PATRIOTS NEWS Pats trade undisclosed 2010 pick to Bucs for TE Alex Smith

[Lampshade]

Pretty darn good - like, how good. Serviceable?
I dunno, I'm not sold on his blocking just yet.

It's tough to say where he compares league-wide, because watching other team's TEs when blocking isn't something I do consistently. He's certainly not Daniel Graham good (who you couldn't help but watch run people over), but I'd say he's above average at the very least now. It's worth watching him on replays; it may surprise people.

I really don't think a TE can survive in this offense unless he can block well, which is why Thomas has struggled to get consistent snaps.

 

[Warren94]

Smith is a finesse blocker ala shannon sharpe. He is NOT a good blocker.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

Tight end breakdown (with year contract expires)
Chris Baker (2013, option bonus after 2010)
Benjamin Watson (2009)
Alex Smith (2009)
David Thomas (2009)
Tyson DeVree (2010)
Brad Listorti (2009)

Patriots blog - Reiss' Pieces - Boston.com)

 

[sg14]

Seems like they wanted to pick up a blocking TE in the draft,,

Wonder which one they were targeting / the one that got away?????????

 

[jcdavey]

that TE was an impressive playmaker early on , i don't remember hearing much from him lately, good pickup if he plays like he used to

 

[mayoclinic]

Seems like they wanted to pick up a blocking TE in the draft,,

Wonder which one they were targeting / the one that got away?????????

"If he was available, then he must not be any good".

 

[eagle eye]

Of course I've been wondering already why we needed to waste so much cap room on a TE. I'm in the camp this time that sees this as a possible play in a bigger trade which might include us shipping out Ben Watson to the Panthers for you know who. I think if thats not the case then I just don't understand us taking a tight end like Smith, we don't really need him although he is decent.

 

[PatsDeb]

Of course I've been wondering already why we needed to waste so much cap room on a TE. I'm in the camp this time that sees this as a possible play in a bigger trade which might include us shipping out Ben Watson to the Panthers for you know who. I think if thats not the case then I just don't understand us taking a tight end like Smith, we don't really need him although he is decent.

My first thought when I heard about this trade was that Ben Watson is in trouble. How could he be a trade for Peppers though? I thought more along the lines of, "Watson's getting cut." No way they are close to equal value, and who or what else would we be throwing in?

 

[tombonneau]

Not sure if anyone posted this, but general vibe on Pewter Report (reputable Bucs forum) is that both teams made out well, as many thought the Bucs would just cut him, but Smith is still worth more than a sixth:

TE Alex Smith traded

 

[eagle eye]

My first thought when I heard about this trade was that Ben Watson is in trouble. How could he be a trade for Peppers though? I thought more along the lines of, "Watson's getting cut." No way they are close to equal value, and who or what else would we be throwing in?

I mean as a makeweight not as an equal in a trade.

 

[Iron Helmet]

I thought Hochstien played blocking FB exceptionally well last year. My feeling is Watson is done. BB is not going to pay him the $$ he is looking for. Not to mention, he isn't as good as we all thought he would be. File him under: "Players we aren't going to pay, so lets get something for them now while we have a chance" (see Ellis Hobbs)

 

[sebman2112]

They could, remember no FB on the roster at this point and I don't think they will sign one with all the one-back sets. When does Smith's deal run through? I really like him as a player, great move.

While he's currently listed at RB, Sammy Morris has also seen time at FB throughout his professional career.

 

[matt9071]

Is this the End of Ben Watson ?

 

[bagwell368]

It is possible.

Baker is not getting cut. Signed thru 2013 and cutting him would increase the cap hit (not by much only 60K)

Both Thomas and Watson contract expire 2009. But not much cap saving by cutting Thomas $74K.

Watson we save $449,440

Bye bye Watson.

Not so fast:

Chris Baker will cost us $1,500.000.00 to trade/cut - saves us -$60,000
Watson will cost us $526,667.00 to trade/cut - saves us $449,440.00
Thomas will cost us just $160,189.00 to trade/cut and and saves us $74,440.00

Thomas is an oft injuried experiment that BB has stuck with for some time, but he's the one to go.

Watson is special talent, but he's too nice a guy, he needs to get mean. BB might give him one more shot this year.

And whomever said a 6th at best, I doubt that. It could be a 4th and 6th back from TB or something like that. It could also be conditional.

 

[apple strudel]

If we cut Watson he'll fill Gonzalez's spot in KC easily, or Denver will recreate the Pats' two TE offense. He's not very expensive and BB loves TEs and the 2 TE set so I think we keep him in 09.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Well I was shocked that BB didn't draft a tight end. Should have known that he hadn't gotten over his TE fetish yet. It looks like Alex Smith is a good blocking tight end. So he might be replacing Graham's role on the team. Thomas gets bumped to 4th string so he's on the bubble. May the best man win in training camp!

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Chris Baker is a lock and probably the only lock at Tight end..

Smith could be used more as a Heath Evans or a blocking tight end..

Dave Thomas needs to step up..

 

[Yehoodi]

I wonder if they might trade Watson or Thomas? Anything is possible.

maybe we can get Peppers for Thomas :singing:

 

[stcjones]

I hope that is a joke and it just went over my head ???

Thinking the same thing tommy...............

 

[PatDaPatriot]

Seems like they wanted to pick up a blocking TE in the draft,,

Wonder which one they were targeting / the one that got away?????????

Probably Brandon Pettigrew...