I just caught the replay of that interview this AM. BTW he wasn't the only guy cramping up in the dome in 2006...and a couple of stalwarts on that D have missed more time than Rosie come to think of it...
He's a neat guy, can see why they will also miss his presence in the locker room. Talked about how they made way more friends here beyond teamates, neighbors, kids teachers since his kids were in school here, media (he actually considers D&H friends and said he will call them when he signs somewhere). Said he knew that day when they talked, but it hadn't been finalized or made public. Said he and his wife were prepared because they knew the looming cap # was likely going to be an issue (and Liveshot - there were no bonus escalators, just salary and some restructured bonus from early cap saving maneuvers that upped the hit). Said he had been hoping for an extension since last season, but Bill told him they were moving in another direction and it was best for both sides to just get on with it - he won't be back.
Said he's had interest from a couple of teams so far but it's all preliminary and his agent is handling it, he's not going to visit teams unless he thinks there is a reasonable expectation they are in the same ball park contractually. Said there is always a period after the first wave of signings in FA where teams re evaluate including what they may do in the draft. Said the foot is progressing fine, he's running and has had all the rechecks and no setbacks. Said he doesn't think it will be an impediment to a deal, said he had shoulder surgery for an injury he had played with since college in January 2002, and the Patriots were fine with that, teams make those evaluations every day. Quoted Bill a lot - it is what it is, we are moving on... he is a funny guy, and I don't think he harbors any ill will whatsoever. They asked him if it was a relief to be able to talk about injuries...said he's a grown man, they could always talk if they chose to but they buy in to doing what Bill prefers. Said his job now is to get the best deal for his family, finances are part of it, also wanting the right situation for a young family and winning. It all factors in.
Said he will be back, hopes to continue to do his Easter Seals benefit annually here. They talked about the "backerhood" being a forever thing, you don't get kicked out of it unless you really screw up... Is doing some sort of island golf get away later this month where fans get to mess around with several present and former NFL players for charity. He got about a dozen plugs in, had D&H chuckling, told him he has a future in radio, so he told them they know where to find him and he will be interested! Said he wishes to NFL would move on so we could pay attention to other things like a governor resigning over a prostitution scandal...I think most of the guys are tired of it, want closure just because it's so stupid. Said he's tried recollecting but couldn't put a face to the Walsh name either. They did ask him (jokingly) if Eric had touched base with him yet, and he said he doesn't think Eric is doing much visiting in NE these days nor should he for security reasons...
I'm sure he will get a deal that puts that $5.5M in his hand in bonus money and averages around what his 2002 deal did here ($4M+). Remember, AD's "discounted" 2007 market OLB deal included $20M in bonus and guarantees and averages $7M+... This parting will remain a bit of a head scratcher to me for that reason...
