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

dbn

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First of all, fcuk this thread for being started in January.

This is pretty simple. This roster has few holes (other than perhaps O-line depth) at the moment, and few key 2016 free agents. In 2017, nearly their entire starting defense becomes UFAs. Clearly, the priority this off-season is to extend those 2017 FA guys.

Per spotrac:

2016 FAs:
Ryan Wendell, UFA
Tarell Brown, UFA
Tavon Wilson, UFA
Akeem Hicks, UFA
LaGarrette Blount, UFA
Nate Ebner, UFA
Brandon Gibson, UFA
James Develin, RFA
Seaver Siliga, RFA
Dane Fletcher, UFA
Justin Coleman, ERFA
Rufus Johnson, ERFA
Brian Tyms, RFA
Cameron Fleming, ERFA
Brandon King, ERFA
LaAdrian Waddle, RFA
Steven Jackson, UFA
Dekoda Watson, UFA

2017 FAs:
Chandler Jones, UFA
Dont’a Hightower, UFA
Jamaal Sheard, UFA
Sebastian Vollmer, UFA
Marcus Turnstile, UFA
Rob Ninkovich, UFA
Brandon LaFell, UFA
Scott Chandler, UFA
Alan Branch, UFA
Matthew Slater, UFA
Jonathan Freeny, UFA
Brandon Bolden, UFA
Jamie Collins, UFA
Aaron Dobson, UFA
Jon Bostic, UFA
Logan Ryan, UFA
Duran Harmon, UFA
Leonard Johnson, UFA
Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, UFA
Eric Martin, UFA
Chris Jones, UFA
Darius Fleming, UFA
Malcolm Butler, RFA (edit to correct to RFA, not UFA)
Michael Williams, ERFA
Chris Harper, ERFA
James Vaughters, ERFA
 
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jsinger121

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Out of the 2016 list the only ones i'd bring back are Hicks as a UFA, maybe Gibson on the cheap, all the RFA's and the ERFA's.
 

dbn

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Agreed. That 2017 list is scary, though. I think the focus needs to be to try to Pedroia as many of the key 2017 FAs as possible this offseason.
 

Seels

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Haven't had a north south runner at RB that you can depend on for a few years.
I don't think OL is as big a need unless you don't see 1st and 2nd year players developing, but rotational guys and depth surely is.
TE is an obvious need. Fire Chandler out of a cannon, and find someone that can actually catch more than 10% of the balls that go his way.

Cut Chandler Cannon Lafell, see what the market is for Jones, and try to see if you can get some actual offense depth.
 

jsinger121

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I should throw a second TE on this list as well cause Scott Chandler was brutal this year. They need a Corey Dillon back to eat through defenses.
 

Dollar

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I should throw a second TE on this list as well cause Scott Chandler was brutal this year. They need a Corey Dillon back to eat through defenses.
Matt Forte could be coming available this offseason, and he'd be a perfect fit in my opinion.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Yeah, best way to get the nasty taste out of your mouth is to start the new (off-)season.

This Patriots team, especially the defense, is one of the youngest in the league. Even with the cap going up, NE will have every starter under contract:
@patscap Reminder that every starter is signed for the 2016 season. Plus, we will get back from IR - Nate Solder, Dion Lewis, Easley, Flowers
Surely/hopefully gone:
  • Blount: UFA
  • Chandler: $3.05m cap hit, $1m dead cap
  • Mayo: $10.5m cap hit, $1m dead cap
  • LaFell: $3.7m cap hit, $1m dead cap
Quick wish list:
  • Keep Akiem Hicks, who's a UFA
  • Replace Blount with... shall I dream of Lynch if cut by Seattle?*
  • Replace LaFell with.. oh what the hell go get Megatron if cut by Detroit, and negotiate a Moss-like deal*
  • Shore up depth on the OL, especially at the tackle
  • Restructure Solder (currently at $11.2m cap hit with $4.2m dead cap)
  • Take flyers on future contracts to someone like WR Griff Whalen (former Colt, of the botched punt fame)
  • Extend both HT & Collins (yes, there'll be room)
  • Do not extend Chandler Jones (no, there won't be room)
In 2016, the young D will even get better. Hopefully OL will too. I'm worried Edelman & Amendola will regress, but hopefully Brady won't need to score as many points.

Much tougher schedule in 2016. Jets are a thread again, but Buffalo & Miami aren't quite ready to make the leap.

Today is a great day to start 2016.

* Spoonful of sugar
 
Nov 24, 2015
21
I am concerned with the wide receivers. Outside of Edleman and amendola, there really isn't much. Cut Lafell who wasnt heard from today, should be gone with the $1m hit and find someone who can be a flanker. Slot receiver is covered. The Pats need a big guy to go run a deep post route. Other than that, find some strong OL strength and the team will be good. Biggest concern is depth in my opinion.
 

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T&A
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Saying OL is too broad. They have invested a lot in young players at G and C. It's fair to assume continued growth from the young interior players. But tackle is a huge need. Even with Solder returning and Vollmer moving back to the right side. The tackle depth is below replacement level and injuries have to be expected. As well as planning for what comes next after Vollmer and Solder.

But as much as they need depth at tackle I think the offense needs someone who can threaten the 2nd level of a defense. Like LaFell did in 2014. Either a bigger WR or a move TE. Someone that can run the intermediate routes.
 
Yeah, best way to get the nasty taste out of your mouth is to start the new (off-)season.

This Patriots team, especially the defense, is one of the youngest in the league. Even with the cap going up, NE will have every starter under contract:
Surely/hopefully gone:
  • Blount: UFA
  • Chandler: $3.05m cap hit, $1m dead cap
  • Mayo: $10.5m cap hit, $1m dead cap
  • LaFell: $3.7m cap hit, $1m dead cap
Quick wish list:
  • Keep Akiem Hicks, who's a UFA
  • Replace Blount with... shall I dream of Lynch if cut by Seattle?*
  • Replace LaFell with.. oh what the hell go get Megatron if cut by Detroit, and negotiate a Moss-like deal*
  • Shore up depth on the OL, especially at the tackle
  • Restructure Solder (currently at $11.2m cap hit with $4.2m dead cap)
  • Take flyers on future contracts to someone like WR Griff Whalen (former Colt, of the botched punt fame)
  • Extend both HT & Collins (yes, there'll be room)
  • Do not extend Chandler Jones (no, there won't be room)
In 2016, the young D will even get better. Hopefully OL will too. I'm worried Edelman & Amendola will regress, but hopefully Brady won't need to score as many points.

Much tougher schedule in 2016. Jets are a thread again, but Buffalo & Miami aren't quite ready to make the leap.

Today is a great day to start 2016.

* Spoonful of sugar
Johnson is a pipe dream but I want a big, physical receiver not named Gronk who can occasionally win one on one battles deep or near the sidelines.
 

Dollar

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Johnson is a pipe dream but I want a big, physical receiver not named Gronk who can occasionally win one on one battles deep or near the sidelines.
Luckily we already have him.



(just kidding, but it would be great if Tyms could turn into a real deep threat)
 

MuppetAsteriskTalk

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Haven't had a north south runner at RB that you can depend on for a few years.
I don't think OL is as big a need unless you don't see 1st and 2nd year players developing, but rotational guys and depth surely is.
TE is an obvious need. Fire Chandler out of a cannon, and find someone that can actually catch more than 10% of the balls that go his way.

Cut Chandler Cannon Lafell, see what the market is for Jones, and try to see if you can get some actual offense depth.
I was thinking about who might be cut and these are the exact 3 names I came up with.

Forgot Mayo until someone else mentioned him.
 
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riboflav

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No, last year was DL and they addressed that pretty well. This year is OL, RB and WR.
I don't which game you watched today but even after trying to address OL in the draft last year, they still sucked today. They need OL. Brady is not Brady without an average OL.
 

dcmissle

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Reasonable health. Just League average.

O-line. Cannot count on development of young-ins alone.
 
Nov 24, 2015
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Unfortunately, end of the 2nd round is as high as we get.
Yeah after this weekend, I am definitely feeling the wrath of Douche Roger Godell 1st is going to be felt less on an impact position more on the trenches. The pats have always done well in that area and losing the 29th pick is brutal, even with a young team. They need the depth and that is the impact of DFG.
And that freaking sucks
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Luckily we already have him. (just kidding, but it would be great if Tyms could turn into a real deep threat)
I love Tyms but he's squarely on the bubble. Here are two intriguing names on the FA list:
  • Alshon Jeffrey: if you want someone to get those deep throws, here's your man
  • Anquan Boldin: your annual will-he-retire or will-he-stick old-man WR signing
As for RBs:
  • Matt Forte: manage his carries, and he'll be the do-everything back you need. Imagine Forte with Lewis as a 1-2 punch
  • Doug Martin: ditch LBGT, get a newer, and better, Bucs RB
  • Chris Ivory: pay him like he'll give you 10 solid games. Rest is bonus
As for OL help, folks like Andrew Smith & Cod Glenn will most likely be vastly overpaid.
 

Three10toLeft

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We really need to shore up the offensive line. But we also need a RB that can be counted on for 1000 yards running yards. Whether that's found through the draft or otherwise.

We have a defense in place for one last run with this core group, but then we might start losing pieces. Dion Lewis was a stud for the first few weeks, but considering his history with injuries; we can't really count on him for more than a handful of games next year. Anything else he provides would be gravy.

Brady will be 39 next August. You cannot continue to put this amount of pressure on him and expect better results then we got this year.
 
Nov 24, 2015
21
We really need to shore up the offensive line. But we also need a RB that can be counted on for 1000 yards running yards. Whether that's found through the draft or otherwise.

We have a defense in place for one last run with this core group, but then we might start losing pieces. Dion Lewis was a stud for the first few weeks, but considering his history with injuries; we can't really count on him for more than a handful of games next year. Anything else he provides would be gravy.

Brady will be 39 next August. You cannot continue to put this amount of pressure on him and expect better results then we got this year.
I agree here. I do wonder if one RB is enough. Given that we won't draft till ~60 then depth moreso than talent may be the way to go. Give Lewis and one or two other strong performers may be the way to go via to draft. Then get a WR in free agency.
 

H78

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I'm worried we're now in "gambling Brady is going to be good next year" mode. One of these years he's going to fall off. We need to protect him so today's beating doesn't ever happen to him again.

Cannon needs to GO. He's one of the worst OL I think I've seen in my life. LaFell, gone as well. Let's get a proven threat outside to help make Brady's ride off into the sunset a little easier on the guy.
 

DegenerateSoxFan

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I don't which game you watched today but even after trying to address OL in the draft last year, they still sucked today. They need OL. Brady is not Brady without an average OL.
Which is why I hate Goodell even more than ever if that's possible after the DFG mess. They picked up a good DT at the bottom of round one last April, and they won't have the chance to get a decent OT in that range this April. Seriously, fuck that peter-principle-exemplifying shitweasel right in the ear.
 
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Can we just pretend that we saw Malcom Brown falling and decided to be aggressive and trade up, using our 2016 #1 pick to get there? I'd feel so much better. I'll hang up and listen.
 

Three10toLeft

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I don't see BB ever doing this.

But, man... How much longer does this team have with Brady and BB leading the way?

If their was ever an offseason to kick the can down the line and mortgage the future, this would be it. Sign some guys to help this team ride off into the sunset the next couple years and just blow it up afterward. I don't care how much longer Tommy says he plans on playing, these next two years are all we've got. Father Time is unbeaten, and Brady is not Superman.
 

j44thor

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Not a weakness but I'd love Malik Jackson in NE. Rare interior lineman who can play pass and run effectively.
Edge rushers get the $$ but guys that can collapse the pocket are just as valuable.
He is what we hoped Easley would be but who knows if he will ever be anything but injured.
 

Saints Rest

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OT is partially resolved by the return of Solder to LT which puts Vollmer back as arguably the best RT in the game (top 5 for sure). But a new 3rd Tackle would be nice.

I'd love to see them find the on-the-field version of Hernandez. End of the second round could be the ideal place to find him.
 

PedroKsBambino

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They need to improve tackle depth---and they have to assess whether that can be internal or not. I'm not optimistic, but one way or another they need three quality tackles on the roster and they didn't have them this year.

I agree on the second TE spot. Chandler had moments, but they didn't seem to trust him (certainly part of that is his slippery hands) and it reduced their flexibility in games like today.

I'd put WR on there as well; such a struggle to get guys who can contribute for them outside, and the search continues unless LaFell has been hurt and they feel he'll be useful again next year.

It's pretty impressive how well set up they are for next year, really.
 

j44thor

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Hire whoever scouts WRs for PIT. Their 4th WR this year is probably better than anyone besides Edelman for NE.
 

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He's the anti-Patriot. Although I guess to some extent so was Dillon.
Why do you say that? His teammates rave about his attitude in the locker room and his toughness. He doesn't say dumb things to the media (he just says nothing). After the super bowl decision he came out and said right away that they win or lose as a team.

I question if he has anything left in the tank due to age and injury but he seems like the prototype of what you want on your team. The media hates him but the most football media members would have starved to death years ago if they weren't born in America.
 

speedracer

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Seems like the requirement to master the Patriots' passing schemes filters out a lot of WR candidates. Probably better to invest raw resources ($/draft position) into OL rather than WR.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Captaincoop

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Why do you say that? His teammates rave about his attitude in the locker room and his toughness. He doesn't say dumb things to the media (he just says nothing). After the super bowl decision he came out and said right away that they win or lose as a team.

I question if he has anything left in the tank due to age and injury but he seems like the prototype of what you want on your team. The media hates him but the most football media members would have starved to death years ago if they weren't born in America.
He has reportedly stood in the huddle giving the middle finger to the coaches on the sideline because they called a pass on 3rd and short. He also badmouthed the hell out of Carroll for not handing off to him on that last play in the SB.

Anecdotal stuff. And present for Dillon too, back in 2004. So maybe no big deal.
 

Jettisoned

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I don't which game you watched today but even after trying to address OL in the draft last year, they still sucked today. They need OL. Brady is not Brady without an average OL.
O-Line didn't even look average today. I know they were playing a really good defense but Vollmer and Cannon were beaten like the two-headed red haired stepchild of a rented mule.
 

shoosh77

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Backup tackle
WR that can truly play on the outside and help Gronk in the red zone (Jeffrey pipe dream)
CB project (freak athlete type like Collins) that they can try to coach up
Health
And maybe we can coordinate a #returnthepicks campaign the week or month before the draft.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

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In addition to the obvious problems with the OL, one of the big problems today was that our offense was incredibly predictable from a personnel standpoint. We're a team that was once famous for constantly shifting personnel and formations in order to keep the defense guessing and adjusting. Today we began the game with 2 TEs but quickly afterward it was just 11 personnel on the field almost every play, with some variation on who the RB was and a little rotation at WR.

We need to get back to being a team that can beat you with 2 TEs on the field, that can line up with 2 backs on the field, that can go 4 wide at times, etc. And that basically means improving the quality of our offense skill position players at the back end of the roster. Chandler was a huge bust this year. We could use a better two way TE or at least an interesting H-back type that could line up out wide, line up at FB at times, etc. Lafell was really a massive disappointment this year as well and a total non-factor in this game. One thing that killed us is that Lafell often lined up wide and Denver covered him with one CB (often Talib) and no help over the top. That allowed their FS to focus on the other half of the field or to play the top half of a double team on somebody else. Given that Denver never needed to bring more than four to get pressure, we're essentially sending four guys into patterns against six defenders all day on 2/3 of the field and that's just a terrible formula.
 

twibnotes

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Lot of awesome posts in here - nice to be thinking about the future after a very tough loss.

I don't have much to add about specific positions, but I'll say this: I hope BB is willing to "go for it" this offseason. Window is closing, and this is a team that can win it all. Pay what it takes to get OT depth, and if you can get a game changer like Jeffery, find a way to get it done. NE is still an attractive destination for guys who want rings - win now.
 
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BigSoxFan

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I'll second the GFIN mentality. Give Brady everything he needs to get a shot at #5. While OL is certainly a need, I'd like to see another quality DB brought in. It's a passing league and we really only had 2 good corners and some games down the stretch really only 1. Blount served his purpose well but similar to Antowain Smith's final year, I think we need a little more back there. Like the pass catching depth we have now at RB with Lewis and White. Just need that early down back.
 

Section15Box113

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Here are my priorities:
(1) Youth at OT
(2) Between-the-tackle RB
(3) Youth at DE (Jones' uncertain long-term status and Nink is 31)
(4) LaFell upgrade
(5) Second receiving TE
(6) CB depth (depending on opinions of Roberts, Coleman)

UFA priorities:
- Keep Hicks, Ebner
- See what Blount & Siliga are seeking, keep if reasonable
- Goodbye to Wendell, Jackson, Gibson, Fletcher, Wilson, T.Brown

RFA: Tyms & Develin could stay, not sold on Waddle

ERFA: Coleman, Rufus, C.Fleming, Snyder
 
Apr 7, 2006
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We drafted some youth at DE last year - Grissom, Flowers - I think quality vet CB is a bigger priority, ditto for TE and outside WR help. RB we can find. Would love to steal Ivory from the jets.