2019 Patriots: Post-SB Roster Thread

Ed Hillel

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Pats will trade for someone or draft a few and be fine. Trade is preferable in this market and they have assets to use. AJ Green really does seem like a good target. Would Cincy say no to a late 2nd or a 3rd? Seems like they’d be foolish to, but sometimes teams fall in love with stars they’ve had around a while.
 

BigSoxFan

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Always wanted him. Just as I always wanted Sprowles. But when several opportunities to get the guy present themselves, and the Patriots pass, I just figure they are not really interested.
Weren’t they after him before the deadline? They seem interested but the guy will be turning 31 in August. I’m sure they’d gladly take him at their price but they also need to get younger at the position.
 

Ed Hillel

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Weren’t they after him before the deadline? They seem interested but the guy will be turning 31 in August. I’m sure they’d gladly take him at their price but they also need to get younger at the position.
The Eagles gave up a third and he kinda stunk for them overall, so glad we passed, especially since ya know, we won the SB.
 

dcmissle

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Pats will trade for someone or draft a few and be fine. Trade is preferable in this market and they have assets to use. AJ Green really does seem like a good target. Would Cincy say no to a late 2nd or a 3rd? Seems like they’d be foolish to, but sometimes teams fall in love with stars they’ve had around a while.
Trade route please. Nobody will ever confuse us with the Steelers in drafting wideouts.
 

BigSoxFan

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The Eagles gave up a third and he kinda stunk for them overall, so glad we passed, especially since ya know, we won the SB.
Ok, but the Pats were clearly interested and probably remain so up to a certain point. But at his age, you’re not going crazy with any offers.
 

RedOctober3829

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Interesting end of column by Jeff Howe. He seems to think it's too quiet at Foxboro and something big may be cooking.

4. The Patriots were indeed late entrants into the Adam Humphries sweepstakes Monday, according to a source, though the slot receiver ultimately agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract with the Titans. This was an interesting strategy, as the early word Monday was that the Pats never showed any interest in the former Buccaneer before their about-face. Why the long poker game from the Pats? Probably, given the fact that Humphries’ market heated up two weeks ago at the combine, the Patriots didn’t want other teams to know they were involved, thus driving up the price even more. After all, few external factors drive up a player’s value like interest from the Pats. And given the way the Patriots prioritize the slot position, they likely didn’t want to bend over backward for a young player entering his prime.

5. Building off the last note, it’s been quiet at Gillette Stadium by design. The Patriots are up to something, and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before they execute one of their patented, shocking-but-we-all-should’ve-seen-it-coming moves.

https://theathletic.com/864772/2019/03/12/howe-five-patriots-thoughts-on-the-eve-of-free-agencys-official-kickoff/
 

Super Nomario

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Pats will trade for someone or draft a few and be fine. Trade is preferable in this market and they have assets to use. AJ Green really does seem like a good target. Would Cincy say no to a late 2nd or a 3rd? Seems like they’d be foolish to, but sometimes teams fall in love with stars they’ve had around a while.
The Bengals aren't big traders, Green seems to like Cincy, and the Pats can't fit his $12 MM salary under the cap anyway. I don't see them playing at that end of the talent pool.

Trade route please. Nobody will ever confuse us with the Steelers in drafting wideouts.
This doesn't scare me. Draft analysis is all small sample sizes, and restricting to one position just makes a small sample smaller. I think they ought to draft a couple regardless of what they do in trade / FA. (For the record, they need to go that route, too. Even good WR often don't contribute much as rookies, and they need help now)
 

Ed Hillel

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The Bengals aren't big traders, Green seems to like Cincy, and the Pats can't fit his $12 MM salary under the cap anyway. I don't see them playing at that end of the talent pool.
They should be able to fit him under the cap if they really want him and suspend the rest of their moves until a Brady extension.
 

Super Nomario

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They should be able to fit him under the cap if they really want him and suspend the rest of their moves until a Brady extension.
It's theoretically possible, I just don't think the other cap sacrifices they'd need to make to make it work make a lot of sense or are consistent with how they operate. That would basically be the whole offseason other than minimum deals.
 

E5 Yaz

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5. Building off the last note, it’s been quiet at Gillette Stadium by design. The Patriots are up to something, and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before they execute one of their patented, shocking-but-we-all-should’ve-seen-it-coming moves.
Well, even if he's wrong, Howe has increased the likelihood that he'll generate clicks for the next few days.

Meanwhile, Leveon Bell remains unsigned
 

pappymojo

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If the Giants are rebuilding, what would it take to get Sterling Shephard? He's on the last year of his rookie contract.
 

BigSoxFan

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If the Giants are rebuilding, what would it take to get Sterling Shephard? He's on the last year of his rookie contract.
Their depth chart behind him is horrendous. I bet they keep Shepard. I’d give up a 4th for him but that wouldn’t get it done.
 

SMU_Sox

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You never want to go into the draft actually needing to draft a position to properly field a team. I’m getting antsy about the cap space. You have around 12m and draft picks and udfas cost around 1.4-1.5m (from Miguel). Ghost and Ryan Allen should be another 4-6. You need a DT or 2 and 2-3 WRs and you might have a grand total of 6m cap space to do that with.
2019 might be the year with the most young and unprovens on the roster. Derek Rivers essentially red shirted after an injur year and we know the story with most of the class last year.
I look forward to how they clear themselves out of this mess a bit. Edit: a possible TB extension might clear up 2-6m which helps.
 

BigSoxFan

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You never want to go into the draft actually needing to draft a position to properly field a team. I’m getting antsy about the cap space. You have around 12m and draft picks and udfas cost around 1.4-1.5m (from Miguel). Ghost and Ryan Allen should be another 4-6. You need a DT or 2 and 2-3 WRs and you might have a grand total of 6m cap space to do that with.
2019 might be the year with the most young and unprovens on the roster. Derek Rivers essentially red shirted after an injur year and we know the story with most of the class last year.
I look forward to how they clear themselves out of this mess a bit. Edit: a possible TB extension might clear up 2-6m which helps.
And they may need a TE...

I think the simple reality is that they’re going to have to rely on more young guys this year. Wynn will have to replace Brown. OT depth is probably coming in the draft. I want Cannon bubble wrapped.

Rivers and Wise will have to step it up at DE. Clayborn can be cut at any time to free up $4M, which I would support. He just wasn’t that good.

I have no idea what they do at WR. Clearly, they have to use some draft capital there. We obviously can’t trust Josh Gordon but his reinstatement would make me feel a lot better until the inevitable suspension.
 

Super Nomario

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You never want to go into the draft actually needing to draft a position to properly field a team. I’m getting antsy about the cap space. You have around 12m and draft picks and udfas cost around 1.4-1.5m (from Miguel). Ghost and Ryan Allen should be another 4-6. You need a DT or 2 and 2-3 WRs and you might have a grand total of 6m cap space to do that with.
And you also don't want to be flush up against the cap because stuff happens in camp and in season and you need to be able to add guys then, too. They usually want to enter the season with $6ish MM cap space. So they don't even have the full $12 MM to work with.
 

Ed Hillel

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I’d love to figure out a way for AJ Green but I’m not getting why we think hes available. .
One year left on his deal, he’ll be 31 this season, and Cincy is going nowhere most likely. Maybe it’s something the Bengals revisit at the trade deadline, but I would not at all be surprised to see him moved at some point before he’s a free agent.
And you also don't want to be flush up against the cap because stuff happens in camp and in season and you need to be able to add guys then, too. They usually want to enter the season with $6ish MM cap space. So they don't even have the full $12 MM to work with.
Sure, but they’re going to be able to free up some space with the Brady deal, probably around that 6 million number, maybe a bit more. Plus Clayborn can go and likely be replaced just fine, freeing up 3-4 million.

Also possible with a trade is an immediate extension to lower his cap hit. Not sure if Green would agree, but maybe he’s in the “veteran who wants a ring” boat.
And they may need a TE...
In which case, they’ll have 10 million more to work with. There was also Martellus teasing us yesterday with his “not much” money to get him to play with his brother Tweet, so who knows.
 
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boca

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After a one-season hiatus, Brandon Bolden is returning to the #Patriots on a 2-year deal, source said. The core special teamer and RB spent last season with the #Dolphins.
 

Harry Hooper

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With Patterson gone, Pats apparently needed Bolden to fill that "emergency starting RB" slot.
 

Shelterdog

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"core special teamer"
You're using scare quotes like that's not true. The Pats--like basically every single team--dedicate a couple of slots to special teams coverage guys every single one and Bolden is pretty good at that job. And if they find a running back out of slippery rock who can do the special teams and carry the ball a little better, I'm sure they'd be comfortable cutting Bolden.
 

DJnVa

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He's a 4th RB and a special teams guy, might as well be someone they know.
 

Super Nomario

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One year left on his deal, he’ll be 31 this season, and Cincy is going nowhere most likely. Maybe it’s something the Bengals revisit at the trade deadline, but I would not at all be surprised to see him moved at some point before he’s a free agent.

Sure, but they’re going to be able to free up some space with the Brady deal, probably around that 6 million number, maybe a bit more. Plus Clayborn can go and likely be replaced just fine, freeing up 3-4 million.
Sure, but you still need a K, a P, another WR, you probably want to bring Waddle and Jason McCourty back (or other veteran OT / CB if you don't), maybe another DL. $10 MM from Brady / Clayborn (and I don't know if they'll cut Clayborn) is going to get eaten up quick filling other needs. You add Green, and you impede your ability to do that other stuff, sign your draft picks, and keep some space in reserve.

Also possible with a trade is an immediate extension to lower his cap hit. Not sure if Green would agree, but maybe he’s in the “veteran who wants a ring” boat.
But then you're in the same situation you are with the other vets on the last year of their deal: how long do you want to extend a 31-year-old Green (who missed 7 games last year with injury and 13 over the last three)?

I get why you want to do this. I just don't see it as realistic.
 

RoDaddy

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Dos this mean Jeremy Hill is out of the mix? I would guess so given he - as far as I know - doesn't double as a special teamer like Bolden, or if he's forced too, isn't as good there as Bolden. But still, Hill looked good last year in preseason before going down with the ACL, and was the power back we didn't have all year.
 

Super Nomario

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As SN pointed out upthread, they need a 4th RB and a couple core special teamers. Bolden fills both roles and probably does so very cheaply. He made 850K last year and I can't imagine he's getting that much of a raise.
Yep, I love it. He's a perfect 4th RB for the team - he can fill either RB role (not well, but in a "break glass in case of emergency" kind of way) and he's a good STer.

It is surreal to me to see Belichick invest in ST every year, wax philosophic about how important ST play is, see the team steal a game or two on ST every year, have unprecedented success, and for people here (and elsewhere) to treat Belichick's special teams obsession as a bug rather than a feature. It's one of the reasons they win, you guys.
 

Cellar-Door

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Brandon Bolden is a very good special teams player, that's what you want most from your 4th string RB. He knows the team, works hard and is well liked in the lockerroom, that's a nice addition for under a million likely.
 

BaseballJones

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Brandon Bolden is a very good special teams player, that's what you want most from your 4th string RB. He knows the team, works hard and is well liked in the lockerroom, that's a nice addition for under a million likely.
Agreed. I don't get the angst or distaste for this move. Bolden has been pretty good for them and there's obviously a mutual comfort level there. Nothing to not like about this move, honestly. Can't have all-pros at every spot on the roster. This guy is perfect for that 4th RB, core special teams role.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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Yep, I love it. He's a perfect 4th RB for the team - he can fill either RB role (not well, but in a "break glass in case of emergency" kind of way) and he's a good STer.

It is surreal to me to see Belichick invest in ST every year, wax philosophic about how important ST play is, see the team steal a game or two on ST every year, have unprecedented success, and for people here (and elsewhere) to treat Belichick's special teams obsession as a bug rather than a feature. It's one of the reasons they win, you guys.
Agreed 100%. And doubly so in this case because Bolden is probably going to be making somewhere near the veteran minimum. BB obviously sees value in investing in ST players so if he can get that ST production at rock bottom prices, there's not much not to like.
 

DJnVa

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Agreed 100%. Especially since Bolden is probably going to be making somewhere near the veteran minimum. He'll make a couple hundred grand over the minimum amount they'll pay for this roster slot in any case.
https://nesn.com/2017/11/why-is-brandon-bolden-so-beloved-among-teammates-in-patriots-locker-room/

Say you’re asking about Brandon Bolden, however, and a hesitant look will turn into a smile, even on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s face.
“I love Brandon,” Brady began Wednesday.
Belichick on Wednesday went out of his way to call Bolden a leader.


 

DJnVa

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Just like Brady, Bolden crossed the 1000 career rushing yard mark last season.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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Why 2 years? Why not 1 and then revisit? Cap reasons?
I’m not sure about this but there may be ways to structure certain multi year vet deals to avoid them counting against the compensatory pick count. Not sure that this has anything to do with it. According to OTC as things currently stand the Bolden signing cancels out any comp pick they would receive for the Rowe free agency signing. Maybe the Patriots are trying for a loophole? Otherwise, though, without significant guaranteed money not much difference between two and one years and it’s possibly just the way to make the second year a club option.

https://overthecap.com/compensatory-draft-picks-cancellation-chart/
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Thought the coverage teams were pretty bad this year. Don't know if it was scheme or personnel or a combo of both but if he can improve the latter then, sure, why not. Of course, there's a simple fix for kickoff coverage woes.
 

sodenj5

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Bolden should send Adam Gase an Edible Arrangment. Using him as an actual RB and scoring multiple TDs feels like the most Belichick thing of all time. Makes sense why they would want him back.
 

joe dokes

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I have no idea what they do at WR Clearly, they have to use some draft capital there. We obviously can’t trust Josh Gordon but his reinstatement would make me feel a lot better until the inevitable suspension.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
Based on how last year ended, BB will go even further throwback and regularly deploy two real runners RB (Kiick/Csonka, OJ/Braxton, Garrison/Hill, Newhouse/Dorsett) and just mutilate defenses geared to stop new-fangled passing attacks. Brady will turn into Griese and play til he's 50 throwing 15 passes a game.
 

BigJimEd

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The new year doesn't even start for a few hours. Just remember that. Plenty of time.
 

Harry Hooper

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Nothing surprises me anymore.
Based on how last year ended, BB will go even further throwback and regularly deploy two real runners RB (Kiick/Csonka, OJ/Braxton, Garrison/Hill, Newhouse/Dorsett) and just mutilate defenses geared to stop new-fangled passing attacks. Brady will turn into Griese and play til he's 50 throwing 15 passes a game.
No, the secret plan is to sign Clay Matthews and convert him to play TE.
 

Granite Sox

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Bolden is more a Ramon Humber replacement, not a Jeremy Hill replacement, and he's more valuable in the locker room (not disparaging Humber as a teammate in any way).
 

DavidTai

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I’m not sure about this but there may be ways to structure certain multi year vet deals to avoid them counting against the compensatory pick count. Not sure that this has anything to do with it. According to OTC as things currently stand the Bolden signing cancels out any comp pick they would receive for the Rowe free agency signing. Maybe the Patriots are trying for a loophole? Otherwise, though, without significant guaranteed money not much difference between two and one years and it’s possibly just the way to make the second year a club option.

https://overthecap.com/compensatory-draft-picks-cancellation-chart/
If I remember, the club option means when you decline it, they become free agents -and- will count as part of your compensatory formula, as opposed to just cutting a player. So a two year contract that includes an option year basically lets you spread out the signing bonus, but will not cost you a compensatory pick if you decline the option instead of just cutting them.

See:

http://insidethepylon.com/nfl/front-office/2018/04/05/three-ways-fix-compensatory-picks/

So the structure in this case may be more about giving them a shot at picking up a low-round compensatory pick NEXT year instead...
 

KiltedFool

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BB had been going after a couple more special team types, apparently Anthony Chickillo was courted by the Pats before signing back with the Steelers for 2 years, $8M total. Backup LB and core special teamer, said the Pats offered similar. So yeah you need some guys who are primarily teams.



Jeremy FowlerESPN Staff Writer
Patriots were in on Anthony Chickillo at similar deal to what he just signed with Pittsburgh, two years for $8 million. Chickillo said it was tempting but he wanted to win with Steelers. "It's funny everybody's counting us out," Chickillo said. "You still have to play." The Steelers value Chickillo despite his 1.5 sacks last season because he's a third pass rusher who can play both spots, knows the defense well and is one of the team's hardest workers.

Trade route please. Nobody will ever confuse us with the Steelers in drafting wideouts.
heh now that's kinda funny, but it's true.