Patriots set themselves up to go after big name free agents in 2016

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I know it sucks losing the first, but maybe they can use those multi millions on a fa in its place, more proven guy too.

 

[aluminum seats]

More like they've just set themselves up to extend guys, IMO.

I think it's about flexibility… The point is, they can look to extend guys, look over the free-agent market, etc.

They can kind of pretty much do whatever the hell they want.

 

[aluminum seats]

For other teams, this would be "competence."
When it is the Pats, it is "crafty."
Somehow, they must be cheating, or gaming the rules, or something, to have arrived at this place!!

I think you have to work pretty hard to find any kind of hidden shot in this piece.

It's a glowing rave about how they do business, no more or less than that.

 

[fgssand]

Yeah, I've unfollowed all my draft guys on twitter and won't watch Path the the Draft this year. Too painful to read about all the Christmas Presents when I know in advance that mine has been stolen.

As for the thread topic, I agree we aren't going on a spending spree (and don't have a ton of money anyway) but it's nice to know that we can bring back every important player if we want to. Some, like Mayo, will need to take less to stay and some, like Cha. Jones and possibly Garropolo, could be traded. But except for a few low level players, if BB wants them back they're back and that's a good situation.

An out and out boycott of anything to do with draft surely would send a message and hit the media that follows this crap where they eat.......advertising & ratings.

If we don't click the links, watch the shows and engage at all.....ratings in this market plummet and that means less cash comes their way.

 

[VrabelJr]

There's so many awful QB out there, I expect there will be a market if we want. JG to Houston would get their #2 this year and next, I think, with how solid he has looked in preseason and BOB wanting him in the draft.

And so the "Brady's backup for a 2nd rounder" banter begins...

 

[50-yard-line]

Sheard is a UFA as well and he might command more money than Cha. Jones if he continue his rise.

Sheard is signed through next year (2 years 11 million, worth every penny so far!).

I could see them grabbing a top, long-bodied CB, maybe, but other than that, my expectation is that they'll restructure or cut Amendola and Mayo, then look for value adds.

 

[patchick]

The Patriots have never spent big on free agency and they never will.

I'd tweak that a bit: "The Patriots have never spent big on outside free agents." Because they have consistently opened the coffers for second contracts for their own FAs, in some cases earlier than required.
I can't think of a single draft pick who performed at a very high level for the Patriots and didn't get a second deal here.

It's the smart way to spend your money. You significantly reduce the risk of the investment with the knowledge that the player can succeed HERE, as a Patriot. Of course, it only works if you've acquired quality young talent to begin with, and happily the Patriots have at most positions. IMO the only position where it could make sense to turn to the outside FA market in a big way is CB.

 

[VrabelJr]

Sheard is signed through next year (2 years 11 million, worth every penny so far!).

I could see them grabbing a top, long-bodied CB, maybe, but other than that, my expectation is that they'll restructure or cut Amendola and Mayo, then look for value adds.

It would have to be a cheap, taller and veteran CB. I think if we want a longer CB we will draft them. Otherwise I think we're happy with Butler and the potential of Darryl Roberts.

 

[mgteich]

I'd tweak that a bit: "The Patriots have never spent big on outside free agents." Because they have consistently opened the coffers for second contracts for their own FAs, in some cases earlier than required.
I can't think of a single draft pick who performed at a very high level for the Patriots and didn't get a second deal here.

It's the smart way to spend your money. You significantly reduce the risk of the investment with the knowledge that the player can succeed HERE, as a Patriot. Of course, it only works if you've acquired quality young talent to begin with, and happily the Patriots have at most positions. IMO the only position where it could make sense to turn to the outside FA market in a big way is CB.

In general, your point is well taken.

However, I think that we tend to look back and say that guys like Graham, Watson and Vereen didn't perform at a high level. There are players who have gone to other team after performing well for us.

 

[RayClay]

Patriots set themselves up in 2016 by not going after big name free agents

 

[OhExaulted1]

They have 46 players signed for over $144 million in 2016. Cap is projected around $150 (at a quick glance at OTC). Can't afford champagne on a beer budget. Might entice 1 big name, but I don't see a big shopping spree in the near future. Not when you still find gems ala Dion Lewis for example.

 

[RayClay]

I'm wondering if, besides Caserio and Lombardi, the pats haven't beefed up the scouting and personnel departments? After all, any team would be happy to get Butler and dion with two picks in the first.

Just keep bringing in players every week and hunting down unknown college players.

 

[YOUGOTMOSSED]

I'm holding onto my pipe dream of signing Josh Gordon to a "prove it" type contract after Goodell reinstates him next season.

 

[Bobsyouruncle]

I'd tweak that a bit: "The Patriots have never spent big on outside free agents." Because they have consistently opened the coffers for second contracts for their own FAs, in some cases earlier than required.
I can't think of a single draft pick who performed at a very high level for the Patriots and didn't get a second deal here.

It's the smart way to spend your money. You significantly reduce the risk of the investment with the knowledge that the player can succeed HERE, as a Patriot. Of course, it only works if you've acquired quality young talent to begin with, and happily the Patriots have at most positions. IMO the only position where it could make sense to turn to the outside FA market in a big way is CB.

There was that Adalius Thomas guy, but they're probably not going to try to repeat that.

 

[OhExaulted1]

And so the "Brady's backup for a 2nd rounder" banter begins...

The more HOU keeps on sucking the more we'll be hearing this, unless BOB gets the axe. If the Lions keep on pace I'm sure we'll here some Jimmy Grapes for the #! overall. SMH.

 

[Oswlek]

The Patriots have never spent big on free agency and they never will.

How has spending $100m on Suh worked out for the Dolphins?

AD and Colvin were both large signings for their respective seasons.

 

[NE_Zealot]

Not making big FA splashes is why BB still rules the roost in the coaching hierarchy. I remember the Adalius Thomas fiasco all too well.

 

[50-yard-line]

They have 46 players signed for over $144 million in 2016. Cap is projected around $150 (at a quick glance at OTC). Can't afford champagne on a beer budget. Might entice 1 big name, but I don't see a big shopping spree in the near future. Not when you still find gems ala Dion Lewis for example.

Mayo and Amendola are something like 16 million against the cap next year...don't see that holding.

 

[Rhodey]

With core locked in, crafty Patriots set up to chase marquee free agents - CBSSports.com

Methinks the Celts, B's and Sox might be doing that. In terms of N.E. Patriot free agency signings, I'm more used to reading about many of them in the Spring and then reading about them not making the team in the Fall. A few of them stick, but not all.

 

[Rhodey]

Brady, Gronk, Eldelman, Solder and Dion Lewis will make $24 million in 2016

Combined

Eli Manning will make $21 million

Don't be surprised if the ones who helped RK build up his franchise stick around, after they retire. And what better way to build a management team!