Content Post Words on things I watched, read & heard II

[Patriot Missile]

This is what I've been saying for a while now. Bill is waiting to see how his FA spending in 2021 will ultimately pan out. Revues are obviously mixed in year one, but often a player can improve greatly in the 2nd year within the system, especially when there is.a rookie QB involved.

Given all the brand name additions to the AFC this FA period, the Pats will be viewed as a fringe playoff team going into the season and I can live with that. But with 102MM in cap space likely and little to none dead money, if the Pats just improve their play and discipline in 2022, they will go all in and fill in all the holes of next season, in the 2023 FA period with Quality FA's.

So normally I'd go nuts if Bill took Jameson with our pick at 21, (btw I'd thrilled if we got him in the 2nd round), this season I'd understand a bit better, This year is all about building to 2023, while striving to win as many games as we can. That being said, I'd much rather go CB, DT in the first 2 rounds. Though I rather end up with 2 picks in the 2nd at 30 something and 40 with an extra pick in the 3rd

About the most down to earth and positive post regarding the Pats current position vs the state of the future in some time. Too bad some fans just can’t see it that way as the building process continues. They want instant turnaround like 01 which was something pretty rare and special in it’s own right.

Was actually trying to quote BGC’s post but both him and Ken have always seen the team building as a process that sometimes takes a few years.

 

[long distance]

"Belichick is negotiating directly with the team’s top targets. Senior consultant Eliot Wolf, an NFL front-office veteran of 20-plus years, is manning the phones for other external free agents. New director of player personnel Matt Groh has shouldered some of the load while conducting a Pro Day tour, having already sealed a few re-signings."

According to one agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Patriots raised their offer significantly for an elite offensive client who signed a similar contract elsewhere, but was not drawn there by the money. This account reveals a willingness to expend cash and cap space, even while it runs contrary to several other negotiations where the Pats have refused to pony up for mid-level free agents.

“They have a cheap problem,” another player’s agent said."

"The Pats have not been boxed in by their limited cap space, but the NFL salary cap is also not “crap.” Phrases like “the cap is crap” might make for fun talk radio, but are completely useless when trying to understand the innerworkings of league business."

"The Pats have paid for familiarity and trust. These are not only starting players, but culture drivers and value signings. With only $10 million in cap space to start the week, the Pats chased low-ceiling, high-floor deals to maintain their collective floor as a fringe playoff team.

There's a fair argument to be made for continuity and retaining leadership. Despite a massive influx of new talent last year, the Patriots started 2-4 as they assimilated new faces, then stumbled at the finish, losing four of their last five.

Players later admitted they failed to raise their level of intensity down the stretch. No one in the locker room understands what winning requires better than three-time Super Bowl champions like McCourty, Slater and White. With them back in the building, the Pats are betting their odds of another collapse will be lower in 2022 -- even if their chances at a long playoff run have fallen, too."

"Even with obvious roster holes, the Pats have stuck to their long-held beliefs about positional spending in free agency. They do not pay top dollar for No. 1 wide receivers -- not even Randy Moss or Brandin Cooks -- preferring to spread money out at the position. Entering last offseason, their average league ranking in single-season spending on wide receivers was 14th over the past eight years.

The same holds true for linebackers, where they ranked 12th, and cornerback at 17th. New inside linebacker Mack Wilson arrived with a 1-year, non-guaranteed $2.54 million base salary, while free-agent corner Terrance Mitchell signed a 1-year, $1.75 million pact."


This is what I've been saying since last summer. 2021 was seeing what have in Mac & co. First real team post-Brady.

2022 is all about maximizing what we have, tinkering if we can and posturing for 2023.

2023 is as close to "all in" as we'll see. Likely keep / extend Henry, Judon and whoever else we see fit to make a run. This will truly be Mac's team or at least that's the hope.

"Last offseason, the Patriots' structured several of their free-agent contracts to carry minimal cap hits in 2021 and heavier numbers in 2022. This is what's crushing their cap.

But 2023? That's a different story.

The Patriots rank fifth in projected 2023 cap space at $102.5 million. They're also scheduled to carry zero dead money.

So far, none of their free-agent contracts have infringed on that flexibility. They've either struck 1-year deals or 2-year deals where they can cut bait without any serious penalty. The only exception is McCourty's contract, which carries four void years and could inflict a dead cap hit of $9.7 million if it expires next spring.

This is all intentional. The Patriots' 2021 free-agent class was assembled knowing Matthew Judon, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, Jalen Mills and others would all stick for two-plus years. Belichick built that team to free himself for 2023, when the cap would spike due to the influx of new revenue from the league's huge television contracts and gambling money.

All signs point to another splurge next spring. But for now, it's sit tight. Back to business as usual."

Nice rundown.
I dont subscribe to any melodrama though.
To me last year was business as usual in unusual circumstances (Q at QB, loads of Cap, depressed market etc).
This year is business as usual in more normal situation.
The only year out of the norm team building wise was the 2019 after TB left.

I would probably go more into future cap for some long-term contracts to make use of the last treat of inflated supply.
Then again with roster still in midst of rebuild and every contract essentially being a 2y - there was prob no real value to be gained by overextending.
So - as usual - BB did the right thing.

The key moment in this FA was letting JC go.
After that it was clear this will be FA of resigning home players and signing non compensatory FAs - protecting valuable 3rd round comp pick.

Shaq was slight surprise but his contract was essentially void (2y with no guarantees) and since no restructure or extension was coming during the season the option of moving on was on the table esp. with Onwenu in the fold.

The market is still full of middle class players that you can get for peanuts. Im sure after Draft when comp picks ae no longer in play Bill & co will seriously return to the market. Until then id expect a few solid signings from the non comp FAs. Plenty of interesting names there. Funny no news whatsoever about Flowers..

I agree Bill wants to see more of what he has in Mac and this fairly new team .
BUT i dont buy the melodramatic 2021 “spending spree“, 2022 “sitting out, 2023 “all in“ narrative.
I see it as always - keep yourself in good condition so you can be as opportunistic as possible when the time arrives.
Which means the loads of future cap are not necessary to be spent in 2023 FA . but at every opportune moment (FA-2/trades/pickups at any time during 2022, extensions etc) . while staying ahead of the game for when the impact is strongest..

 

[Callmecrazy]

This draft and Udfa class will be larger than usual due to players opting out 2020 covid year. I am looking forward to seeing what the team will do

 

[patfanken]

Nice rundown.
I dont subscribe to any melodrama though.
To me last year was business as usual in unusual circumstances (Q at QB, loads of Cap, depressed market etc).
This year is business as usual in more normal situation.
The only year out of the norm team building wise was the 2019 after TB left.

I would probably go more into future cap for some long-term contracts to make use of the last treat of inflated supply.
Then again with roster still in midst of rebuild and every contract essentially being a 2y - there was prob no real value to be gained by overextending.
So - as usual - BB did the right thing.

The key moment in this FA was letting JC go.
After that it was clear this will be FA of resigning home players and signing non compensatory FAs - protecting valuable 3rd round comp pick.

Shaq was slight surprise but his contract was essentially void (2y with no guarantees) and since no restructure or extension was coming during the season the option of moving on was on the table esp. with Onwenu in the fold.

The market is still full of middle class players that you can get for peanuts. Im sure after Draft when comp picks ae no longer in play Bill & co will seriously return to the market. Until then id expect a few solid signings from the non comp FAs. Plenty of interesting names there. Funny no news whatsoever about Flowers..

I agree Bill wants to see more of what he has in Mac and this fairly new team . BUT i dont buy the melodramatic 2021 “spending spree“, 2022 “sitting out, 2023 “all in“ narrative.
I see it as always - keep yourself in good condition so you can be as opportunistic as possible when the time arrives.
Which means the loads of future cap are not necessary to be spent in 2023 FA . but at every opportune moment (FA-2/trades/pickups at any time during 2022, extensions etc) . while staying ahead of the game for when the impact is strongest..

Here's what fans need to understand. Here we are with another week and a half before April first arrives and what do have have 50 odd players currently under contract. In the end we will HAVE to have another 35-40 more players to add BEFORE we go to camp in late July. Only about 7-10 will be draftees and UDFA, so there will ba a LOT of players with NFL experience left to add, SOME of them might even wind up being quality additions in the end. The team building process CONTINUESSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[Patsgofor4]

Nice rundown.
I dont subscribe to any melodrama though.
To me last year was business as usual in unusual circumstances (Q at QB, loads of Cap, depressed market etc).
This year is business as usual in more normal situation.
The only year out of the norm team building wise was the 2019 after TB left.

I would probably go more into future cap for some long-term contracts to make use of the last treat of inflated supply.
Then again with roster still in midst of rebuild and every contract essentially being a 2y - there was prob no real value to be gained by overextending.
So - as usual - BB did the right thing.

The key moment in this FA was letting JC go.
After that it was clear this will be FA of resigning home players and signing non compensatory FAs - protecting valuable 3rd round comp pick.

Shaq was slight surprise but his contract was essentially void (2y with no guarantees) and since no restructure or extension was coming during the season the option of moving on was on the table esp. with Onwenu in the fold.

The market is still full of middle class players that you can get for peanuts. Im sure after Draft when comp picks ae no longer in play Bill & co will seriously return to the market. Until then id expect a few solid signings from the non comp FAs. Plenty of interesting names there. Funny no news whatsoever about Flowers..

I agree Bill wants to see more of what he has in Mac and this fairly new team . BUT i dont buy the melodramatic 2021 “spending spree“, 2022 “sitting out, 2023 “all in“ narrative.
I see it as always - keep yourself in good condition so you can be as opportunistic as possible when the time arrives.
Which means the loads of future cap are not necessary to be spent in 2023 FA . but at every opportune moment (FA-2/trades/pickups at any time during 2022, extensions etc) . while staying ahead of the game for when the impact is strongest..

According to one agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Patriots raised their offer significantly for an elite offensive client who signed a similar contract elsewhere, but was not drawn there by the money. This account reveals a willingness to expend cash and cap space, even while it runs contrary to several other negotiations where the Pats have refused to pony up for mid-level free agents.


I want to know who this elite offensive free agent is, but I also don’t want to know.

 

[jays52]

According to one agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Patriots raised their offer significantly for an elite offensive client who signed a similar contract elsewhere, but was not drawn there by the money. This account reveals a willingness to expend cash and cap space, even while it runs contrary to several other negotiations where the Pats have refused to pony up for mid-level free agents.


I want to know who this elite offensive free agent is, but I also don’t want to know.

Sounds like Allen Robinson...

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

#ochocinco talks about the #newengland #patriots way

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

 

[Hawaiipatsfan2]

Sounds like Allen Robinson...

Or collins

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Or collins

I agree - most likely Collins.

Or simply not true. Agents always want to look like they negotiate well (won against BB) so it is in their interest to pump up the result if it is all "anonymous". I imagine BB always bids on the lower end of acceptable and later bids higher. These type of situations can easily be exaggerated.

 

[captain stone]

#ochocinco talks about the #newengland #patriots way

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

Not clicking... Pardon my fading Italian, but who gives a sh!t what OchoStinko thinks... about anything?

 

[goheels22002]

This is what I've been saying for a while now. Bill is waiting to see how his FA spending in 2021 will ultimately pan out. Revues are obviously mixed in year one, but often a player can improve greatly in the 2nd year within the system, especially when there is.a rookie QB involved.

Given all the brand name additions to the AFC this FA period, the Pats will be viewed as a fringe playoff team going into the season and I can live with that. But with 102MM in cap space likely and little to none dead money, if the Pats just improve their play and discipline in 2022, they will go all in and fill in all the holes of next season, in the 2023 FA period with Quality FA's.

So normally I'd go nuts if Bill took Jameson with our pick at 21, (btw I'd thrilled if we got him in the 2nd round), this season I'd understand a bit better, This year is all about building to 2023, while striving to win as many games as we can. That being said, I'd much rather go CB, DT in the first 2 rounds. Though I rather end up with 2 picks in the 2nd at 30 something and 40 with an extra pick in the 3rd

I agree, and actually like the 2022 team a lot so far. The offense is loaded with solid veterans and a mix of proven skill players. Yeah, Agholor seems overpaid, but let's see how his second year unfolds with a new OC. The offensive line is the primary concern and I'd like to see a tackle and a G/C drafted in the first four draft picks.

The defense is the main concern. LB and DL need to be addressed in the draft with three of those picks, and it would be nice to see one more veteran LB brought in to replace the current absence of Van Noy and Hightower. Buffalo picked the Pats apart with underneath routes exposing the LBs inability to cover, and the rushing defense needs closers in the gaps and more speed sideline to sideline. It was tough to watch since LB was always a strength of Patriot defenses.

Belichick's commitment to avoiding big FA contracts and disruptive personalities is just what this team needs as they take a step in Mac Jones sophomore season and transition leadership on defense. I think this will be an under-the-radar winner. The Dolphins are once again building a team with talent and not depth. The Bills are a good team but lost several key players, draft late, and have a tough schedule as the Division winner (Packers, Rams, Chiefs, Bengals, Titans) plus the AFC East and AFC Central. The Jets?

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Would you trade #54 for DK? Maybe draft a true slot with a 5th or 6th? Spend 21 on defense or trade back? Just asking jope every one is well.

 

[oceansizer]

Would you trade #54 for DK? Maybe draft a true slot with a 5th or 6th? Spend 21 on defense or trade back? Just asking jope every one is well.

Personally, I would do that with no hesitation .

 

[p8ryts]

Would you trade #54 for DK? Maybe draft a true slot with a 5th or 6th? Spend 21 on defense or trade back? Just asking jope every one is well.

Yes, but he would be a big money guy, don't know his contract but we would never pay him his asking price. Definitely an exceptional talent. Being in Seattle we don't get a lot of information about him here.

 

[ralmat55]

Would the Patriots be willing to pay him $28 million per to extend him? If not, and I think the answer is no, why would they trade for him?

 

[Jim Beankie]

Would the Patriots be willing to pay him $28 million per to extend him? If not, and I think the answer is no, why would they trade for him?

I see Metcalf as a "get them over the hump into SB contention) kind of guy if the Pats were close on paper, but they're not close on paper (although in my delusional head, they're shooting for 20-0 similar to previous offseasons).

 

[pazrul72]

Would you trade #54 for DK? Maybe draft a true slot with a 5th or 6th? Spend 21 on defense or trade back? Just asking jope every one is well.

Nope, dude is a one trick knuckle headed pony. Granted it’s a hell of a trick and his stats look really good but I wonder how much of that is Russell Wilson being, IMO the best deep ball guy in the league, but certainly top 3 which fits DK’s strengths. I see him being too expensive and under used here so there are better ways to allocate limited resources.

 

[Mike the Brit]

Would you trade #54 for DK? Maybe draft a true slot with a 5th or 6th? Spend 21 on defense or trade back? Just asking jope every one is well.

Number one priority: stop the run on short yardage. Number two: replace Gilmore and JCJ. Number three/four: O-Line (inside and out) and defending short and intermediate passes.

Getting Mac a shiny deep-threat toy who's better than Agholor? Way down the list.

 

[DW Toys]

Yes, but he would be a big money guy, don't know his contract but we would never pay him his asking price. Definitely an exceptional talent. Being in Seattle we don't get a lot of information about him here.

Good afternoon Cousins, Metcalf would be a great addition.....but....this will be a money issue if not now next season. In essence this is a rental.

I think BB is looking to get to actual trading rather than FA . We definitely took a step back in the AFC East. Why? Pride? Ego? When we had Brady, players wanted to be here and BB got some of that love. But now we have tremendous holes that need to be filled or we fall further behind. It reminds me of some Brady years when BB was absolutely stubborn to fill up the quiver for Tom. Here are some trades that might work. I will save the best for last. These trades should be thought out before you send out the torches and pitchforks.

I have mentioned these before on other posts. Three simple ones that any PatsFan reader could do in a minute:

1) WR Laviska Shenault from the Jags. 63 receptions last year from their rookie QB Lawrence. Could be a Deebo Samuel clone. Runs the wildcat as well. Young. No excuse for BB to not trade a late rounder to the Jags who have just signed Kirk and Jones for telephone numbers. He's 23 years old and has a salary of $1.8mm. No brainer here. Watch this kid's tape.

2) WR Andy Isabella from the Cardinals.. Great slot potential. Speed to burn we need. Might be a rental. Only $1.4mm salary. No excuse of this one Bill. Blank, his agent has permission to seek trade. For some reason this forum does like this kid as a Pat.

3) DE Clelin Ferrell Las Vegas. Mayock tries to make him a square peg in a round hole as a first rounder edge rusher. He's much better setting the edge. BB type. Maybe Josh will take a trade for perhaps Harry?

4) Most compelling move of the day. Please follow along------It is dependent on the Panthers obvious lack of Draft capital trouble and QB missteps. The Panthers have the 6th pick in Round #1 and them don't pick again until Day 3 with pick #137 in Round 4. That is crazy.

There is no QB in this Draft that deserves to be picked at #6 and GM Fitterer know this. He is trying to rebuild with smoke and mirrors. O.K. We can agree trading down from pick #6 can bring some wampum (am I allowed to say that from the woketeers?) They had 12 different O-Line combinations last year and perhaps most QB's would not do well under that constant barrage. Fitterer says he has given 3 QB's a first round rating. O.K, if you buy that one it would be at the end of the 1st round only.

So they need O Line and LB help as they lost two in FA. Houston could be a trading partner. I will take a stab at it.

Houston has pick #3. Perhaps they like a S like Hamilton but I think they give Mills a fair shot in 2022. It has been said if Mills would have waited to come out he might have been the best QB in the 2022 Draft class. So no QB this early for Houston. They still have needs and #6 is enticing. With the Watson deal they have 11 Draft picks....count them. Packaging their #13 and two third rounders #68+#80 to Carolina makes sense if they want to go for say Edge guy Travon Walker at #6. That changes the Texans Defense and they still have #37 to target a WR.

Now back to the Panthers. They have gotten #13 for perhaps the best O LIne pick available and now have two third rounders #68+#80. .......But.......let's see what else they can accomplish.

The Patriots have pick #21. The Panthers still need a QB. I propose a block buster. The Panther CB J C Horn was a top ten pick in last years Draft. He had a foot injury that sidelined him. Now healed, the Panthers still believe he can be a top shut down CB. But .... IF... the Panthers owned pick #21 they might have their choice of Pickett, Willis or Corral. Now what to do with WR Robbie Anderson GM Fitterer? Am I willing to trade J.C. Horn and Robbie Anderson for the Pats #21 pick and the embarrassing #5 pick #170 they got from the Bucs for Mason?

O.K. GM Fiiterer, you now get two first rounders to choose and not have to overpay at pick #6 for a QB, plus two third rounders and a 5th and you move Anderson that you wanted to do. You's like to keep J.C. Horn at "shutdown CB" ....but ....oh yea he was injured last year...SO let's pull the trigger. You have more than one hole.

Patriots: The Pats give up 1rst round pick #21 and 5th round pick #170 for potential star CB J.C. Horn and WR Robbie Anderson who could start. I'd rather take Anderson with that 5th Rounder than some obscure S bill will overdraft.

Houston: Gets a chance to have two top ten BLUE CHIP picks in the 2022 Draft to exploit the Watson trade.

Carolina: Get two first Round picks so the can take any of the QB's they gave a "first round grade" to, later in round one and not waste a top ten pick. Plus they pick up two third rounders from the 11 picks the Texans have, plus an extra 5th rounder form the Pats. QB pick delema and Draft capital issues solved.

Just a proposal that could work. Thoughts? Be gentile with me.

DW Toys

 

[Sciz]

Patriots: The Pats give up 1rst round pick #21 and 5th round pick #170 for potential star CB J.C. Horn and WR Robbie Anderson who could start. I'd rather take Anderson with that 5th Rounder than some obscure S bill will overdraft.

I think we could rule out an Anderson trade when they restructured his contract on March 18. Of course the Pats would want him now, because he's only due $1.235M from his new team if he's traded. Not going to happen now, although it'll make him an attractive option at the trade deadline if (when) the Panthers are really sucking.