Pats FA Watch: LGBT Back on a 1-year Deal

[DJnVa]

Can someone with some knowledge offer some suggestions on available upgrades at the offensive line? From the link below, I see the following RFA linemen but I have no idea who is worthy of pursuit.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000626207/article/2016-nfl-restricted-free-agents


[URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/greenbaypackers/profile?team=GB'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/sandiegochargers/profile?team=SD'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/player/laadrianwaddle/2539324/profile']LaAdrian Waddle, OL, New England Patriots[/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL]

[URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/greenbaypackers/profile?team=GB'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/sandiegochargers/profile?team=SD'][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL]
[URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/greenbaypackers/profile?team=GB'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI'][URL='http://www.nfl.com/teams/sandiegochargers/profile?team=SD']

Waddle is back--2 year deal.[/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL][/URL]

 

[soxhop411]

“@caplannfl: Two more visits for #Patriots today: RB James Starks and TE Clay Harbor.”

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Attention @SeoulSoxFan


Belichick compared Harbor to Oakland FB Marcel Reece. Motioned a lot. Used in a lot of different spots in the Jaguars offense.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I like the idea of James Starks if nothing else bigger pans out. He had 43 catches to go along with 600 yards rushing last season.

 

[CoffeeNerdness]

Rod Streater visiting>
http://nesn.com/2016/03/report-patriots-hosting-receiver-rod-streater-on-free-agent-visit/

 

[soxhop411]

“@RapSheet: More RFA fun: The #Patriots are believed to be preparing an offer sheet for #Bills WR Chris Hogan, source said.”

 

[j44thor]

Shockingly Chris Hogan had his best, really only strong outing against NE last year.
6 catches 95yds. Only had one other game with 6 catches and never broke 60yards all season besides that game. Hopefully not Chandler 2.0.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

The Bills are pretty tight against the cap, right? Seems like it wouldn't take much to make this an untenable match for them.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Mod Note: breaking out the Chris Hogan offer/signing.

 

[GregHarris]

What happened to Rod Streeter's 2014 and 2015? Injury?

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

What happened to Rod Streeter's 2014 and 2015? Injury?

Foot injuries

 

[RedOctober3829]

Mark Daniels ‏@MarkDanielsPJ 27s27 seconds ago
Patriots are showing interest in DE Chris Long, per source. He had three sacks last season in St. Louis.

 

[Stitch01]

Not sure where to put it, but Pats getting a 3rd (2nd comp third behind Detroit) and three 6ths as comp picks

 

[E5 Yaz]

Laurinaitis either has visited or will visit with Pats

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4791060/james-laurinaitis-includes-patriots-among-his-visits-list

 

[RedOctober3829]

Laurinaitis either has visited or will visit with Pats

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4791060/james-laurinaitis-includes-patriots-among-his-visits-list

Love that the "scoop" comes from his father.

 

[moondog80]

Love that the "scoop" comes from his father.

He's long had a rep of being an over-involved, pain-in-the-ass dad. Guess he's needed something to occupy his time ever since Hawk died.

 

[RedOctober3829]

He's long had a rep of being an over-involved, pain-in-the-ass dad. Guess he's needed something to occupy his time ever since Hawk died.

So you're pretty much describing any father in youth sports. Guess he never outgrew it.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

He's long had a rep of being an over-involved, pain-in-the-ass dad. Guess he's needed something to occupy his time ever since Hawk died.

This would be a really good signing to replace Mayo. He's not what he was a few years back but still could be a solid contributor. Same with Chris Long.

Also the LOD did have the best theme growing up. Maybe play it everytime James gets a sack?

 

[moondog80]

So you're pretty much describing any father in youth sports. Guess he never outgrew it.

I remember reading that they hated him at Ohio State.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I remember reading that they hated him at Ohio State.

Helicopter parents still exist at the highest level of athletics and it's pretty bad. It's not surprising to see that.

 

[E5 Yaz]

trey wingo ‏@wingoz 50m50 minutes ago
Filed to ESPN: Free agent Chris Long will visit and workout for The Patriots on Monday

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

Anyone have interest in Arian Foster?

 

[BaseballJones]

Anyone have interest in Arian Foster?

I don't see why bringing him in for a look-see would be a bad idea. When healthy, he's obviously very good.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Anyone have interest in Arian Foster?

Foster's achilles injury means he won't sign with anyone until much later. Teams need to see progress and even then he'll have to take a "prove it" deal. Still wouldn't rule out Pats giving him a "look-see", but certainly won't expect it anytime soon.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

trey wingo ‏@wingoz 50m50 minutes ago
Filed to ESPN: Free agent Chris Long will visit and workout for The Patriots on Monday

Long should be "long" past the knee injury he suffered in 2015. He missed games 6-9, but played all the subsequent games. His low # of tackles (9, 33 in 2013) scares me more than the lack of sacks (3, 8.5 in 2013).

However, can't imagine his market would be that strong, and would love to see him as a rotational DE on short money.

Edit: Wouldn't mind seeing LGBT back instead.

 

[RedOctober3829]

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Is Ed Bouchette in any way a credible source for scoops like this? I mean, it'd be a huge win for the Pats but...

 

[BigSoxFan]

Signing a 31 year-old safety from the Chargers? When has that ever worked?

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Weddle is in town:

@MarkDanielsPJ Looks like Eric Weddle and Chris Long could be visiting on the same day.

@NFLDraftInsider I am told by a Patriot's employee that Safety Eric Weddle is visiting with the #Patriots in Foxboro today.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

Mod note: thread title changed to better reflect where we are in the FA season. Also moved the Weddle talk from general FA thread to here.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Is Ed Bouchette in any way a credible source for scoops like this? I mean, it'd be a huge win for the Pats but...

Ed Bouchette is one of the most respected football writers in the business.

 

[Super Nomario]

I don't get this Weddle thing at all. He's a great player and maybe he'll come at value, but all the scenarios that involve getting another safety on the field a lot seem pretty incoherent to me. Who's coming off the field in 3 WR sets? Are they going to play McCourty or Chung essentially at slot CB most of the time?

 

[Ed Hillel]

Who's coming off the field in 3 WR sets?

Not sure about 3 WR sets, but BB could potentially use one of Chung/Weddle in Freeny's role. They could give up a bit of size for speed, as well as coverage and ball skill, especially given the tackling skills of Chung/Weddle. This is going to have to be a value deal, though, I agree.

 

[E5 Yaz]

I don't get this Weddle thing at all. He's a great player and maybe he'll come at value, but all the scenarios that involve getting another safety on the field a lot seem pretty incoherent to me. Who's coming off the field in 3 WR sets? Are they going to play McCourty or Chung essentially at slot CB most of the time?

That's where my thoughts went first, which means they'll do something 100% in the opposite direction

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

I don't get this Weddle thing at all. He's a great player and maybe he'll come at value, but all the scenarios that involve getting another safety on the field a lot seem pretty incoherent to me. Who's coming off the field in 3 WR sets? Are they going to play McCourty or Chung essentially at slot CB most of the time?

I was just about to ask the same thing. Contract wise, you do save some money if they released either Chung or Harmon, but getting rid of either don't seem to make a lot of sense either:

• Chung: 2nd year of a 3-year deal ($2.39m cap hit / $1.6m dead cap)
• Harmon: final year of his rookie deal ($1.8m cap hit / $139k dead cap)

Chung will most likely be gone next year (or restructured), as he's scheduled to have $2.8m in cap hit vs only $800k in dead money.

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I don't get this Weddle thing at all. He's a great player and maybe he'll come at value, but all the scenarios that involve getting another safety on the field a lot seem pretty incoherent to me. Who's coming off the field in 3 WR sets? Are they going to play McCourty or Chung essentially at slot CB most of the time?

He's never played strong safety but maybe the Pats are trying a new approach in the backfield? Maybe some sets where McCourty sees time at CB? No clue. But you can never have too many good players.

 

[Super Nomario]

Maybe Jonathan Freeny? BB could give up a bit of size for speed, especially given the tackling skills of Chung/Weddle. This is going to have to be a value deal, though, I agree.

I assume if you sign Weddle, you're playing a base package of "big nickel" with Weddle / McCourty / Chung on the field basically at all times, so Freeny's already off. If the opponent brings on a 3rd WR, are you moving McCourty or Chung to CB to defend the slot WR, or are you taking someone off to bring on a 3rd CB?

 

[Ed Hillel]

Chung will most likely be gone next year (or restructured), as he's scheduled to have $2.8m in cap hit vs only $800k in dead money.

You think losing Chung is worth a little more than 1 percent of the salary cap? He would have to really deteroirate not to be worth his contract next year. He might have to lose a leg or die.

 

[SeoulSoxFan]

You think losing Chung is worth a little more than 1 percent of the salary cap? He would have to really deteroirate not to be worth his contract next year. He might have to lose a leg or die.

If Weddle is on the roster, couldn't you see Chung being asked to restructure, even at him making "only" $2.4m?

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I always liked Weddle, but he and McCourty feel redundant. I'll wait until they bring him into the fold, but after seeing a decent chunk of 3 safety last year, I wonder if this is the new "market inefficiency" that BB wants to focus on ala tight end.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I always liked Weddle, but he and McCourty feel redundant. I'll wait until they bring him into the fold, but after seeing a decent chunk of 3 safety last year, I wonder if this is the new "market inefficiency" that BB wants to focus on ala tight end.

I mentioned the possibility of Weddle before FA started. You could use DMC in a more roving role than he already has. He could be in that Revis or Ed Reed type of role where he is used differently week-to-week depending on the strengths of the opponent. It'd be a luxury to have a safety like Weddle in the back end while DMC can roam around and be a ball hawk moreso than he already is. Chung could be freed up to solely play in the box.

 

[RedOctober3829]

Just as we get excited about Weddle, Curran says he's not in NE today as of yet.

Tom E. Curran ‏@tomecurran 9s10 seconds ago
While he surely could visit at some point, Eric Weddle is not in Foxboro today to meet with Patriots

 

[E5 Yaz]

Maybe he's in Boston

 

[RedOctober3829]

Nope. He's a Raven.

 

[TheoShmeo]

Assuming Weddle is going to eventually visit with the Pats, I don't think this is all that difficult. Depth and versatility. The Pats value those things tremendously, and for good reason.

Chung plays in the box in a LB type role much of the time, injuries happen and any of McCourty, Weddle and Chung can cover TEs and the slot WR.

Playing five or six DBs is relatively commonplace, and having Weddle as one of the top 5-6 DBs on the team, regardless of the positions, sounds like good thing from my perspective.

Edit: Paging Emily Litella. That kind of sucks.

 

[Super Nomario]

I mentioned the possibility of Weddle before FA started. You could use DMC in a more roving role than he already has. He could be in that Revis or Ed Reed type of role where he is used differently week-to-week depending on the strengths of the opponent. It'd be a luxury to have a safety like Weddle in the back end while DMC can roam around and be a ball hawk moreso than he already is. Chung could be freed up to solely play in the box.

Do we want McCourty in more of a roving role? It seems like he's at his best taking away the deep middle as a FS.

Sounds like Weddle is signing with Baltimore, FWIW.

 

[jsinger121]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 2m2 minutes ago
Ravens gave former Chargers S Eric Weddle a 4-year, $26 million deal, including $13 million in first two years, per source.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

Safe to say Pats weren't going to be in that neighborhood contract-wise

 

[moondog80]

Safe to say Pats weren't going to be in that neighborhood contract-wise

Yeah. Can't blame him though, I wouldn't be in "just want a ring mode" if I could still command that kind of deal.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

So, Weddle's reps leak to a connected Pittsburgh writer that he is likely going to land in N.E and the Ravens throw in an extra mill to get the job done? Workable theory?