FOOTBALL NOTES (2/21) — The Charlotte Observer is reporting this morning that the Patriots have expressed an interest in Carolina reserve running back Anthony Johnson. Johnson is a 10-year veteran out of Notre Dame and played in all 16 games last season. His play was limited as he only rushed for 72 yards on 25 carries with no touchdowns, and had 13 receptions for 103 yards. New England may be interested in Johnson because Arizona runningback Adrian Murrell has reportedly declined the Patriots invitation to visit this week, feeling that the team is only going to go with “mediocre” players and isn’t going to improve very much.
The Star Ledger reported this morning that Jets veteran starting right defensive end Anthony Pleasant has indeed been contacted by the Patriots. Pleasant would be a great addition to the defense opposite Willie McGinest, but New England is going to need to restructure quarterback Drew Bledsoe’s contract which has a cap number of over $8-million this season in order to get him. The team is only currently just over $1-million under the salary cap.
The team also appears to have some competition in the opportunity to have veteran left tackle Bruce Armstrong return to the team. The Cleveland Chronicle-Telegram reports that Bruce Armstrong’s discussions with the Browns may be picking up. Armstrong’s agent John Geletka reportedly told the newspaper “There’s a good possibility – a very strong possibility – that Bruce will be signing with the Browns. We’ve had several conversations with the Browns. Bruce would love to come to Cleveland. He has a great relationship with coach Chris Palmer and thinks Tim Couch is a super quarterback who has a stronger arm and is more mobile than New England’s Drew Bledsoe.”
Troy Brown to visit Chiefs
This week should tell the tale on whether or not the Patriots will be able to keep him. Brown is expected to visit the Kansas City Chiefs today and has already turned down a $2.5-million per season offer from New England, saying after seeing what happened to Bruce Armstrong and Ben Coates, he didn’t want to sign a contract that had the majority of the money “backlogged”. Should the Patriots lose Brown, they will take another hit from their talented list of receivers that would at that point only include Terry Glenn, Vincent Brisby, Tony Simmons, and Sean Morey. The team has already lost Shawn Jefferson to the Atlanta Falcons.
Support Us: We're Currently Invisible in Google News
We need your help. A recent algorithm change has destoyed our traffic, and we need a quick moment of your time.
If you enjoy our content, please help us gain visiblity in Google's algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
More Patriots News Headlines:
Patriots vs. Colts Quick Reactions: An Undisciplined Performance
By: Ian LogueReviewing the Patriots' 13-13 tie vs. Colts, penalties marred sharp play from DeVito and surprising Jam Miller, with kicker Borregales struggling.
Vrabel on Gonzalez’s Absence: CB is “Physically Unavailable”
By: Ian LogueAddressing Christian Gonzalez's absence, Vrabel confirms the cornerback is 'physically unavailable' for practice, adding to contract frustrations.
TRANSCRIPT: Tommy DeVito Postgame Transcript 8/13
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what Tommy DeVito said following the New England Patriots' 13-13 finish against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.
TRANSCRIPT: Caleb Lomu Postgame Press Conference 8/13
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what Caleb Lomu had to say following the Patriots' 13-13 finish against the Indianapolis Colts Thursday Night:
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Postgame Press Conference 8/13
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say following his team's 13-13 finish against the Indianapolis Colts.
