Re-sign/extend Carter or not?

[mgteich]

Carter will want a 3-4 year deal at good money to play in a base 4-3. Obviously, he isn't worth the money in a 3-4.

Cap money will not be the critical factor, as has been the case for a couple of years, and as will be the case in the foreseeable future.

This decision will likely be made long before the draft.

SO WHAT SAY YOU ALL?

 

[patsfaninpa]

Carter will want a 3-4 year deal at good money to play in a base 4-3. Obviously, he isn't worth the money in a 3-4.

Cap money will not be the critical factor, as has been the case for a couple of years, and as will be the case in the foreseeable future.

This decision will likely be made long before the draft.

SO WHAT SAY YOU ALL?

As you said, it's a scheme issue. Switch back to the 3-4. No way. That's why he left Washington. Stick with the 4-3. My preference. Keeping him is a no brainer. I also want to kick the tires on Mario Williams. We really don't have anybody on defense with a big contract except for Wilfork. A defensive line of Mario Williams, Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love and Andre Carter would be near the top of the league IMO. Even have some depth in; Deaderick, Brace and I'd re-up Mark Anderson. Maybe Pryor can come back. Might be able to make that the strength of a rebuilt defense.

 

[Stilla]

BB will most likely play a base 4-3 next year. BB has so many other issues to deal with, having Carter on the roster gives BB 1 less thing to worry about. That alone make his signing worth while.

 

[Sciz]

If I were in charge, I'd use this coming offseason to collect more 3-4 starts, but stick with mostly the 4-3. I think they're two offseasons away from a good 3-4 lineup, especially given that I'm not a fan of the 3-4 DE or OLB classes this season.

 

[rdf63]

Carter's free agent value is less because of the surgery. A bad blow for this years Pat's team but a good advantage for next year. Sing Carter to a 2 yr deal at an affordable price and some of the new talent...next years draft 1st and 2nd defensive round picks can learn from him....as stated by patsfaninpa, this is a no brainer and can help the Pats focus their draft on what they need.

 

[DaBruinz]

Carter and Mario Williams are both coming off injuries going into Free Agency. That being said, Williams won't be going anywhere because the Texans are going to Franchise him..

Carter won't get a 3-4 year deal despite what he "wants" He might get a 2 year deal from the Pats, but that's it. And he'll have to prove that he's recovered from his injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pats use him specifically in Pass Rush situations with Anderson (who was rushing out of the 2 point stance against Denver) be re-signed to the 3-4 year deal and get more playing time.

The Pats still need a RDE for the 3-4 and a ROLB, though Anderson COULD end up being that player for ROLB. So could Cunningham or Markell Carter, but they are longer shots. The RDE is one they still need to fill. Not sure there is anyone in the draft who would fill that position and be a difference maker, unless Billy Winn is that player.

Jared Crick may be someone the Pats look at for ROLB...

 

[patfanken]

I think I see this differently. Don't forget that Carter stated he was on the verge of retiring LAST season. so we know he understands that he's near the end. He's had a great experience here in NE. He's been coached well and most importantly he's won. Something that he hasn't done a lot of in his long career.

No. I think, if the Pats want him, he'd come back for a 2 year deal that would actually be a one year deal for $4-5MM. As for what kind of system the Pats will run, I think it will be the 3-4, but there will be enough 4-3 passing down snaps to justify Carter and Anderson

 

[VrabelJr]

If I were in charge, I'd use this coming offseason to collect more 3-4 starts, but stick with mostly the 4-3. I think they're two offseasons away from a good 3-4 lineup, especially given that I'm not a fan of the 3-4 DE or OLB classes this season.

I agree with this. Our front 7 has played much better in the 4-3 as the season has gone on. Also, two of our most important defensive players (Mayo and Wilfork) are playing better in this scheme.

I also agree with the draft talent. The 3-4 OLB and DE class this year is very weak. Last year was the year to trade up and grab a JJ Watt or Ryan Kerrigan. This year it's really time to trade back and potentially out of the 1st. I'd be ok with us having 4-5 2nd rounders.