MVN - Most Valuable Network

Pats passing on Washington

According to the Boston Globe, the Patriots will not pick up WR Kelley Washington’s $4 million option, thereby making Washington a free agent. However, the Pats are interested in Washington returning to the team with a restructured contract. Washington never caught a pass and played on only a few offensive snaps, but made some stand-out special teams plays. I’m sure, depending on who else returns (or doesn’t return), Kelley Washington could see his offensive playing time increase should he choose to stay in New England.

With DB Mel Mitchell and LB Larry Izzo also free agents, stand-out special teams players are a need for the Patriots. Getting Washington to return would be a boost, and re-signing Izzo should also be a priority. Chances are Izzo is likely to return as the Pats value his leadership and play on special teams and Izzo seems to enjoy playing in New England.

Already teams are starting their chopping to create cap room, with LB Zach Thomas from Miami being the latest victim. Thomas is a retirement candidate due to his multiple concussions recently. Thomas is not a likely candidate to be wooed into coming to New England, as his size, experience in a 4-3, and concussion history is not conducive to a 3-4 defense, according to former Patriots’ LB Ted Johnson. I really love this time of year as a football fan, and I’m sure more quality players will become cap casualties in the coming weeks. Welcome to the NFL offseason!

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Kelley Washington. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.