Offseason thread

[Celtics_Champs]

Patriots are surprisingly active!!

Patriots bring in LB Paris Lenon:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... _pari.html

Patriots agree on 2 year deal with Safety Brandon McGowan:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4140982

Patriots trade for TE Alex Smith from the Bucs:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... cquir.html

Patriots sign WR Joey Galloway to one year deal:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... ignin.html

Patriots re-sign Mike Wright to a 4 year deal:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/stor ... LHeadlines

Patriots agree to 1 year deal with CB Leigh Bodden:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... ree_2.html

Patriots sign LS Nathan Hodel:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... longs.html

Patriots trade for Greg Lewis
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... ots_2.html

Patriots sign Shawn Springs:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... rings.html

Patriots re-sign James Sanders
3 Year deal

Patriots sign Chris Baker
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/27/patriot ... jet-baker/

Patriots sign Fred Taylor.
ProJo and Schefter report

Leigh Bodden visiting new england today.

Schefter texted felger saying, squash any peppers rumors, ain't happening.

wow, they might not be your BIG name signings, but still. Very good players.

Very excited to see new england active.

[magicfan4life05]

Great signings thus far. Like you said, not getting the big names/overspending, but getting some nice underrated/vet players for relatively cheap.

I'm interested to see if they go out and get another WR or resign Gaffney.

[sunshinekids99]

I think Taylor still has something left, not sure Maroney is done yet...but he's getting there.

As for Baker seems like a nice backup for Watson. Always seemed to have pretty good hands and seemed like a solid vet.

[magicfan4life05]

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/27/broncos ... ey-s-hill/

Broncos add WR Gaffney

When Denver wanted reinforcements, it turned to the AFC East, the division that produced Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.

Denver signed former Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney to a four-year, $10 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed.

Pats definitely need a 3rd WR now.

Will they address this need thru draft or FA ?

[Prophet_C]

Meh Denver can have him. I'm sure we'll draft a WR

[Celtics_Champs]

I am with prophet, Gaffney was great in the 07 season, and a fav or mine. But this season, he dropped a lot of balls, probably had something to do with Cassel. I would like to see Coles or Harrison come in here for spite reasons, but drafting one is a good idea as well.

-Leigh Bodden leaves foxborough without a deal.

[STAT]

If we get Leigh Bodden, I'm more then happy with free agency, we need a corner desperately.

[sunshinekids99]

I'd like to bring in a corner, but I guess Leigh and Pats thought his value was different. Should be an interesting draft.

[Celtics_Champs]

The CB market looked a little promising, but now it has really thinned out.

It is an overused statement but, in BB I trust, ya have believe he has something in plan for Vrabels spot. Whether it is a big FA like Lewis, a trade for Peppers, or the likeliest, he he has the guy in mind he wants to draft. Otherwise I would be freaking out right now knowing Pierre woods or Tully Banta-Cain is penciled in to start in place of Vrabel.

[magicfan4life05]

Here's an interesting rumor:



http://musketfire.com/2009/02/27/cassel ... buccaneer/

Could Cassel Be The Newest Chief, or Buccaneer?

I’m still working on the details involving the “major announcement” the New England Patriots were suppose to be making this evening. At first it was to believed that Matt Cassel was headed to the Kansas City Chiefs. But hold on could Cassel be the newest Chief, or Buccaneer? It’s rumored that Cassel might be involved in the deal with Mike Vrabel going to KC. But WAIT, it could be that he’s headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers possibly in a three team deal involving the Pats, Chiefs and Bucs!

This new deal is rumored to involve the Bucs, 1st round draft pick this year (#19) and their second round pick in the 2010 draft (conditional),in exchange for Cassel. With NE sending Vrabel to KC for a draft pick, and KC getting another player. Also rumored is that TB is working details on a new contract roughly worth close to $ 30 million for four-years for Cassel.

[magicfan4life05]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... ad_pr.html

Patriots had prior visit with WR Furrey

With No. 3 receiver Jabar Gaffney signing with the Broncos in free agency, the Patriots could be seeking reinforcements. One name to keep on the radar is former Rams and Lions receiver Mike Furrey.

Furrey visited with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium prior to the start of free agency. The visit came early because Furrey was released by the Lions Feb. 9, and thus didn't have to wait until Friday to sign with another club.

[Celtics_Champs]

Furrey would be nice.

Patriots interested in Shawn Springs.

What do we do with the Cassel money?

[NES 247]

Both deals make sense. If Taylor can stay healthy the guy is still good, I think having him split carries will keep him healthy and productive all year. What does this mean for the rest of RB's? I think this is Maroney's last chance, I would like to see Morris stick around and I think Jordan and Green-Ellis will put an interesting battle in training camp is they stick around. The Pats aren't going to shoot for any long term young RB in the draft, which is fine, b/c we need to get another young LB and a Saftey or CB. Baker adds depth to a thin postion. Watson just hasn't turned out what I though he would be and David Thomas is terrible.

[STAT]

I'd like to bring in a corner, but I guess Leigh and Pats thought his value was different. Should be an interesting draft.

Last I heard, the meeting went well even though no terms were agreed, don't be surprised if Bodden has another visit to Foxboro.

[Celtics_Champs]

Looks like they are bringing in Springs for a visit tomorrow.

John Clayton reports that the patriots first move that the pats will try to get done with this cap space is to sign Wilfork to an extension. Smart move.

[sunshinekids99]

Yeah the team really needs to bring keep Wilfork. As for Shawn Springs I haven't seen him play in for awhile, but I think I'd like to see a younger option brought in.

[greenbeans]

Shawn Springs is Starks/O'Neal all over again imo.. If we're bringin in an old guy I'd like to see McCallister

[Celtics_Champs]

I would throw money McFadden's way, he always impressed me when he played for the steelers against us.

But if they go the aging veteran way, then yeah go with McCallister over Springs.

[magicfan4life05]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/p ... ers_a.html

James Sanders agrees to terms

The Patriots have agreed to terms with safety James Sanders on a three-year contract.

Sanders turned down more money elsewhere to return to the Patriots.

Sanders' agent, Steve Feldman, confirmed the agreement.

"It gives him a chance to grow and become a playmaker," Feldman said. "He stays in the same system with a championship team. They know him. He knows them. It was the right fit."

[Celtics_Champs]

Nice re-signing! I like Meriweather and Sanders at the two safety spots.

Guess that ends the delmas talk.