Today In Patriots History March 3, 2007: Pats sign free agent Adalius Thomas

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Adalius Thomas​

March 3, 2007:
The New England Patriots sign free agent Adalius Thomas to a five-year, $35 million contract, with $20 million guaranteed


While Adalius Thomas is most remembered for how things ended poorly with him in Foxboro, it is worth pointing that it wasn't always that way. He was an incredibly athletic defender with Baltimore, capable of playing nearly every position on the field. That versatility is why Bill Belichick was willing to "back up the Brink's truck" - a strategy he seldom used - to pay him when he hit free agency. Thomas was initially a beast with the Patriots, until he broke his arm against the Bills late in the 2008 season.

Then for whatever reason, things went south in 2009. He was a healthy scratch for a game against Tennessee, then was one of three players who were sent home, after arriving late to a morning meeting due to a snowstorm. 24 hours after the 2010 draft was completed, the Patriots released Thomas. As far as I know no other teams offered him a workout or contract - and his NFL career was over.

I think everyone woke up to the snow yesterday. I didn't know it was going to snow. There was traffic. I can't run people over getting to work. I don't do that. I actually almost had a car accident....What do you do? It's not the Jetsons, I can't jump up and just fly. What the heck am I supposed to do?​

​

"Motivation is for kindergartners. I'm not a kindergartner. Sending somebody home, that's like, 'He's expelled, come back and make good grades.' Get that **** out of here. That's ridiculous. Motivation?​

Patriots make big splash

BOSTON — Linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the most sought-after free agents, signed yesterday with the New England Patriots, giving the three-time Super Bowl winners a player in the mold of the depa…

www.capecodtimes.com

Linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the most sought-after free agents, signed yesterday with the New England Patriots, giving the three-time Super Bowl winners a player in the mold of the departed Willie McGinest.​

The 29-year-old Pro Bowler, one of the keys to the Baltimore's defense last season, can play several positions, including outside linebacker and defensive end - as McGinest did until he left last season for Cleveland.​

Thomas, at 6-foot-2-inches and 270 pounds, said he even lined up at cornerback in a defensive package designed to handle Pittsburgh's physical receivers, matching wideouts stride-for-stride.​

''I'm a football player. I don't play a position. Whatever is needed for me to do here, I'm going to do,'' he said. ''That's why the Patriots have been so successful here because they don't look at it as position. They look at it as football.''​

''Personall professionally, we are very impressed with Adalius Thomas,'' Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. ''His playmaking, toughness, intelligence, versatilit character were all factors in our decision to pursue him.''​

Many professional scouts had considered Thomas the most talented free agent on the market, coming off an 11-sack and 106-tackle season as one of the anchors on Baltimore's stout defense that gave up an NFL-low average of 12.6 points per game.​

The signing period for free agents was fewer than 36 hours old when Thomas signed his deal. He said he did not want to test the market after receiving a phone call from New England - a team he said is primed to compete for its fourth Super Bowl win in seven seasons.​

He said Belichick has a penchant for molding a system around versatile linebackers, drawing a comparison to Mike Vrabel, another linebacker known for lining up in other positions, notably as a goal-line tight end.​

''I think I fit their pedigree of linebackers - guys that can run, big strong guys that play different things from Vrabel to Bruschi to Colvin,'' he said. ''You have all these guys that are here that are great players. Again, I just try to come in and add to what they already have because they have a great linebacking corps here.''​

Patriots have agreement with ex-Ravens LB Thomas

The Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas.

www.espn.com

Not since 1995, when Willie McGinest was in just his second season, have the New England Patriots had a defender post double-digit sacks. That long drought is likely to end in 2007.​

The Patriots have reached an agreement in principle with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, among the premier players in the unrestricted free agent pool, and the seven-year veteran appears to be a perfect fit for coach Bill Belichick's trademark 3-4 defensive scheme.​

Thomas has 28½ sacks over the past three seasons, with a career-best 11 sacks in 2006.​

Thomas, who played for Belichick in the Pro Bowl last month, almost certainly will be one of the highest-paid players in free agency. Rated by ESPN.com as the No. 2 unrestricted player available, Thomas figures to land guarantees totaling at least $15 million. There is speculation the contract will average $10 million per year.​

With its once-feared linebacker corps in obvious decline, and forced to cut and paste on the unit over the past couple seasons, the New England defense sorely needed the kind of upgrade Thomas should bring. He is the kind of hybrid, edge-type player around whom Belichick has traditionally constructed his defensive schemes, a wonderfully versatile athlete who can morph into multiple roles.​

In fact, during his seven years in Baltimore, Thomas played nearly every defensive position, including cornerback, at various times. At 270 pounds, Thomas is physical enough to take on the action at the point of attack, yet swift enough to pursue plays from the backside. His unique blend of physical skills made him the Pats' top target in free agency.​

A sixth-round choice in the 2000 draft, Thomas began his career playing on special teams and he earned his first of two Pro Bowl berths in that role. He eventually worked his way into the defensive rotation as a specialist and then became a starter three years ago.​

In 96 games, the former Southern Mississippi star has 371 tackles, 38½ sacks, six interceptions, 31 passes defensed, 13 forced fumbles and five recoveries.​

Mike Reiss with notes from the introductory conference call:

Thomas in focus

Wrapping up the conference call with Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas.

www.boston.com

The book on Adalius

<p>By now, we'll assume most of you Patriots fans out there have heard that Adalius Thomas, widely perceived as the best free agent linebacker on the market, has signed with the New England Patriots.</p><p>Obviously, as my man Borat would say, "Much excite!" </p><p>Thomas is one of those guys...

www.masslive.com

By now, we'll assume most of you Patriots fans out there have heard that Adalius Thomas, widely perceived as the best free agent linebacker on the market, has signed with the New England Patriots.​

Obviously, as my man Borat would say, "Much excite!"​

Thomas is one of those guys whose known to be able to do it all, and to pluck him away from another strong AFC rival, the Baltimore Ravens, makes it even better.​

Jan 15, 2007:

A Raven's Nest

EQUALITY, ALA. POPULATION1,123AREA 75 square milesCOUNTY CoosaNEAREST BIG CITY Montgomery, 30 miles south WHAT TO EAT"My mom Eva Thomas's cooking. Everybody

vault.si.com

Oct 10, 2007:

INSIDE THE PATRIOTS: Thomas fits in like a true Patriot

Foxboro — Adalius Thomas sees time as a precious commodity. That explains why he doesn't like to waste it.

www.southcoasttoday.com

Oct 22, 2007:

The Winning Machine

HE KNEW preciouslittle about the New England Patriots. There were those three Super Bowl rings.There was the coach in the gray sweatshirt who seemed so

vault.si.com

Oct 25, 2007:

Pats' Thomas in war of words with Ray Lewis

Forty days and 40 nights away and the bulletin board material is already being churned out. The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens don't meet up until the first Monday in December and there's …

www.southcoasttoday.com

Nov 12, 2007:

Welcome to the 'Backerhood

NEVER FAILS. ThePatriots' linebackers will shuffle into their meeting room at Gillette Stadiumduring a game week, fold their bodies into chairs for an hour or

vault.si.com

April 27, 2010:

Patriots' signing of Adalius Thomas: A good idea turned dreadfully bad

The outside linebacker proved to be a flop in Foxboro. In the end, Monday’s release was a mere formality.

www.enterprisenews.com

Nov 15, 1999:

Southern Miss Surprise Adalius Thomas is the Golden Eagles' best player since Brett Favre

Adalius Thomas's life used to revolve around basketball. Growingup in Nixburg, Ala., a small town 35 miles from Montgomery, hepracticed for hours on a dirt

vault.si.com

In the What If category: what if the Patriots had been able to recover Adalius Thomas' strip sack on Eli Manning?

​

Today In Patriots History - August 18: Adalius Thomas

Today in Patriots History Adalius Thomas Happy 47th birthday to Adalius Thomas Born Aug 18, 1977; from Rockford, Alabama Patriot LB, 2007-2009; uniform #96 While Adalius Thomas is most remembered for how things ended poorly with him in Foxboro, it is worth pointing that it wasn't always...

www.patsfans.com

Adalius Thomas Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Checkout the latest stats for Adalius Thomas. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Adalius Thomas - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Some ancient PatsFans threads from the time of the signing:

John Clayton reports that the Patriots and Adalius Thomas are negotiating right now..

This was at the very begininng of sportscenter. I hope they agree to terms very soon.

www.patsfans.com

Pats, Thomas deal almost done for $7.5M a year?

Patriots close with Adalius Thomas Friday Mar 2nd, 2007 The New England Patriots are very close to signing Ravens OLB Adalius Thomas, the deal could still be announced today. While not completed the number will be basically be $7.5 million per year and $17 million guaranteed. The 49ers are...

www.patsfans.com

Tomase: Thomas is a Patriot!!!!!!!

Patriots land Thomas Posted by John Tomase at 7:52 pm According to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations, the Patriots are about to make the splash of free agency by agreeing to a contract with Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas, considered one of the top players on the market...

www.patsfans.com

Want to get excited about Thomas?

Read this article: LINK This is my favorite part: Ryan keeps a copy of the DVD in his office at the Ravens' practice facility, and from time to time, he'll pop it in. For football fanatics, it's better than porn. The tape begins with Thomas' playing nose tackle and ends with his walking...

www.patsfans.com

Is Anyone Concerned About Thomas' Age?

This boosts the D like no one could have hoped for. YEAAAA! However, he will be 30 bout the same time Little Brady is born. Is that a concern? I know it won't be in 2007 or 2008, but 32 in 2009 does scare me a bit. Especially a guy who looks to clear 28m in the 1st 3 years of the deal...

www.patsfans.com

Thomas' comments

Linebacker Adalius Thomas held a conference call with the media and touched on why he signed with the Patriots: “We knew what we were looking for -- a chance to win, a great organization, and I think New England called and gave us all the things we were looking for. I came up here, did a...

www.patsfans.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dave Meggett​

March 3, 2007:
The New England Patriots sign free agent Dave Meggett

​

Top 20 Patriots Free Agents of All-Time -- Paul Perillo, Patriots.com

#19: Dave Meggett - One of the first big-name free agents the Patriots ever signed, Meggett was an instrumental part of back-to-back AFC East title-winning teams in 1996-97.​

Patriots sign Dellenbach, Meggett

New England has reached an agreement with Miami center Jeff Dellenbach.

www.tampabay.com

Versatile running back and return man Dave Meggett also signed, leaving New York for more money, a bigger role and the chance to rejoin former Giants coach Bill Parcells.​

The Patriots gave Meggett, an unrestricted free agent, a five-year contract for $1.8-million a year with a $3-million signing bonus. The Giants reportedly had offered a similar deal, but for four years and $2-million cash.​

COACH WHO FIRST REJECTED MEGGETT STEALS HIM BACK

In the beginning, Bill Parcells didn't want David Meggett. When the New York Giants were awaiting the fifth round of the 1989 college draft, their scouts were touting the 5-foot-7-inch

greensboro.com

In the beginning, Bill Parcells didn't want David Meggett. When the New York Giants were awaiting the fifth round of the 1989 college draft, their scouts were touting the 5-foot-7-inch running back from Towson State as a kickoff-return and punt-return specialist.​

Parcells, then the Giants' coach, kept shaking his head. He already had a 5-7 running back, Joe Morris.``How else can I use this kid?' Parcells asked.​

``Pitch it to him,' one of the Giant scouts suggested.​

``Run him on a reverse,' another scout said.​

``What do you guys think this is, the Blue-Gray game?' Parcells said before he finally agreed. ``Let's take him, but I'm telling you guys right now, if he can't return kickoffs and punts, I'll cut him.'​

David Meggett didn't get cut.​

Now, nearly six years later, as the New England Patriots' coach and major domo, Bill Parcells wanted David Meggett as a big-play weapon. He also wanted to steal him from the Giants, much to the discomfort of their fans who cherished this jack rabbit of all trades: kickoff-returner, punt-returner, running back, third-down pass receiver, occasional option passer.​

When the Patriots signed Meggett to a five-year, $10 million contract that included a $3 million signing bonus, the Revenge of the Tuna continued.​

Only a year ago, Parcells, whose nickname is Tuna, snatched two ex-Giants, guard Bob Kratch and safety Myron Guyton, as free agents. But with Meggett gone, the Revenge of the Tuna is now a horror video accompanying the Giants season-ticket renewals.​

​

Not only did the Giants lose one of their most popular and proficient players, but they also lost him to Parcells, their two-time Super Bowl coach. He joined the Patriots in 1993 after General Manager George Young had ignored him in the search for Ray Handley's successor before hiring Dan Reeves.​

In the poker game for Meggett, the Giants bid $7.52 million over four years, including a $2.2 million bonus. Parcells raised. Young folded. Parcells knew of Young's distaste for million-dollar negotiations. That was among Parcells' reasons for resigning after the Super Bowl XXIV triumph.​

​

1997 Patriots Media Guide -- Page 157

22 David Meggett​

5-7 • 195 • 7th Year​

UFA (N.Y. Giants) '94​

Towson State​

Born: April 30, 1966​

Charleston, S.C.​

Pro Bowls (2): 1989, 1996​

NFL Career GP/GS (regular season 128/10, postseason 9/0)​

Meggett remains the highest profile free agent the Patriots have ever signed ... he is one of the premier all-purpose backs and return men in the league and was rewarded with his second trip to the Pro Bowl after the 1996 season ... he is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield ... in eight NFL seasons he has accumulated 12,625 all-purpose yards, and is currently averaging 1,578 yards of production per year ... when he joined the Patriots in 1995, he was the Giants' all-time leading punt returner with 2,230 yards on 202 returns (11.0 avg.) ... he also owns the Giants record for punt returns returned for touchdowns (6) and ranks second among the Giants' all-time kickoff returners with 2,989 yards on 146 touchdowns (20.5 avg.) and a touchdown ... in just two seasons with the Patriots, he has already established himself as one of the elite return men in franchise history ... he has returned 97 punts (3rd in franchise history) for 971 yards (3rd), a 10.0 avg. (5th tie) ... and one touchdown (3rd tie) ... in addition, he has returned 72 kickoffs (5th) for 1,745 yards (6th), a 24.2 yard average (5th) and a long of 62 ... combined, he has now totaled 1,600 career yards rushing, 2,820 yards receiving, 3,201 yards in punt returns and 4,734 yards on 218 kickoff returns ... he has played in every game since entering the league in 1989 - a streak of 128 consecutive games ... he poses a tremendous threat to any defensive scheme and is as much a threat as a receiver as he is a rusher ... in his career, he has caught at least one pass in 118 of his 128 games.​

Detailed long-form biogrophy on Dave Meggett's life below:

The Life And Career Of Dave Meggett (Story)

Dave Meggett was an electrifying return man in the 1990s for three teams. However, his life away from the field has brought trouble. This is his story.

www.profootballhistory.com

Before he was born, his father abandoned his mother and his siblings.​

Not given much of a chance to succeed, and the lure of street life waiting just outside the front door, Meggett told his family he was going to make it big.​

The road to riches began when he attended Bonds-Wilson High School in Charleston where Meggett was the quarterback for the football team and also played on defense.​

In any discussion of Dave Meggett, the following cannot be overlooked:

• 1990 - Arrested for soliciting a prostitute. Acquitted

• 1995 - Arrested for assaulting his girlfriend. Acquitted

• 1997 - Accused of raping a Toronto escort during a bachelor party. He and a friend hired a prostitute and she insisted he stop when his condom broke. Instead of stopping, he kept going while his friend held her down as she resisted, then beat her when she tried to stop him from taking his money back. Trial ended with a hung jury. Pete Carroll cut him.

• 2001 - Sexually assaulted a 20 year old. He forcefully reached into her underwear and grabbed her vagina, but she was able to flee. She filed a police report but there were no charges filed.

• 2001 - The next month, Meggett drugged, raped, and robbed an 18 year old woman, slammed a car door on her hand, and left her in an alley in a bad part of town. She dropped civil charges because she couldn't afford a lawyer, which led to prosecuters dropping criminal charges.

• 2006 - Sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend. He found out she was dating someone new, told her he had a gun, shoved her to the ground, and raped her. Her new boyfriend called shortly after, he picked the gun up, threatened to kill him, then headbutted the woman. He was convicted of sexual battery and put on 2 years probation.

• 2008 - Accused of raping a 17-year-old. Prosecutors opted not to pursue the case.

• 2009 - Arrested for rape and burglary of a 21-year-old college student. The woman, a lesbian, had recently broken up with her girlfriend, a friend of Meggett, and couldn't afford electricity without her. Meggett offered the $200 needed. A few months later, Meggett demanded the money back, violently raped her, and robbed her as a "down payment". Meggett was sentenced to 30 years in maximum security prison. He will not be eligible for parole until 2034 at the earliest.

• Meggett had 9 children by 8 women, and was terrible with his financial child support obligations.

Meggett Gets Patriots' Offer (Published 1995)

www.nytimes.com

PRO FOOTBALL; To Patriots, Meggett Is Worth Every Cent They Will Pay Him (Published 1995)

www.nytimes.com

PRO FOOTBALL; Meggett Finally Finds a Full-Time Job (Published 1995)

www.nytimes.com

Patriots get rid of Meggett

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots announced yesterday that they have terminated the contract of running back and kick returner Dave Meggett, who is involved in a sexual assault case in Toronto. I…

www.southcoasttoday.com

PATS DROP MEGGETT OVER SEX CHARGES

The New England Patriots, upset by charges of sexual assault, terminated Dave Meggett’s contract on Friday. In a prepared statement, officials said the move was in the best interests of the c…

www.chicagotribune.com

Report: Jets Sign Dave Meggett

Played under Parcells for the Giants and Pats

www.cbsnews.com

Ex-NFL player Meggett gets 30-year prison term

Former NFL player David Meggett was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday after his conviction in a South Carolina court on charges of criminal sexual conduct and burglary, authorities said.

www.espn.com

 

[Hugepatsfan]

A lot of revisionist history on AD's tenure here. His first year overall was underwhelming, but remember that he was a natural OLB who moved inside and played well there. In their 11th game against PHI that year, Rosey Colvin went down for the year and they moved AD back outside (Seau stepping in as full time starter at ILB again to replace him). In the 5 regular season games from then on, he had 3.5 sacks. Another 2 in the super bowl that year against NYG.

The next year, 2008, he went back to OLB full time and had 5 sacks in 9 games, breaking his arm in that 9th game. And for all the talk about what a malcontent and bad effort guy, they delayed putting him on IR because he was planning to come back from that injury if they made the playoffs. No mailing it in.

It didn't fall apart until 2009. That was the year they lost Bruschi, Vrabel, Seymour, Rodney all in the offseason. Colvin as well after he came back late 2008 and Seau wasn't with the team to start the year. Wilfork was upset about his contract that year too. It was a mass exodus of defensive leadership and AD absolutely wilted without that. When the vets were there to keep the locker room in check years 1 and 2, I thought AD was actually great for us.

 

[Delicate Genius]

"Humble pie."

 

[Pape]

fun fact that may only interest me:

my first bowling team was named "The Dave Meggett Five"

 

[TheRainMaker]

A lot of revisionist history on AD's tenure here. His first year overall was underwhelming, but remember that he was a natural OLB who moved inside and played well there. In their 11th game against PHI that year, Rosey Colvin went down for the year and they moved AD back outside (Seau stepping in as full time starter at ILB again to replace him). In the 5 regular season games from then on, he had 3.5 sacks. Another 2 in the super bowl that year against NYG.

I think you may want to re-watch that 2007 season again. Going into that season, their biggest weakness was defending the TE. In the 2006 AFCCG, Manning figured that out and every TE on the roster caught a pass.

While Thomas was clearly playing out of position, he continually wiped out opposing teams TE’s. The loss of Colvin was huge.

Thomas was my vote for Super Bowl MVP had the refs made the right call of in the grasp and assuming the Pats went on to win that game.

 

[TheRainMaker]

I loved Meggett as a player and had no idea or don’t remember he is serving a 30 year sentence.

Losing a bunch of players to Parcells’ Jets was tough. Derrick Cullors, Harold and Sedrick Shaw were awful.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Star on the fridge for the poster who gets this reference.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ancient March 3 Trivia​

March 3, 1994:
Patriots re-sign unrestricted free agent Mike Pitts

In what would be his 12th and final NFL season, the DE started all 16 games, with 43 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack.




March 3, 1995:
Besides signing Dave Meggett, the Patriots also signed free agent OL Jeff Dellenbach

The longtime Dolphin played in 15 games with five starts for the Pats in 1995, and two more games the following season at long snapper.

Patriots sign center Jeff Dellenbach

The New England Patriots agreed to terms Friday with unrestricted free agent center Jeff Dellenbach. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

www.upi.com

The agreement came hours after the Patriots announced the signing of unrestricted free agent running back/returner Dave Meggett. Dellenbach started every game for the Dolphins last year, anchoring an offensive line that allowed only 17 sacks all season. In 1993, Dellenbach started all 16 games, including 11 at center and five at right guard. 'He is a very versatile player,' said Patriots head coach Bill Parcells. 'He can play three positions -- center, guard and tackle. He will be a very valuable addition to our offensive line.' The 6-6, 300-pound Dellenbach was drafted by the Dolphins in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL draft. In 10 years, Dellenbach has played in 145 games, starting 87.​

One of the most memorable highlights of Dellenbach's 10-year career came on Thanksgiving Day in 1993, when he recovered Leon Lett's fumble at the Dallas one-yard line with three seconds left in the game. The recovery led to the game-winning field goal by Pete Stoyanovich.​

March 3, 1999:
Patriots lose veteran free agent Mark Wheeler, who signs a four-year contract with Philadelphia

Wheeler was originally a 3rd round draft pick by Tampa in 1992, before signing with the Pats as a free agent in 1996. He was their starting LDT for two seasons, then replaced by Chad Eaton in 1998. Despite the longterm deal, Wheeler only lasted one season in Philly.

There has been some rumors that the compensatory pick that the Pats received from Wheeler's signing was the one used to select Tom Brady, but as far as I know that is incorrect. The Wheeler comp pick corresponds to kicker David Nugent, while the loss of Todd Collins appears to correspond to the TB12 compensatory pick.

Question about Comp pick that was used on Brady

Do we know who the player or players that lead to us getting the comp pick at 199? This guy seems to think it was Tom Tupa but there are incorrect facts in his article so I am trying to confirm if this is correct...

www.patsfans.com

March 3, 2000:
The Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent Marc Megna. The linebacker, a native of Fall River, was cut at the end of camp, signed with the Bengals, re-signed by New England in December, and ended up playing in four games for the Pats in 2000.




March 3. 2004
Free agent DT Ted Washington signs with the Oakland Raiders

Patriots' defense suffers a big loss

Huge tackle Ted Washington joins Raiders in $14M deal. OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders took the first step toward revamping their defense yesterday by agreeing to a $14 million, four-year contr…

www.capecodtimes.com

The Oakland Raiders took the first step toward revamping their defense yesterday by agreeing to a $14 million, four-year contract with veteran defensive tackle Ted Washington.​

Washington, a key member of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots last season, receives a $4 million signing bonus. He turned down an $8 million, three-year offer from the Patriots last week to become a free agent.​

Free agent WR JJ Stokes is re-signed. His best NFL season was in 1998, when he caught 63 passes for 770 yards and 8 TD with the 49ers; he never did much of anything with the Patriots, the last stop of his pro football career.

Patriots re-sign WR J.J. Stokes

Stokes, 31, appeared in two games with the Patriots after signing with the team on Nov. 18, 2003 and caught two passes for 38 yards. He was released on December 9, but was re-signed by the team during the playoffs on Jan. 17, 2004.​

In other minor news, the Pats released LB Courtney Ledyard and Mike Clare. Ledyard played in four NFL games, none with the Pats. Clare was a C/G who spent two seasons in NFL Europe, but never played a down in the NFL.




March 3, 2006:

Patriots Re-Sign CB Hank Poteat

The New England Patriots re-signed veteran cornerback Hank Poteat today.​

Poteat, 28, was initially acquired by the Patriots as a free agent on Jan. 10, 2005, and has played in 10 regular-season games and five playoff games for New England. The 5-foot-10-inch, 192-pound cornerback will enter his sixth NFL season in 2006 and has played in 52 career regular-season games and seven playoff games for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2000-02), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003) and Patriots (2004-05). The University of Pittsburgh product was originally drafted by the Steelers in the third round (77th overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft.​

With the Patriots in 2005, Poteat set a single-season career high with 24 tackles (20 solo) and also recorded his first career sack against the New York Jets on Dec. 26, 2005. He set a single-game career high with nine tackles (8 solo) in the 2005 regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins on Jan. 1, 2006. Poteat's career regular-season statistics include 33 tackles (29 solo), one sack, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. He has also returned 45 kickoffs for 818 yards (18.2 avg) and 76 punts for 788 yards (10.4 avg) and a touchdown.​

 

[Hugepatsfan]

I think you may want to re-watch that 2007 season again. Going into that season, their biggest weakness was defending the TE. In the 2006 AFCCG, Manning figured that out and every TE on the roster caught a pass.

While Thomas was clearly playing out of position, he continually wiped out opposing teams TE’s. The loss of Colvin was huge.

Thomas was my vote for Super Bowl MVP had the refs made the right call of in the grasp and assuming the Pats went on to win that game.

That’s fair. Rodney Harrison being out in the 2006 playoffs was a big factor too, because he used to bully Dallas Clark heavy at the line. AD gave us another option for that matchup and TEs in general. Not saying he wasn’t impactful as an ILB, but his real bread and butter was as an edge defender still. And his statistical production matched his reputation once he got back in that role, even if having Colvin there and him inside was best for team.

 

[TheRainMaker]

That’s fair. Rodney Harrison being out in the 2006 playoffs was a big factor too, because he used to bully Dallas Clark heavy at the line. AD gave us another option for that matchup and TEs in general. Not saying he wasn’t impactful as an ILB, but his real bread and butter was as an edge defender still. And his statistical production matched his reputation once he got back in that role, even if having Colvin there and him inside was best for team.

Thomas was reverting back to his old position at OLB rushing the passer more in 2008, but I think he started to check out after he got injured and how Bill wanted to use him in 2009. It's not clear how he was going to be used, but all we know was that Thomas didn't like it. We also forget that he was around 32 in 2009, so the cliff was approaching.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More March 3 Trivia​

March 3, 2007:
Besides Adalius Thomas, the Patriots also signed two other free agents: Kyle Brady and Sammy Morris

For the 35-year old Brady, 2007 was his final season in the NFL. He had an underwhelming nine receptions for 70 yards, and two Brady-to-Brady touchdowns. His best season was in 2000 with Jacksonville, when he had 64 catches for 729 yards.

Kyle Brady update

TE Kyle Brady tells Florida Times-Union he's agreed to a deal with the Patriots.

www.boston.com

Tight end Kyle Brady has agreed to a contract with the Patriots. The report indicates Brady’s deal is a two-year, $5.3 million package, with a $2 million signing bonus.​

“My whole thing was to go out and find a team that wanted me and would show that by the contract they were offering,” Brady told The Times-Union. “Plus, a team that’s within reach of a Super Bowl, and this one always seems to be among the AFC elite.”​

Brady visited with the Patriots on the first day of free agency. He is projected to fill part of the void left by Daniel Graham’s departure.​

Adalius Thomas, Kyle Brady and Sammy Morris signed

The Patriots struck quickly this free agency season, signing linebacker Adalius Thomas and two others.

www.patriots.com

Morris agrees

The Patriots agree to a free-agent contract with RB Sammy Morris.

www.boston.com

The Patriots have reached an undisclosed contract agreement with free agent running back Sammy Morris.​

Morris enters his eighth season in 2007. He initially drew interest from the Patriots in 2004, when he was a free agent after four seasons with the Bills (2000-2003). He played the last three years in Miami (2004-2006).​

Morris joins a backfield that includes Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans. His versatility as a runner, pass-catcher and special teams player fits well in that mix.​

Morris, who was just about to turn 30, played four years in New England. His best season came in 2008, when he rushed for 727 yards and 7 TD.




March 3, 2008:

Patriots re-sign Moss after record-setting season

Randy Moss is staying with the New England Patriots. The defending AFC champions re-signed the record-breaking receiver on Monday to a three-year deal worth $27 million, his agent said.

www.patriots.com

Randy Moss is staying with the New England Patriots.​

The defending AFC champions re-signed the record-breaking receiver yesterday to a three-year deal worth $27 million, his agent said.​

The signing was confirmed by the team shortly after Moss posted a message to fans on his Web site.​

"I want to take time out to thank all of the fans for their support and for wishing me well in my return to New England," therealrandymoss.com quotes him as saying. "I'm ready to get back. We have some unfinished business to take care of."​

Moss' agent, Tim DiPiero, said the deal included guarantees of $15 million, including a $12 million signing bonus to the receiver who set an NFL record with 23 touchdown catches and helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl in his first season with the team.​

"Randy was serious about wanting to stay," DiPiero wrote in an e-mail. "Because of Randy's record-breaking year, the interest in him was very high. Randy took less than he could have to rejoin his teammates."​

Pairing Moss with MVP Tom Brady, who broke the league record with 50 touchdown passes, the Patriots breezed through the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record.​

"What Randy did for our team last year was outstanding," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "He is one of our most consistent, competitive and team-oriented players and it is undoubtedly a relationship we are excited to continue."​

Patriots: Moss deal done

Randy Moss is staying with the New England Patriots.

www.capecodtimes.com

Moss, 31, has caught 774 passes for 12,193 yards in a 10-year career, and his 124 career receiving touchdowns are fourth in NFL history.​

A four-time All-Pro, Moss took a pay cut to get out of Oakland and come to New England last April in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. In addition to his 23 touchdowns, he caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and largely avoided the type of turmoil that characterized his previous NFL stops.​

In Oakland, he openly campaigned to be traded to a winning team. With the Patriots, he avoided controversy until the playoffs, when a woman sought a restraining order against him, claiming that he committed "battery causing serious injury." Moss denied the allegation and said the woman was trying to get money from him.​

Moss became a free agent last Friday when the Patriots passed on a chance to designate him their franchise player. There was speculation that a long-term agreement was in place, or would be soon.​

However, when no deal was struck over the weekend, the intrigue surrounding Moss' future increased. Numerous published reports said he was growing frustrated by a lack of progress in negotiations and might entertain other offers. Neither the team or player commented publicly.​

Teams supposedly that had interest in Moss were the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts — all of whom have excellent quarterbacks, a prerequisite Moss has stated in the past.​

Green Bay was in the hunt for Moss when the Patriots traded for him last spring, and Packers quarterback Brett Favre was unhappy his team didn't make a more aggressive play for him.​

Finally, Randy’s Back - Boston Magazine

That was a lot of hand-wringing for a fair deal, now wasn’t it? Sometime today the Patriots are expected to announce the re-signing of Randy […]

www.bostonmagazine.com

That was a lot of hand-wringing for a fair deal, now wasn’t it? Sometime today the Patriots are expected to announce the re-signing of Randy Moss (some have speculated it’s for 3-years and $27 million, but no terms have been announced). Guess he won’t be reuniting with Daunte Culpepper, after all.​

Not that the past three days haven’t been fun for talk-radio hosts, but really, where was he going to go? The Cowboys to play second-fiddle to T.O. and compete with Jessica Simpson for the affections of his quarterback? The Packers to freeze his ass off in the hopes that Brett Favre keeps playing forever? The Carolina Panthers???​

Um, no.​

There was really only one place Moss was going to go where he could play with a great quarterback, for a coach who doesn’t treat him like a 12-year-old child, and in a “city” like Foxboro. Well, maybe Indianapolis, but the Colts can’t afford him right now.​

So, Moss will be returning to New England and suddenly the loss of Donté Stallworth doesn’t seem so bad, does it?​

Patriots re-sign Randy Moss; Sign WR Sam Aiken

The New England Patriots re-signed wide receiver Randy Moss and signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Sam Aiken today. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

www.patriots.com

Sam Aiken, 27, has played in 64 career games with two starts over five NFL seasons, all with the Buffalo Bills (2003-07). The 6-foot-2-inch, 215-pound wide receiver was selected by the Bills in the fourth round (127th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina. Aiken has recorded 19 career receptions for 250 yards and has totaled 61 career special teams tackles.​

March 3, 2011:
The Patriots tendered a contract to three players, making them restricted free agents:
• CB Kyle Arrington
• RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
• S Jarrad Page




March 3, 2015:
Ray Ventrone is hired as an Assistant Special Teams Coach

Ray Ventrone is not to be confused for his brother, Ross, who also played for the Patriots. Ross Ventrone played in New England for three seasons, during which time he was released or promoted to the practice squad 29 times. (Hence the verb, ventroned.)

Ray Ventrone added as Patriots assistant

The New England Patriots have hired nine-year NFL veteran Ray Ventrone as their assistant special teams coach, the club announced Tuesday.

www.espn.com

Ventrone will work under Joe Judge, the team's assistant special teams coach the last three years. Judge was promoted to the head job following the retirement of Scott O'Brien after Super Bowl XLIX.​

The appointment means Ventrone will begin his coaching career where his playing career started, as he spent four years with the Patriots after originally joining the team as a rookie free agent out of Villanova in 2005. He was with the Patriots for most of the next four seasons, outside of a stint on the Jets' practice squad in 2007, before hooking on with the Browns (2009-2012) and 49ers (2013-2014).​

Ventrone was a favorite of former Patriots special teams coach Brad Seely, whom Bill Belichick has said is one of the best special teams coaches he's been around. During his NFL career, he was primarily used as a special teams player, registering 57 total tackles, including a season-high of 12 in 2009 with the Browns.​

The Patriots had been the only team in the NFL not to have a former player on their coaching staff in 2014.​

March 3, 2017:
Veteran OT Sebastain Vollmer is released.

He would retire two months later. Vollmer played in 88 games with 80 starts for the Pats from 2009-15, and also started in ten playoff games.

Patriots release Sebastian Vollmer

Sebastian Vollmer’s time with the Patriots has come to an end. On Friday, the team released the veteran right tackle with a failed physical designation. Vollmer spent his entire eight-year career …

www.providencejournal.com

Sebastian Vollmer’s time with the Patriots has come to an end. On Friday, the team released the veteran right tackle with a failed physical designation.​

Vollmer spent his entire eight-year career in New England, but spent the 2016 NFL season on the physically unable to perform list due to a hip injury. The right tackle’s contract was originally supposed to end this offseason, but due to the injury, his contract was tolled for the 2017 season.​

By releasing him, the Patriots save upwards of $1.7 million on their salary cap. The team now has a little over $60 million in cap space heading into free agency.​

Vollmer, a second-round pick in 2009, was a mainstay on the Patriots offensive line for a better part of the last decade. He started 80 of 88 games played and settled into the right tackle position during his second year in the NFL. He was named to one All-Pro team in 2010 and considered one of the best offensive linemen on the Patriots when he played.​

Last season, the Patriots were able to move on from Vollmer due to the improvements of Marcus Cannon. Cannon started every game at right tackle, earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and inked a five-year, $32.5 million extension midseason.​

March 3, 2023:
Pats release OL Hayden Howerton, who never took a snap in a regular season NFL game. Last sign of him was in the league was in 2023, when he spent the season on injured reserve with Arizona. Howerton now works for David Weekley Homes, a company with headquarters in Houston that touts themselves as "one of the largest privately held home builders in America, spanning across 13 states and 19 markets".

Patriots Release OL Hayden Howerton

Patriots announce they have released offensive lineman Hayden Howerton.

www.patriots.com

Howerton was signed by New England to the practice squad on Nov. 1, 2022 and then signed a future contract with the team on Jan. 10, 2023.​

Howerton, 24, went to training camp with the Tennessee Titans after being signed as a rookie free agent out of Southern Methodist on May 13, 2022. The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder was released by Tennessee on Aug. 30. He made 53 starts during his college career with 39 starts at left guard, 12 at center and two at right guard.​

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
More March 3 Trivia​

March 3, 2000:
The Patriots re-signed exclusive rights free agent Marc Megna.

March 3, 2023:
Pats release OL Hayden Howerton, who never took a snap in a regular season NFL game.

Mr Megna from Fall River


and Mr Howerton ... which surprised the **** outta me that I had a pic

 

[Hyped]

Oh man, I remember being extremely pumped about Thomas....and when he made that big play against the Chargers (shortly after Spygate broke) ...I thought he'd be our best FA signing ever.... sad how it ended with that snowy day.....

Meggett....damn....I remember him returning a punt vs. the Giants to lock us in for a BYE back in 96'.....fun times....

@jmt57, I don't always read your threads....but I appreciate them a lot! Always good to have a stroll down memory lane...

 

[Patjew]

I met Thomas the day he was sent home... he was pretty surly. Reading this thread, I was thinking "what a jerk" and then I got to the Meggett part... Now THAT is a jerk (who should burn in hell).