Patriots Offseason

[Geoffrey P]

I disagree about Hernandez. I think you'll see him get his contract as well...you might not see Welker around tho.

That's what I think. As good as Welker is he's about a decade older than Hernandez is, who has also lined up as a slot receiver during some games. Welker wants a multiyear deal but who knows if they're willing to spend that when they have someone who's just 22 years old and a pretty good player right now

[alwayslovetheceltics]

Ballard is an EFRA next year- or in other words, if we want him next year, we have him for cheap.
he came into the league with a rep as a crappy receive but good blocker. From what I saw with in NY, it was the opposite- crappy blocker but great hands. Interesting guy to have.

Hernandez is way to valuable to let go. he really lines up all over the place. If the choice is btw him and welker going forward, ahernz- no questions asked.

side note- lot of good comments about Davis the last couple of days. while he is an extreme long shot, having a 6'3 athletic receiver for Brady would be awesome. Also if he makes it- it would mean he had a monster offseason to beat out his competition. I am kind of hoping that he beats out Branch, and that Branch becomes a shadow roster option, much like Seau was for a couple of years. If we need him, he stays in shape and comes in a gives us a shot in the arm in november.

Lastly, i can't wait to see Solder make Mario Williams his bitch this season.

[Joselo16]

I disagree about Hernandez. I think you'll see him get his contract as well...you might not see Welker around tho.

I truly hope so, and I love Welker. It's just that his age wear and tear has to be factored in(business side of sports). Just by those two factors, Aaron is the more "valuable" player, and really can be just as dynamic as Welker, cause as someone mentioned, he is lined up everywhere on offense, and can be a threat from all areas (loved them long rushes). Amazing how some of these guys can come in and learn all these different roles in our complicated offense, while others just can't grasp one role (Gallaway, Ochocinco). Love Welker for all he has done with us, but how much can he have left in the tank as a difference maker?!

There just has to be something as to why Bill keeps looking at TE's in the off-season, though I suspect He picked up Ballard, a good TE, though injured, just as much as a way to mess with NY, as for talent, if not more for the former☺.

[FlatearthZorro]

I disagree about Hernandez. I think you'll see him get his contract as well...you might not see Welker around tho.

There just has to be something as to why Bill keeps looking at TE's in the off-season, though I suspect He picked up Ballard, a good TE, though injured, just as much as a way to mess with NY, as for talent, if not more for the former☺.

Hahah, awesome move by Bill.. Ballard is a pretty decent TE tho, I think Pats should keep him for now, as insurance if Hernandez leaves, Ballard could be pretty darn good if he rehabs properly and is back to his old shape.

[Geoffrey P]

Mankins will probably be on the PUP list at the start of the season after playing in the Super Bowl with an unknown ACL tear

Signed 3rd rounder Jake Bequette (DL) to a deal. Dont'a Hightower is the only draft pick left that has yet to sign

And on McCourty (I **** hate this guy...)
"I don't want to be Mr. Doom and Gloom, but in training camp so far I've seen him get beat deep by Brandon Lloyd, I've seen him struggling to make plays in the end zone."
http://www.patspulpit.com/2012/6/18/309 ... ks-6-18-12

[smith2373]

Just read the article from the link you posted Geoffrey, and the writer mentioned Andre Carter.

He was huge for us in the regular season last year but isn't he a free agent?

[Geoffrey P]

Yea he is. There's one roster spot left and I know that Faulk isn't signed yet, but Carter would probably be the best option if he's somewhat healthy. There's been a few articles about him being around the stadium a few weeks ago and a few mentioning Sammy Morris and how he'd like to return to the Pats.

I hope they sign Carter instead of someone like Faulk.

[Celtics_Champs]

Yeah, I love Faulk, but he needs to transition to assistant RB coach. He can't take up another roster spot this season.

[Geoffrey P]

Still haven't signed Carter. He wants a multi-year deal while the Pats want to sign him to a one year deal with the salary being close to what it was last year (somewhere around $2 m I think).
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... m-patriots


Carter STILL isn't signed yet because he wants a 3/4 year deal.
Welker and the Pats also have 12 days to sign a new contract or else he'll be stuck with the one year deal.

[Geoffrey P]

- Patriots tell Rob Gronkowski to tone down his behavior
- Andre Carter still without a contract
- Dont'a Hightower is the only one to yet sign a contract

I really don't expect Welker to be back after this year. He's still looking for a contract and they're not budging. I don't really have a problem with this if they sign someone like Hernandez to a contract because him and Gronk are still deadly and matchup nightmares.

I still think they have one roster spot left as well so I wonder who that's going to.

[Celtics_Champs]

fail to reach agreement. Oh well...

pumped for training camp

[smith2373]

Pats cut Joseph Addai.

Guessing either Ridley or Woodhead will be our starting RB.

[Geoffrey P]

Wow if every news report is right about Addai "quitting" during his conditioning test then that's **** up. You have one of the best chances to go to the Superbowl and win a **** ring and you can't go through a conditioning test!?!