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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 3, 2014 15:35:50 GMT -5
No offer has been made to Brandon Spikes, and no offer will be made to Brandon Spikes. This is not unexpected, and our LB core next season will feature Hightower on the strongside, Collins on the weakside, and Mayo in the middle. This is a very young and talent LB core, and it should be very good next season. Some depth is still needed, and I think that may come by resigning Dane Fletcher.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 4, 2014 21:04:35 GMT -5
Jason Avant was released today by the Eagles, and while this news does not directly relate to the Patriots, I still think it is worth posting. Avant is the type of receiver we could target this offseason. An older veteran receiver, who does not have exceptional speed or physical ability. What he does bring to the table is veteran leadership, excellent hands, solid route running, the ability to contribute on special teams, and should come at a low cost.
Alge Crumpler was a key part of the development of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, and I think Avant could play the same role in mentoring Dobson, Boyce, and Thompkins.
Devin Hester is another guy who I think may be giving a look this offseason. I cant see Hester having a huge market, as he doesnt offer any thing in terms of offense, and most teams wont shell out big money for a return man. Attempts have been made the past 2 years to get a good kick returner with Leon Washington signing last year, and Jeff Demps the previous years. Neither brought anything to the table, with Demps being placed on IR in preseason, and Washington being hurt for 7 games, and then released. I think at the right price, Hester would be a big help to our special teams.
I have talked about Red Bryant on a couple occasions. So far there has been very little talk on Bryant's NFL future, and I think this is because of the lack of teams needing interior dline. I do not think we have to add any interior defensive linemen, with Wilfork, Kelly, and Armstead all returning, however it certainly couldnt hurt. Bryant was close to becoming a Patriot a few years ago, but opted to sign with Seattle.
Jared Allen is another guy who I think could be considered at the right price. John Abraham and Dwight Freeney were both brought in last year but didnt sign for a couple reasons. Abraham wanted to play a bigger role, and Freeney wanted more money. A DE is another position that isnt a need, however you can never have enough pass rushers, and Allen would be the perfect fit at the right price.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 5, 2014 1:07:04 GMT -5
Not that this really relates to the Pats anymore, but prosecutors will no longer use Carlos Ortiz as a witness in the Aaron Hernandez case.
So no murder weapon, no witnesses, and no hard evidence whatsoever. This should be a very quick trial...
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 6, 2014 22:36:57 GMT -5
Negotiates have began with Julian Edelman.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 7, 2014 16:18:45 GMT -5
Long Snapper Danny Aiken was resigned to a 1 year contract. While the long snapper position is not typically viewed as a huge deal, it is important to have consistency on your special teams. Gostkowski, Allen, and Aiken will be back next season.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 7, 2014 19:49:37 GMT -5
The Patriots are working with Vince Wilfork's representatives on a new contract. How far discussions have gotten are unclear, but this is great news as basically everything I have said about a Wilfork extension has been my own speculation, now it is becoming closer to happening.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 7, 2014 19:50:45 GMT -5
I think cutting Wilfork and then resigning him could be a possibility. Wilfork would likely make more money, and the Pats would likely save more cap room then any sort of extension.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 9, 2014 0:08:01 GMT -5
Texans and Patriots have had discussions involving QB Ryan Mallett according to nfl.com. Also confirmed interest from a couple of local and reliable reporters. The interest is coming from Houston, and Mallett isnt being actively shopped. Last year Mallett wasnt being shopped, but would have likely been moved for a high 2nd rounder or 1st rounder. I think the same thing will happen this year, the question is whether or not a team makes a move. Nothing is imminent at the moment.
This would likely cost the Texans 33rd overall pick. There isnt a lot of NFL film on Mallett, since he has played scarcely. Bill Obrien has first hand experience coaching Mallett, so the Texans do have a lot more insight on him than most teams.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 9, 2014 1:26:13 GMT -5
The Patriots were concerned about Red Bryant's drastic drop off in snaps played over the last year. They likely saw some regression, and therefore were not interested in him this offseason.
This is only one of the reasons why they were not interested in him, as we are also a lot deeper at DT than we were 3 years ago when there was heavy interest in Bryant.
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Post by patriotsk1d on Mar 9, 2014 16:16:03 GMT -5
Patriots are apparantly pushing hard for Julian Edelman. No real information on his contract status though.
Redskins making a second run at Aqib Talib. They attempted to sign him last year, but didnt have the money too do so. This year they have money, so something to watch for.
The Jets cut CB Antonio Cromartie, and while this doesnt directly relate to the Patriots, I think Cromartie could be a good fit in our system, and he would likely come at a low price.
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