Will Samuel return... or not?

[hwc]

I would make a very serious effort to sign Asante. He's been a productive, reliable, and improving player for the Pats. He had a great year this season. Top tier cornerback.

I've never understood the complaints about Asante's play. Sometimes I think fans hold players up to some unattainable mythical standard of comparison. Has Asante been beaten on plays? Sure. Name a CB who hasn't. It comes the territory.

Obviously, the Pats coaching staff is infinitely better able to grade Asante's play than we are. But, I would not be surprised to see the Pats offer him a long-term deal at top-five money. Of course, the original team is always at a disadvantage in these situations. Another team will always offer more money in free agency. Free agency requires over-paying.

I wouldn't totally rule out the possibility of the Pats coming to terms with Asante before the start of the free agency period.

 

[everlong]

February 8, Thursday

First day clubs can designate Franchise or Transition players.

February 12, Monday

Waiver system begins for 2007. Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons whom clubs desire to terminate are not subject to the waiver system until after the trading deadline in October.

February 22, Thursday*

Deadline for designation of Franchise/Transition players

Not that far off.

 

[Patti37]

They set a value for Asante and that is what they should pay him. Initially I was thinking "pay up Patriots." When I put it in perspective I realized they are in a position to only pay him so much because what happens when Ty Warren's contract is up. What about Wilfork? I am no expert on the salary cap but it would seem to me you can't pay everyone what they think they are worth.

I am very impressed with how Asante has improved as a corner. I do not want to see him go. However, I am a realist and do not see how they sign him. I agree with the person said he will be a Jet next year. I think there is a good chance that is what happens.

Unless of course they franchise him. Do you think they valye Asante at a cost over 7 million?

 

[SoonerPatriot]

They're either going to pay him, franchise him, or they're going to pay another FA cornerback. There's no way we go into the season with Hobbs and a rookie starting at corner.

 

[upstater1]

Great corners are not easy to come by. Let's take care of future contracts in future years. Take care of Asante now.

This is not a Deion Branch situation. Deion was expendable compared to Samuel.

Allowing Samuel to go one on one with the top receivers buys you so much on defense.