Monthly Archives: June 2007

According to various sources the Patriots have between $7.1 million to potentially $10.3 million (it is admitted info is missing) in cap space for 2007.
In a recent article by Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports, Cole estimates the Patriots have around $8.4 million in cap space.
This is before signing most of the rookies, which has an†average rookie cap of $4.27 million for 2007, as well as, coming to terms with Asante Samuel and the total $7.79 million hit.
Cole adds, “The Patriots could actually increase to more than $10 million free if they agree to a long-term deal with Samuel”
While this may be true, the Patriots only have until July 15th to negotiate with Samuel to a long term deal, then the ‘opportunity’ to be $10+ million over the cap.
So it†may be a reality for 2007, but what about cap space in 2008 and beyond?
IN BILL WE TRUST!

Today is the last day of our poll on WHAT SHOULD THE PATRIOTS DO WITH ASANTE SAMUEL??
Trade him to get more pick? 16 votes (43%)
Sign him to a long term deal?†12 votes (32%)
Let him sit out in 2007? 5 votes (14%)
Franchise him again in 2008?†4 votes (11%)
This is not a scientific study (haha)
All things being equal, the Patriots are better with Samuel then without him and as time has passed momentum has gained in favor of signing Samuel.
From our Poll†a few of our readers responded:
Dana Russo : ‘sign Asante to a long term deal, and get on with things.’† and Mike Maddaloni: ‘And I too agree – sign Samuel!’
I think it is funny (literally and figuratively) that Samuel earned about $2 million during his rookie contract and remained fairly healthy and dominated in 2006, whereas,†the oft injured Randall Gay has a $1.3 million one-year deal for 2007.†
You could say Gay’s deal is this high due to Samuel’s potential holdout, but at least we know the Jets were not willing to give up a second-round choice for Gay.
On the Boston.com Pats message boards, some fans believe the Patriots should be tougher on Samuel and others point out that it is not only 2007 season they are concerned about, but what about Ty Warren†and Vince Wilfork contracts coming up soon?† Bill & Co. think of the future not only 2007. Samuel needs to remember this.
Bill Burt, from the Daily News of Newburyport, has advice†for Asante on his opportunities. A good read and although it looks lengthy with 4 pages the last two are mainly info on the franchising and contract aspects.
To be fair Samuel has out played his rookie contract and deserves to ‘Get Paid’, but not enough to break the Patriots’ system and hinder future greatness for the team (and himself if with the team).
I believe he should play a full season proving he is a consistent†pro-bowl type player.† Pro-Bowler Nathan Vasher re-signed (in a non-contract year) to remain with the Bears.
A few (Windy City GridIron and the Boston.com) view this as sign Samuel may have to change tactics, as Vasher’s deal impacts the cornerback market.
Obviously, Samuel and his agent will need to do some thinking before the July 15th contract deadline. Bill & Scott Pioli may be considering their next steps as well.
IN BILL WE TRUST!

With all the questions surrounding cornerback Asante Samuel and his contract negotiations there are a†FEW players†the Patriots will rely on to solidify the secondary.
Third year cornerback Ellis Hobbs, selected 83rd overall in 2005,†is known as much for his potential as he is for his attitude.† Being a†five foot nine inch and 190-pounds may be considered tiny, but Hobbs can bring it to the best of them.†
Cornerback Ellis Hobbs is recovering from offseason surgery to repair the scaphoid bone in his left wrist while playing in New England’s Week Three loss to Denver.
Hobbs was limited in playing after breaking the bone†and never fully recovered during the season, but still managed to record 46 tackles and 2 interceptions while only†starting in†9†games.† Hobbs also had 10 kick-off returns averaging 36.0-yards and scoring one touchdown on a 93-yard return.
By†the time the playoffs began, Hobbs did a great job learning†to playing through†the pain and worked his way back in the starting line-up.† He had 14 solo tackles, six passes defensed and returned six kick-offs for 220-yards.†Hobbs also held Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (6ft, 200 lbs)†to 5 catches and 68-yards.† Not too bad for a short guy†with a cast on his arm.
During the offseason Hobbs again had surgery on his wrist to make sure the healing process would be complete and he would be 100% for the 2007 season.
Although he was hindered by his injury in 2006, Hobbs†believes the 2007 will be a big year for the team and expects his performance will improve compared to his first two years.
Hobbs particpated in offseason training and the recent mini-camp, but did not seem to be full strength during the mini-camp sessions.
Should Samuel and the Patriots not agree to terms, the starting line-up†for the secondary looks so far to be Hobbs and†Chad Scott at cornerback and the 2006 IR duo of Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson at safety.
In the†meantime, it looks as if the backups at cornerback may be one of a number of possible candidates: Randall Gay, Tory James, Eddie Jackson, Antwain Spann, Willie Andrews and rookie Mike Richardson all currently being signed with the team.
To be sure Samuel will be missed in 2007, especially†if Harrison, Wilson as well as Meriweather are not healthy.
Hobbs expressed his thoughts on Samuels hold out earlier this month: