Pre-Free Agency 2023

[mgteich]

If we release T Brown we gain $12M in cap space to offset a FA RT signing, and then could add a top flight LT in the draft. Someone, I forget the poster's name, suggested these two are hidden gems.

Yosh Nijman
Oli Udoh

hidden gems that no one else will draft?

I strongly agree that there are a couple of quality LT's ready to start. There is little reason to be believe that we would get one. If we "overdraft" one at 15 or move up for one, the board will erupt, as usual.

I guess my BOTTOM LINE is that there are few positions where you can count on getting a starter at 25 or later. There are some like OG.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

hidden gems that no one else will draft?

I strongly agree that there are a couple of quality LT's ready to start. There is little reason to be believe that we would get one. If we "overdraft" one at 15 or move up for one, the board will erupt, as usual.

I guess my BOTTOM LINE is that there are few positions where you can count on getting a starter at 25 or later. There are some like OG.

The hidden gems are FAs. It was a post about FAs.

 

[mgteich]

The hidden gems are FAs. It was a post about FAs.

fair enough

I just am offput by those who think that there are players that are hidden to others, ready for the patriots to sign.

I do agree that Belichick is the best at evaluating mid--tier 2 and tier free agents, epecially among veteran players who no else really wants, players like Peppers.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

fair enough

I just am offput by those who think that there are players that are hidden to others, ready for the patriots to sign.

I do agree that Belichick is the best at evaluating mid--tier 2 and tier free agents, epecially among veteran players who no else really wants, players like Peppers.

I agree. But the original poster noted that the Packers and Vikings have a wealth of good OLmen, so these guys are good even though they are underutilized. I am not sure. Maybe better depth than Cajuste?

Either way BB seems to respect the need for a solid LT, so I assume we will draft a LT at #14 or after a slight trade down.

 

[SteveKiner]

It's better to draft OT especially early in the draft because they hit at a much higher success rate than WR's, TE's or other positions. You have that player locked in for the next four years on a team friendly rookie contract.

If they go the free agent route to bolster their offensive tackle position, the Pats should sign value vets like Yosh Nijman from the Packers and/or Oli Udoh from the Vikings.

Both players are looking for their first big contract, neither has played that much to pump up their value but played very well in limited minutes, both are plus athletes, are young, and both of their teams have a lot of money invested in the lines already.

Otherwise the Pats should just draft one or even two.

yes!

 

[Ross12]

Higgins is NOT on the trading block according to his GM:

4. Bengals general manager Duke Tobin shot down the notion that wide receiver Tee Higgins could be traded this offseason.

“Trading Tee Higgins is not on my mind,” Tobin said.

Higgins is entering the final year of his rookie contract, quarterback Joe Burrowis eligible for an extension this offseason and superstar wideout Ja’Marr Chasewill be eligible in 2024, creating speculation the Bengals could move Higgins rather than paying huge money for two receivers. Not only did Tobin squash that idea, but he said Higgins is in his team’s plans “for a long time. That’s the hope.”

Howe: What I’m hearing about Odell Beckham’s NFL return, Mac Jones’ future and more

What our insider is hearing on OBJ, Mac Jones, two key Raiders and more from conversations at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy.

theathletic.com

 

[mike_usagisan]

Higgins is NOT on the trading block according to his GM:

Howe: What I’m hearing about Odell Beckham’s NFL return, Mac Jones’ future and more

What our insider is hearing on OBJ, Mac Jones, two key Raiders and more from conversations at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy.

theathletic.com

Won't stop people on this board from blaming Bill for not getting him.

 

[Real fan 02]

Golladay was overrated, they were desperate for WR’s this season and still didn’t play him.

A good free agent the Patriots should sign is the Giants Darius Slayton. He went through the same nonsense Golladay did, was a developing rookie not a vet and produced the entire time.

You wouldn’t have to trade for Slayton, you just pay him. Plus he’s stupid fast and talented.

Who ever we add at WR. There needs to be some great competition in camp for sure.. anyone we add who ever it will be can only help us!

 

[Real fan 02]

Hey Trent was good with the pats when he was smith age. So your never know

The 2018 version of Trent Brown was....

 

[Real fan 02]

Won't stop people on this board from blaming Bill for not getting him.

It's either juedy if As SB nation's mentioned Denver could be seeking a 2nd rounder from us.. or Hopkins.. Hopkins has told people he would love to play for BB.. I'd love Higgins, but the asking price we know the team won't go for..

 

[Toofy]

My hesitation about O. Brown, though he is a really good tackle, is I think he's a ****. Something about him rubs me the wrong way... Maybe because he was a ratbird? I dunno, no real other reason...

Judon says hi

 

[mike_usagisan]

It's either juedy if As SB nation's mentioned Denver could be seeking a 2nd rounder from us.. or Hopkins.. Hopkins has told people he would love to play for BB.. I'd love Higgins, but the asking price we know the team won't go for..

I think there's a good chance it's Lazard. I don't think Bill will pull the trigger on Hopkins and I'm not convinced Juedy is even available for a trade.

 

[Love The Drake]

I think there's a good chance it's Lazard. I don't think Bill will pull the trigger on Hopkins and I'm not convinced Juedy is even available for a trade.

Eww Lazard without Rodgers has me thinking more Sanu than a legit 1.

I would trade a second plus for for Jeudy.
My biggest concern of a Jeudy trade not happening is a jilted Matt Patricia sticking it to us.

 

[Wozzy]

Who ever we add at WR. There needs to be some great competition in camp for sure.. anyone we add who ever it will be can only help us!

Outside of Agholor we had a really good group of receivers last year. Unfortunately Bozo the clown was running the show on offense. They’d have been better off having a drawing from a hat with plays written on it. I think the same group of receivers will be back minus Agholor who is a free agent, they’ll add a value vet or even a better WR if the trade value is good. Otherwise they have a bunch of draft picks, take some mid to late round guys. WR’s are everywhere in the draft. It’s far more important Obie fixes the offense.

 

[Pape]

Judon says hi

LMAO LOL

I never said it (or I) was logical!!!!

lol, man that made me laugh, thanks!

 

[Toofy]

My 2 cents .. invest in upple middle tier OLine in both draft and FA . Hopefully coaching improves and we become top 10 OLine. With an additional half second Mac should be able to do well .

We just need some luck so that Meyers market is stuck at 11 -12 million so that we can resign him . His presence is vital for Mac. If not, we just need to hope for a rebirth from both Thornton and Jonnu . If Meyers is gone , I don't see Henry being cut or traded away .

If T brown is less motivated then we should just cut him and sign a player with more upside . Maybe J Taylor?

As for stud WRs let's pump the brakes for this year . I think we have a decent core and if we have more time through decent offensive line play, the receivers will start looking like studs .

For this year, let's not trade any assets for wide receivers. If we need to trade it should be 3rd rounder or below and definitely not first 2 rounders. I like Campbell and Slayton as Meyers replacement . Expect a bigger step from Bourne this year as it's his contract year . So he could be Mac's safety valve. Parker was improving as season went . The interceptions dropped and big time catches increased. With some decent playcalling Jonnu should be able to hit 500 yard 4 TD season which would be huge for this offense and open up Thornton for 1 on 1 matchups . If he improves his catch % we should be able to reduce the number of drives we take to the end zone.

Last year was a big cluster chaos... Catastrophic to everyone on offensive line. Let's not use that to gauge the team . We have a playmaker in Stevenson and untapped potential in slot with Marcus. Let's place some belief on coaching and the residual talent before we go outside.

If we don't fix coaching and offensive line, no external WR talent can help us.

 

[jdlboot14]

This is the time of year so many teams (and fans) get extreme wanderlust, and plain old lusty - dreaming of the next big thing.
This is why the price tag goes up so high for average players. There is no value added in not signing Meyers at ~$14m/yr (reliable, durable, great teammate, built chemistry, still underused, entering prime, ascending each year), and instead pay even more per year for ie: Chark (streaky, not-durable, new teammate, no chemistry, descending last 3 years).

 

[Wozzy]

He got extended time this past year while Chase was out with the hip injury and played like a stud.

Two 100+ yard games and 3 TD’s in five games. He pretty much kept up his level of play. They also have Burrow, Boyd and other targets.

It’s not an indictment against the player, if he was a free agent and the money was right I’d be interested. But at the end of the day he’s a big strong possession receiver. His speed doesn’t scare anyone. If you have a big talented CB to match up with him, he doesn’t scare you. I’m not trading valuable draft capital then overpaying for that guy. Wait a year until he’s a free agent, don’t pay twice.

 

[jdlboot14]

We should be optimistic. Patriot rookie skill players rarely make a dent. But, this year it's like we'll benefit from a bonus group of players.
Thornton, Strong, (and even Marcus Jones) should have plenty of opportunity to produce. All 3 have elite speed at their position, and with an actual OC, I am excited to see how they can be used. I think Jones has a chance to continue in an offensive role.

 

[Real fan 02]

Outside of Agholor we had a really good group of receivers last year. Unfortunately Bozo the clown was running the show on offense. They’d have been better off having a drawing from a hat with plays written on it. I think the same group of receivers will be back minus Agholor who is a free agent, they’ll add a value vet or even a better WR if the trade value is good. Otherwise they have a bunch of draft picks, take some mid to late round guys. WR’s are everywhere in the draft. It’s far more important Obie fixes the offense.

Lol that's a good one too funny... of that group do you feel Myers will be back?