Rams cut DE Chris Long, LB James Laurinaitis, and TE Jared Cook

[mgteich]

and how much are we willing to pay for our 3rd ilb?

How much did we pay for our 3rd LB in 2015? I think that belichick is willing to play for our 3rd LB.

 

[VrabelJr]

Laurinaitis and Long should go to the Raiders. Long's dad played for the Raiders and Laurinaitis' dad got paid to dress up like a Raiders fan. It all makes too much sense.

 

[Froob]

Was McDaniels there recently enough to blame him if signing one of these guys fails?

 

[A Defiant Goose]

Was McDaniels there recently enough to blame him if signing one of these guys fails?

Well, duh. I blame McDaniels for everything, including my steak being overcooked

 

[Joker]

Geese don't eat steak..YOU LIE!

 

[supafly]

I wanted us to draft Laurinaitis. Sure, we should check him out, and Cook also.

Absolutely. Guys like Laurinaitis don't come around very often. He's been a proven leader since day one, and he's experienced, talented, and never misses time. What's NOT to like? The only obstacle could be his pricetag/value; otherwise, Belichick has to love those kinds of football players, particularly when we just had one retire.

I also wouldn't give up on a guy like Chris Long, who was the #2 overall pick and has completely dominated when healthy. These are the types of value signings which provide leadership, depth and experience, and that's not bringing into account the fact that places like Foxborough can often be seen as rejuvenating atmospheres when guys have had down years (see: Jabaal Sheard as one of many examples).

As you mention, Jared Cook is a solid TE as well. I could easily see one of these players on our team next year.

 

[JayNM]

How much did we pay for our 3rd LB in 2015? I think that belichick is willing to play for our 3rd LB.

Cap hits for 2015
Mayo 11M
Hightower ~7.5
Freeny 1.5M
(Collins 1M)

Laurinatis would not come for less than 5M a year, and that is still a bit on the cheaper side for a guy like him. After Collins and HTower's extensions, which are priorites over him, we cant spend too much more on that position.

 

[captain stone]

Freeny at $1.5M? That at least twice as much as he's worth.

 

[Sicilian]

Laurinitis is becoming more intriguing to me, because he feels like that tough, smart, never-misses-a-snap kind of player that Belichick loves. The question would be his role with Collins and Hightower, as that would make three guys you would want taking as many snaps as possible.

I know there was someone on this board (Borg I think?) who wanted to see Collins play more DE to create more pass rush havoc. If BB feels there are benefits to that as well, this signing would make a lot of sense. Even without that, I have no doubt he and Patricia would find a way to use three good linebackers.

 

[patriot1136]

I would imagine Laurinitis would fit in good here. He may even do better since he won't have to play 100% of the snaps and can remain fresh. Seems like a savvy veteran like Mayo.

 

[patriot1136]

Not against Cook or Long either. It all comes down to $$, not sure how much any of these guys will cost. That being said, Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins are probably way over budget.

 

[libra957]

I might get roasted for this but, i wouldn't mind the pats going after hardy...look at the raw talent of this kraken, perhaps Bill will be able to tame him-convert him into the patriots way as a one year rental, lol one of my insane post yet.I would hate to see him go to denver.

 

[Jackson 2]

I might get roasted for this but, i wouldn't mind the pats going after hardy...look at the raw talent of this kraken, perhaps Bill will be able to tame him-convert him into the patriots way as a one year rental, lol one of my insane post yet.I would hate to see him go to denver.

I'd love to see him go to Hell, but I'll likely have to wait a while...but, not forever.

 

[supafly]

I would imagine Laurinitis would fit in good here. He may even do better since he won't have to play 100% of the snaps and can remain fresh. Seems like a savvy veteran like Mayo.

I definitely agree. I think it would be an excellent signing, as well as protection against injury and the possibility of one of Collins/HT leaving next spring.

The problem may be his cost, as I'd have to assume that he'll be commanding approx. 5m dollars per year on the open market, if not even a bit higher.

 

[supafly]

I'd love to see him go to Hell, but I'll likely have to wait a while...but, not forever.

I couldn't spend one second entertaining the prospect of a douche like that coming here, not just for the obvious, but also due to the cost. Let someone else overpay for that headcase so he can destroy their locker room, with a handful of nice games sporadically mixed in here and there.

 

[STLRAMBRINGER]

Long has never played in a 3-4 and would be the only one i would look at.

Jared Cook isnt worth a min salary contract because he never catches the ball.

And JL really struggles against the run.

 

[supafly]

Long has never played in a 3-4 and would be the only one i would look at.

Well, we've predominantly been a 4-3 team for quite awhile now, so that wouldn't be a problem.

Jared Cook isnt worth a min salary contract because he never catches the ball.

It's possible that you're right, but we're talking about a depth TE that can play the TE2 or TE3 role.

And JL really struggles against the run.

He's made his living playing the MLB position and racking up tackles, so it's possible that you're overstating his so called "struggles" against the run. He's definitely proven to be effective in certain areas.

 

[Jackson 2]

Long has never played in a 3-4 and would be the only one i would look at.

Jared Cook isnt worth a min salary contract because he never catches the ball.

And JL really struggles against the run.

Perhaps St. Louis might be interested in them...oh, that's right...silly me...

 

[Clonamery]

Long has never played in a 3-4 and would be the only one i would look at.

Jared Cook isnt worth a min salary contract because he never catches the ball.

And JL really struggles against the run.

You're so lost it's like you're trolling yourself.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Laurinaitis and Long should go to the Raiders. Long's dad played for the Raiders and Laurinaitis' dad got paid to dress up like a Raiders fan. It all makes too much sense.

Howie is from Mass. (played for Medfield in HS), so by that logic, Chris should sign with the Pats. I think Chris Long would be a good fit, he has been hurt and if healthy would thrive in the Pats system. Plus you can't discount what playing for a winner would do for him. Animal Jr. would also be a good fit. I think that with the lack of a first round pick, and no significant FA losses, the Pats won't be looking at any comp picks this year, so they may go ahead and hit the FA market with more gusto than we are used to seeing them use in previous years.