The Pats have been addressing some of their issues during the past week. They re-signed Vince Wilfolk and Stephen Neal. Offers are on the table for restricted free-agents Logan Manikins and Stephen Gotskowski.
One player without any suitors is Kevin Faulk. The 12 year veteran has no offer from the Pats or any other team. This is rather odd considering the role he has played over the last 12 seasons. He has been the consummate 3rd down back and has excelled as a returner on special teams.
Has age caught up to him? He will be 34 when training camp starts. Nobody beats a path to a running back of that age. It's interesting to see that Scott Pioli and the Kansas City Chiefs have not come calling. There is also Pete Carroll out in Seattle. He originally drafted Faulk back in 1999 when he was coaching the Pats.
Perhaps the Pats are addressing their immediate issues and waiting to sign Faulk, knowing that they can get him on the cheap for one year.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Jets Give Cromartie Support
The Pats have been monitoring the free-agent scene, but have refrained from signing anyone from other teams. Many thought they would make an attempt to trade with San Diego for CB Antonio Cromatie. The Jets ended up getting him in a deal and will pair him with Darrell Reavis.
Cromatie's off-field issues are well known. Perhaps, that is why they stayed away from him. He certainly carries a negative image. He is behind in child support payments. Some may see this as minor, but it involves seven kids with six women in five different states.
That didn't seem to bother the Jets. They have advanced him $500,000 in 2010 salary payments to allow him to address his delinquent payments. Teams are not required to pay salaries until the first week of the regular season.
A Jets spokesman indicated that the team wanted Cromartie to start with a clean slate. That is a nice idea, but Cromartie is due a salary of $1.7 million this season. The way his money is going, he will be behind in payments again at some point in the season.
This is what the Pats wanted to avoid. Nothing positive can come from the negative publicity associated with delinquent child support.
Cromatie's off-field issues are well known. Perhaps, that is why they stayed away from him. He certainly carries a negative image. He is behind in child support payments. Some may see this as minor, but it involves seven kids with six women in five different states.
That didn't seem to bother the Jets. They have advanced him $500,000 in 2010 salary payments to allow him to address his delinquent payments. Teams are not required to pay salaries until the first week of the regular season.
A Jets spokesman indicated that the team wanted Cromartie to start with a clean slate. That is a nice idea, but Cromartie is due a salary of $1.7 million this season. The way his money is going, he will be behind in payments again at some point in the season.
This is what the Pats wanted to avoid. Nothing positive can come from the negative publicity associated with delinquent child support.
Friday, March 5, 2010
No Action On Day 1
Other than re-signing restricted free-agent LB Tully Banta-Cain, the Pats were pretty quiet on their first day of free agency. They spoke to DE Julius Peppers before he signed with Chicago and tried to trade with Arizona for WR Antwan Bolden before he was traded to the Ravens.
They made contract offers to restricted free agents OL Logan Mankins, LB Pierre Woods and kicker Stephen Gotskowski.
The released TE Chris Baker after only one year. TE Ben Watson is hearing offers from teams and DL Jarvis Green has a solid offer from Denver.
The Jets got stronger on defense by trading for CB Antonio Cromarties. He will form one of the league's strongest tandems with Darrell Reavis.
There have been a number of players released from teams around the league. It should get interesting over the next several days to see who the Pats have on their radar.
They made contract offers to restricted free agents OL Logan Mankins, LB Pierre Woods and kicker Stephen Gotskowski.
The released TE Chris Baker after only one year. TE Ben Watson is hearing offers from teams and DL Jarvis Green has a solid offer from Denver.
The Jets got stronger on defense by trading for CB Antonio Cromarties. He will form one of the league's strongest tandems with Darrell Reavis.
There have been a number of players released from teams around the league. It should get interesting over the next several days to see who the Pats have on their radar.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Dawn of a New Era
At 12:01am Friday, the new business year of the NFL begins. Without a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there will be no salary cap for the 2010 season. Teams are free to spend at will, but the NFL Player's Association believes that the owners are colluding to stay within some type of cap structure.
There should be an initial waive of signings. The Pats should make some of moves. I don't think they will sign DE Julius Peppers because his price would be outrageous. By this time tomorrow, I assume they will have done something.
They signed WR David Patten the other day. There must be some other free-agents out there for their last go-around. They seem to have a knack for finding those guys and getting the last miles out of them.
There should be an initial waive of signings. The Pats should make some of moves. I don't think they will sign DE Julius Peppers because his price would be outrageous. By this time tomorrow, I assume they will have done something.
They signed WR David Patten the other day. There must be some other free-agents out there for their last go-around. They seem to have a knack for finding those guys and getting the last miles out of them.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Chose Your Position Wisely
There is certainly a disparity in the range of salaries for franchised players. "Skilled positions" definitely pay more. When a player is franchised, they receive an annual salary of the average of the top five players for his particular position. Here is what it looks like for the upcoming free agency period . Figures are expressed in $millions.
QB 14.65
RB 6.62
WR 9.8
TE 4.46
OL 8.45
K/P 2.48
DE 8.99
DT 6.06
LB 8.3
CB 9.96
S 6.34
QB 14.65
RB 6.62
WR 9.8
TE 4.46
OL 8.45
K/P 2.48
DE 8.99
DT 6.06
LB 8.3
CB 9.96
S 6.34
Sunday, February 28, 2010
What Would T.O. Do?
It's no surprise that the Buffalo Bills did not offer WR Terell Owens a contract. As a result, he is an unrestricted free-agent. There might not be a lot of suitors for Owens. There were few last year. That's how he ended up in Buffalo with a one year contract.
He had a decent season last year with 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 TD's. For the $5 million they were paying him, that was not enough. He will also be 37 in December. Some point out that he has lost a step, but he can still get open and stretch the field.
What about the Pats offering him a one year deal with incentives? He and Randy Moss would make one of the most lethal tandems in them NFL. Would he be a disruption in the locker room? The same was said about Moss.
It's worth a shot, although Owens might be looking for one last lucrative contract no matter what team it is.
He had a decent season last year with 55 receptions for 829 yards and 5 TD's. For the $5 million they were paying him, that was not enough. He will also be 37 in December. Some point out that he has lost a step, but he can still get open and stretch the field.
What about the Pats offering him a one year deal with incentives? He and Randy Moss would make one of the most lethal tandems in them NFL. Would he be a disruption in the locker room? The same was said about Moss.
It's worth a shot, although Owens might be looking for one last lucrative contract no matter what team it is.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Second Time Around For Patten
The Pats recently announced the signing of WR David Patten for his second tour with the team. Patten was a fee-good story when he beat all odds and won a roster spot on the 2001 team. He played four seasons with them, including the 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl teams.
He left the Pats after 2004, signing a lucrative five year contract with the Washington Redskins. He was plagued by injuries during the 2005 and 2006 seasons and was subsequently released by the team.
He caught on the the New Orleans Saints for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Released again, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns prior to the 2009 campaign, but was cut before camp. He sat out the season.
It's a question of whether the 13 year veteran has any gas left in the tank. He is a low-risk signing and will fight for a spot during training camp.
During his four seasons with the Pats, he caught 165 balls for 2,513 yards and 16 TD's. He was considered a very delendable receiver.
He left the Pats after 2004, signing a lucrative five year contract with the Washington Redskins. He was plagued by injuries during the 2005 and 2006 seasons and was subsequently released by the team.
He caught on the the New Orleans Saints for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Released again, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns prior to the 2009 campaign, but was cut before camp. He sat out the season.
It's a question of whether the 13 year veteran has any gas left in the tank. He is a low-risk signing and will fight for a spot during training camp.
During his four seasons with the Pats, he caught 165 balls for 2,513 yards and 16 TD's. He was considered a very delendable receiver.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Good & Bad For Seymour
If Vince Wilfolk is upset over his attempt at a contract extension, he should check with former team mate Richard Seymour now with the Oakland Raiders. The Black & Silver have slapped the exclusive free-agent tag on Seymour. He is prohibited from negotiating with other teams once free agency starts on March 5th.
If they cannot sign him to a new contract, they must pay him $12.398 million next season. This is the average salary of the top five highest paid defensive ends in the league. It's not bad money for Seymour, but there is no doubt that he wants to flee the asylum that is the Oakland Raiders lead by owner Al Davis.
The Raiders will make every attempt to sign him as they gave up a first round draft choice in 2011 when they traded for him. Seymour is guaranteed big money at least for next year, but will play for a team that is destined not to make the playoffs.
If they cannot sign him to a new contract, they must pay him $12.398 million next season. This is the average salary of the top five highest paid defensive ends in the league. It's not bad money for Seymour, but there is no doubt that he wants to flee the asylum that is the Oakland Raiders lead by owner Al Davis.
The Raiders will make every attempt to sign him as they gave up a first round draft choice in 2011 when they traded for him. Seymour is guaranteed big money at least for next year, but will play for a team that is destined not to make the playoffs.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Mosiula Faasuka Tatupu #30
It's hard to believe that #30, Mosi Tatupi, died the other day at the age of 54. He was one of my all-time favorite players who had a stellar 13 career with the Pats from 1978-1990.
Although he played primarily on special teams, he was also a blocking back and ranks 13th on the all-time rushing list for the Pats with 2,415 yards on 612 carries for a 3.9 yd average and 18 TD's.
He was a trailblazer, becoming the first American Samoan football player to play in the Pro Bowl with his selection in 1986.
He was also a skilled receiver, catching 96 balls for 843 yards and averaging 8.8 yds with 8 TD's. His 126 career points rank him 28th in team scoring.
He was selected in the 8th round of the 1978 draft out of the University of Southern California. He excelled at USC ,carrying the ball 223 times for 1,277 yards and a 5.7 yd average. He played in the 1978 Hula Bowl All-Star game.
He was truly a fan favorite with his gritty play on kickoffs and punts. He was one of the first Pats to have his own cheering section, "Mosi's Mooses", in the end zone of the old Foxboro Stadium.
His play allowed him to carve out a 13 year career with the Pats where he ranks 3rd in games played for them at 194, trailing only Bruce Armstrong (212) and Julius Adams (206). He played an additional season with the Los Angeles Rams under John Robinson, his former coach at USC.
He had many memorable games including a 100 yard one in the infamous "Snow Plow" game against Miami in 1982. He created fumbles on kick-offs against the Raiders and Dolphins that were recovered and turned into scores during playoff games of the Super Bowl run of 1985.
The Mosi Tatupu Award is given annually to the collegiate special teams player of the year.
His son, Lofa Tatupu, currently plays linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and has played in the Pro Bowl.
Although he played primarily on special teams, he was also a blocking back and ranks 13th on the all-time rushing list for the Pats with 2,415 yards on 612 carries for a 3.9 yd average and 18 TD's.
He was a trailblazer, becoming the first American Samoan football player to play in the Pro Bowl with his selection in 1986.
He was also a skilled receiver, catching 96 balls for 843 yards and averaging 8.8 yds with 8 TD's. His 126 career points rank him 28th in team scoring.
He was selected in the 8th round of the 1978 draft out of the University of Southern California. He excelled at USC ,carrying the ball 223 times for 1,277 yards and a 5.7 yd average. He played in the 1978 Hula Bowl All-Star game.
He was truly a fan favorite with his gritty play on kickoffs and punts. He was one of the first Pats to have his own cheering section, "Mosi's Mooses", in the end zone of the old Foxboro Stadium.
His play allowed him to carve out a 13 year career with the Pats where he ranks 3rd in games played for them at 194, trailing only Bruce Armstrong (212) and Julius Adams (206). He played an additional season with the Los Angeles Rams under John Robinson, his former coach at USC.
He had many memorable games including a 100 yard one in the infamous "Snow Plow" game against Miami in 1982. He created fumbles on kick-offs against the Raiders and Dolphins that were recovered and turned into scores during playoff games of the Super Bowl run of 1985.
The Mosi Tatupu Award is given annually to the collegiate special teams player of the year.
His son, Lofa Tatupu, currently plays linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and has played in the Pro Bowl.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Done At 30?
The NFL is a very unforgiving league. The only thing that matters is how you perform today. It doesn't really matter what you did in the past. Loyalty is not a two-way street. You see that with players, coaches and owners. It's easy to see why players try to get as much money as possible.
Being 30 years old is young in life, but if you are a top running back in the NFL, it can be ancient. Such was the case with LaDainian Tomlinson with the San Diego Chargers.
He was released the other day with two years left on his contract. He was due a $2 million roster bonus next week. The handwriting was on the wall as the Chargers were moving towards a more passing oriented offense lead by QB Phillip Rivers.
Tomlinson was coming off an injury plagued year and had his lowest rushing totals with 730 yards on 223 carries for a 3.3 yard average. He was seen as a potential salary cap casualty.
After his nine NFL seasons, he is the 8th all-time leading rusher with 12,490 yards. He is 2nd all-time with 138 rushing TD's and 3rd with 153 total.
He capped of a 2006 MVP season with 31 TD's of which 28 were on the ground and scored 186 points. He lead the league in rushing during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
It will be interesting to see if he catches on with another team. He probably will, but will need to take a drastic pay cut and lesser role as a featured back.
Being 30 years old is young in life, but if you are a top running back in the NFL, it can be ancient. Such was the case with LaDainian Tomlinson with the San Diego Chargers.
He was released the other day with two years left on his contract. He was due a $2 million roster bonus next week. The handwriting was on the wall as the Chargers were moving towards a more passing oriented offense lead by QB Phillip Rivers.
Tomlinson was coming off an injury plagued year and had his lowest rushing totals with 730 yards on 223 carries for a 3.3 yard average. He was seen as a potential salary cap casualty.
After his nine NFL seasons, he is the 8th all-time leading rusher with 12,490 yards. He is 2nd all-time with 138 rushing TD's and 3rd with 153 total.
He capped of a 2006 MVP season with 31 TD's of which 28 were on the ground and scored 186 points. He lead the league in rushing during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
It will be interesting to see if he catches on with another team. He probably will, but will need to take a drastic pay cut and lesser role as a featured back.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Page Turns For Vince
The dram that is behind the Vince Wilfolk contract negotiation took another twist yesterday when the team designated him their non-exclusive franchise player. This allows the Pats to continue to negotiate a long term extension with him. He is also free to negotiate with other clubs, but the Past can match the offer or receive two first round draft picks if they lose him. They also have him for 2010 at the "bargain basement" price of $7.003 million if no other team offers more.
Both parties are treading into murky waters. Wilfolk has stated that he wants a long term contract with the team. The Pats are issuing their typical statements, which by their history, amount to saying good bye.
They applied a similar tag to Assante Samuel in 2009 and Matt Cassell last year. They said the same things. Both players were gone before the start of the following season.
Wilfolk is the only player from the 2004 draft playing under his original six year contract. The league no longer allows rookie contracts of more than five years.
While the team is tyring to keep their salary structure in line, Wilfolk knows that it's now or never to secure the financial security that comes with a long term contract of $30-35 million with about $23 million guaranteed.
The lack of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement has also clouded the situation. Wilfolk has been the corner stone of the defensive line since being selected as the 21st pick in the 1st round of the 2004 draft. The former University of Miami player has played in 90 regular season games, with 80 as a starter.
Fans want to see this resolved as they realize that 2009 2nd round draft pick Ron Brace is not the answer to a good run stopper.
Both parties are treading into murky waters. Wilfolk has stated that he wants a long term contract with the team. The Pats are issuing their typical statements, which by their history, amount to saying good bye.
They applied a similar tag to Assante Samuel in 2009 and Matt Cassell last year. They said the same things. Both players were gone before the start of the following season.
Wilfolk is the only player from the 2004 draft playing under his original six year contract. The league no longer allows rookie contracts of more than five years.
While the team is tyring to keep their salary structure in line, Wilfolk knows that it's now or never to secure the financial security that comes with a long term contract of $30-35 million with about $23 million guaranteed.
The lack of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement has also clouded the situation. Wilfolk has been the corner stone of the defensive line since being selected as the 21st pick in the 1st round of the 2004 draft. The former University of Miami player has played in 90 regular season games, with 80 as a starter.
Fans want to see this resolved as they realize that 2009 2nd round draft pick Ron Brace is not the answer to a good run stopper.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Moss Reflects On His Future
Randy Moss turned 33 last week. Yesterday, he told reporters that he did not expect the Pats to extend his contract when it expires after the 2010 season. He understands the team's philosophy and has no hard feelings. It's a business decision, he said. He feels that he has played well enough for an extension, but knows it won't be here.
I'm a big Randy Moss fan and was thrilled when he came here from the Raiders in 2007 for a 4th round draft choice. He signed a one year contract and was rewarded with a three year extension after the undefeated season when he set a regular season record with 23 TD receptions. At the time, he thought it would probably be his last contract.
At this time next year, he will be 34. It's very risky to give long term contracts to players long in tooth. Moss took a physical beating last season, but had a great year. The list of productive 34 year old receivers is short.
There will be a lot of discussion about this topic before it's resolved. I don't expect him to be here after next season unless both sides can come to a mutual agreement.
I'm a big Randy Moss fan and was thrilled when he came here from the Raiders in 2007 for a 4th round draft choice. He signed a one year contract and was rewarded with a three year extension after the undefeated season when he set a regular season record with 23 TD receptions. At the time, he thought it would probably be his last contract.
At this time next year, he will be 34. It's very risky to give long term contracts to players long in tooth. Moss took a physical beating last season, but had a great year. The list of productive 34 year old receivers is short.
There will be a lot of discussion about this topic before it's resolved. I don't expect him to be here after next season unless both sides can come to a mutual agreement.
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