Second wave of free agency a Patriot tradition

The first big wave of free agent signings is over, so now comes the time where the mid-level free agents find homes and the few remaining top flight free agents get scooped up. This is the time where the Patriots traditionally do their damage in free agency. Last year was an aberration, where the Pats made big signings when free agency opened. It’s

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12 Responses to Second wave of free agency a Patriot tradition

  1. E Torres says:

    The pats free agency losses this year were huge Gaffney, Stolworth and Samuel were huge losses, without those receivers you can bet Moss and welker wont be as effective as this last failure of a season. To call Bruschi a “Core” player is laughable or sad, he is way too old and slow and should be on the roster for depth not as a starter, then again all of the pats linebackers have seen their better days pass them. Last year was an act of desperation that did not pan out. The Pats Run is OVER! Get used to it guys and get ready to lose one of those precious rings you have since you cheated when you played the Rams

  2. Matt says:

    Gaffney hasn’t left yet. Assuming the Pats work out a deal then the Pats retained their top 3 WR from the end of the year last year.
    Samuel is a big loss but the Pats always find a way to replace players when they leave.
    There was no way they were going to pay Stallworth that kind of money when his production slipped at the end of the year.
    Think before you spit out verbal diarrhea.

  3. Jamie says:

    Matt,
    You’ve gotta laugh at some of these comments. If Mr. Torres was aware, Gaffney overtook Stallworth as the #2 WR (3rd option) on the team, and dialogue remains open between Gaffney and the team.
    Also, anyone who is not a fan has no clue of the leadership Bruschi brings to this team, and he again led the team in tackles despite being “old” and “washed up.” Yes, he’s not what he used to be, but he is still effective on 1st and 2nd downs and will be invaluable showing a young LB the ropes this season.

  4. Andrew Farrar says:

    I have faith in Bill Belichick – he knows what he’s doing.

  5. Mike says:

    as belichick has shown he can work with any defense given to him , if the lb’s are old he knows when to cut them earlier then later,and i can see the cowboys trading there 2 first rounders for the number seven pick to get Mcfadden, which allows the pats to fill there major needs.

  6. Mike M says:

    By signing back the entire record setting offense, the Pats have a lot of options on defense. They can afford to bring in young defenders (like they did the year of the 2nd superbowl win) and groom them throughout the year. The offense can carry the team for the first half of the season, and the defense can round itself into shape for the playoff run. Belichick has shown the ability to get starting secondary players in the 2nd to 4th round of the draft (Samuel, Wilson, Hobbs) so I’d expect that trend to continue. I’m not saying the offense alone can carry them to the superbowl — but it can carry them to the AFC East crown and a bye in the playoffs.
    In the draft, it’s very possible that the Pats couldn’t draft a guy on offense who could even make the team (unless they go for a 1st round O-Lineman, which is unlikely). So with 4 picks in the first three rounds, and possibly more if they trade down in the 1st, I think it’s pretty reasonable to assume that the Pats will get some young players to add to the veterans on D. Although I think they will also grab a TE at some point, depending on value.

  7. Jamie says:

    Mike M,
    Great points. The offense can carry them to the playoffs but as we witnessed last season, the defense will bring home the gold. I definitely see TE in the mix, possibly 3rd round. I believe I mentioned that in a previous article, and Brad Cottam catches my eye as a target. He was also mentioned as a possiblity in the Patriots Now video at patriots.com

  8. Mike M says:

    I agree that they will take a TE at some point in the 3rd or fourth round barring something else happening in free agency. Although I think we’re looking at a blocking TE, so the names the Pats want may not match many draft boards. Thomas should be back from IR to give a second option at TE, but he’s more of a pass catcher.

  9. Mike M says:

    I think the Pats definitely get a blocking TE in the 3rd or 4th barring more free agency moves, but the name may be one we haven’t heard since most of the hype comes for pass catchers (Cottom may be the exception.) David Thomas could be back, giving a second pass catching option at TE.

  10. Mike M says:

    Sorry for the double post.

  11. Jamie says:

    A blocking TE is possible and it’s also possible that they re-sign Kyle Brady at some point. It is believed he was released because of injury and he wouldn’t pass a physical in time for mini-camps or camps.

  12. James says:

    The Patriots have done fine so far when it comes to free agency. The resigned Kelly Washington, Jabar Gaffney, Randy Moss to have 4 of there 5 recievers from last year
    they lost Asante Sameul and Randall Gay (who was not playing good) and brought it Jason Webster and Tank Williams Both good depth. Because they already have Harrison and Sanders at Safety (wilson didnt start) and Hobbs at the other corner. So they need 1 starting cornerback. Even Though i think Brandon Merriweather is ready. Hes a real good athlete. They Resighned Teddy Bruschi. And brought in T.J Slaughter for depth and LB. i wouldnt be surprised if the patriots went after Kendrell Bell, Takeo Spikes ( who i think they should get), or bring back Roosevelt Colvin for less money. i think colvin wants to be a patriot and you havent really heard him going to other teams.
    does anyone think Junior Seau will try to come back?

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