Green Moves On, Bodden Stays

The Pats are like all other NFL teams. They are retaining some of their key core players and letting others seek greener financial pastures.

They saw an obvious need in the secondary and may have paid more to re-sign CB Leigh Bodden than they planned for. When they signed him last season, it was agreed that it would only be for one year and that he would be allowed to test the free agency market upon the end of the season. Bodden received interest from several teams, including the Houston Texans, but ultimately re-signed for four years and $22 million, with a guarantee of $10 million.

Owner Robert Kraft, during an interview on WEEI, stated that the team needs to prioritize its signings and could not retain everyone. Such was the case with the dependable Jarvis Green. Since he was selected in the 4th round of the 2002 draft, he was a dependable starter and back-up on the defensive line. There was talk of decreased production this past season, but I was somewhat surprised to see him go to Denver. On the other hand, it was for four years for $20 million and $7 million guaranteed. He will be reunited with head coach Josh MacDaniels.

Although 2010 is an uncapped year, the Pats are following the trend of the league and imposing their own cap. The Pats must have felt that they could not overpay for Green and realized that his void could be addressed in the upcoming draft.

The revolving door continues with the New York Jets with the signing of special teamer Marques Murrell. The Pats were able to pick him up for cheap money. It's an interesting signing as Murrell's older brother Adrian was a thorn in the side of the Pats earlier this decade. He was a tough guy to stop running out of the backfield. Hopefully, Marques has his brother's genes.