MVN - Most Valuable Network

Wes Welker likes ice cream and other Patriots updates

There were a few stories this week about the Patriots and their players.

The most noteworthy has been the news on Ben Watson’s ankle surgery and that he may miss training camp.

Watson originally injured his ankle while playing versus Dallas on October 14th. Watson missed the next two games and returned only to re-injure the ankle versus the Steelers. The Patriots have not commented on the injury, but as Watson and David Thomas have been often injured over the last two years, the Patriots may look to Stephen Spach to play a bigger role in 2008. Maybe the Patriots pick up Christian Fauria.

The Patriots need a blocking tight end like Kyle Brady (started off great in 2007, but was also slowed by injury and couldn’t do much in the playoffs) or former Patriot Daniel Graham. The Patriots usually pick a tight end in the draft, so we will have to see on this one.

Patriots signings

The Patriots re-signed linebacker Pierre Woods and offensive tackle Wesley Britt, two exclusive rights free agent. These signings were expected and retains young talent. Woods has yet to solidify his role at linebacker, but does contribute on special teams. Britt has been competing each year for a starting role and he has filled in for Nick Kaczur and Matt Light.

Seymour happy to be back

For the first time in two years Richard Seymour is able to start the offseason conditioning program with out any injuries. After two knee surgeries and shoulder injury Seymour is happy to be healthy.

Many fans have been critical of Seymour the last few years as his play has dropped off dramatically since he held out for a better contract and received the big ‘pay day’. 2008 will be another year of high expectations as Seymour’s time with the team may soon be finished if he continues to perform poorly and still have a hefty contract.

Seymour and and Ty Warren are both under larger contracts and most fans believe Vince Wilfork is the player to take care of for the next big pay day. Wilfork’s contract will be expiring at the end of the season.

Buy the numbers

Mike Reiss has reported the new numbers for recently signed players.

WR Sam Aiken — 88
CB Fernando Bryant — 25
OL Jimmy Martin — 60
CB Lewis Sanders — 29
LB T.J. Slaughter — 51
CB Jason Webster — 21
S Tank Williams — 26

Other News

Dallas announced they are not interested in running back McFadden and therefore it looks like there would be no chance for a trade of picks between the Pats and Dallas if McFadden were to fall to No.7.

There is also speculation that Tampa Bay QB Chris Simms may soon no longer be with the team. Simms has not shown up for their offseason conditioning program and there have been rumors the Bucs are looking to trade him. Would the Patriots be interested? Belichick knows Phil Simms from their time in New York, but Chris has not been playing like his dad. When Chris did play, he also did not have much help around him.

IN BILL WE TRUST!

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am and is filed under Ty Warren, Matt Light, Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Benjamin Watson, NFL Free Agency, New England Sports, Boston Sports, AFC East, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bill Belichick, Patriots Roster, MVN, Patriots Training Camp, NFL News, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Wes Welker, Defensive Line, NFL Network, Charitable Orgs/Events. 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.