at defensive end, so anyone they add is going to be a rotational player at best. I think Belichick prefers cheaper backups, so he may think Buchanan or Bequette (lol) can take a step up this year and play a solid number of downs or he may think the free agent market at this point isn't worth the cost versus bringing back Andre Carter for another go. He may be waiting to see how the draft falls his way.

Keep in mind that in 2011, Andre Carter and Mark Anderson were both signed during training camp. The fact that Belichick didn't splash for a defensive end in March doesn't mean he won't assess the roster after the draft and see what's available in early or even late summer. Robert Ayers, Will Smith, Jason Hunter, and Parys Haralson (and, heck, Anderson and Carter) are all available and likely will be.

You make a fine point in reminding everyone that Belichick will still be adding players all the way into the summer, so it doesn't necessarily have to be addressed right now.

Personally, I think it's taken care of in the draft.

I can't stomach the idea of bringing back Andre Carter again though. I didn't like seeing him on the field last season. I thought he was old, slow, and tired looking myself.

 

[patfanken]

That would have been a steal and a half. Wonder why BB wasn't interested. Got to think he'd come even cheaper to a contender.

It could have been that Phillips wasn't interested in being a "back up" for Jones and Ninko. Perhaps with the Titans he'd be in position to get to "start"

 

[strngplyr]

It could have been that Phillips wasn't interested in being a "back up" for Jones and Ninko. Perhaps with the Titans he'd be in position to get to "start"

This is exactly my thought, after how well he played last season I don't think Phillips is willing to take a role as backup. Last season he was brought in as a backup presumably and ended up with a starting job and did work.

That makes you feel like you can do it again.

He'd most likely be just a backup here, BB loves Ninko too much.

 

[Love The Drake]

MJD to the Raiders per NFL.com.
Come back Blount!
Would like to see last 4 signings before the draft.
Blount, Ayers, a center and Dustin Keller.

 

[Jimke]

MJD to the Raiders per NFL.com.
Come back Blount!
Would like to see last 4 signings before the draft.
Blount, Ayers, a center and Dustin Keller.

I agree with you especially with regard to Blount and a center. Blount
was fun to watch at the end of the year and Wendell was terrible.
De La Puenta is still available.

 

[Big-T]

With no Center signed yet and as far as I'm aware none of the ones in the draft have even spoke to the Patriots (is that still true Manx/Mayo?) maybe Belichick has seen enough of Braxston Cave (6'3" 305lbs) to have the job or maybe Dan Connolly will be the Center.