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2018 Patriots/NFL offseason thread
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 9, 2018 10:43:26 GMT -5
The Patriots have over 25 million in cap space and can get 5 million more by releasing Allen. I wouldn't count out a Brady resurrected deal either. Though you'd most likely have to add years on and I wonder how he feels about that at his age. Has said he'll play through his current deal a crap load of times.
Who are you targeting that you need big money? This years free agent class sucks when it comes to DE's. Overall I struggle to find impactful players that make sense. Richard Sherman makes a ton of sense, but on a one year prove it deal. Don't see how you spend big money on a corner long-term with Gilmores deal. I like some of the Safties, but no one is really good enough to cut our current players for. The DTs are interesting, but a again not a group I want to spend big on. The LBs class is horrible overall.
I think we should have traded for Bennett, his contract was very good. I just struggle with finding players to spend Cooks 8.5 million on that can have a bigger impact than he can. As Brady gets older he'll need all the help he can get. Plus if he leaves you most likely get a 3rd round comp pick.
I want Solder back, but I'm not breaking the bank for a 30 year old tackle that has had trouble staying healthy. He'll have to want to be a Patriot, because he will get better offers. In this market where he's the top tackle by a wide margin, I think he's gone. The X factor being his sick child, that might change everything. One way or another Solder shapes our offseason.
Call me crazy, but with us already having a 1st,two seconds and a third, another second this years means little to me unless it was a high one. We stock our team with so much depth, that there just isn't room for a ton of rookies. Not when you add in the one to two undrafted guys that make the team every year. Nevermind Bills crazy system of only having a small number of guys as draftable. He's likely to draft a guy he could get in the 4th round.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 10, 2018 13:17:55 GMT -5
www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22714300/cleveland-browns-trade-danny-shelton-new-england-patriotsWe got DT Danny Shelton and 2018 5th rounder for a 2019 third round pick. Great deal. I'm assuming we get pick number 23 in 5th round and not the 1st pick of the 5th round. Browns own both. We didn't have a 5th round pick, so it helps solve a big hole. Giving us 7 total picks and one in each round besides the 7th round, with two in the 2nd round. We'll most likely get a 3rd round pick next year for Butler, we might get even more if Solder, Lewis and Burkhead also leave.
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Post by voiceofreason on Mar 10, 2018 13:38:47 GMT -5
Looks like a great deal for the Pats, peanuts for a #12 overall pick.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Mar 11, 2018 7:49:19 GMT -5
www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22714300/cleveland-browns-trade-danny-shelton-new-england-patriotsWe got DT Danny Shelton and 2018 5th rounder for a 2019 third round pick. Great deal. I'm assuming we get pick number 23 in 5th round and not the 1st pick of the 5th round. Browns own both. We didn't have a 5th round pick, so it helps solve a big hole. Giving us 7 total picks and one in each round besides the 7th round, with two in the 2nd round. We'll most likely get a 3rd round pick next year for Butler, we might get even more if Solder, Lewis and Burkhead also leave. Solder, Lewis, and Butler are definitely gone. You can put that on ink. Burkhead might be the only player they resign if he's cheap enough. I like the deal, but don't love it because of the fact that the Patriots have plenty of depth at DT. It was probably the only place on this team that they were okay with to start the off-season. The Patriots need defensive rush (defensive-ends), a corner, huge upgrades on the linebacker positions. Not to mention all the players on offense that are getting older. The Patriots are losing a ton on offense at the tackle and running back positions potentially. It's going to be almost impossible to replace Solder and Lewis on offense. |
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Post by voiceofreason on Mar 11, 2018 14:09:06 GMT -5
I doubt Solder goes anywhere unless they trade for a top end LT. Bradys backside is too important to leave at risk.
Wise had a decent first year and could have the sophomore bump that many players do and Rivers is another guy who could fill the edge need. I trust BB will make sure the holes are filled, he usually does.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 12, 2018 2:43:00 GMT -5
www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22714300/cleveland-browns-trade-danny-shelton-new-england-patriotsWe got DT Danny Shelton and 2018 5th rounder for a 2019 third round pick. Great deal. I'm assuming we get pick number 23 in 5th round and not the 1st pick of the 5th round. Browns own both. We didn't have a 5th round pick, so it helps solve a big hole. Giving us 7 total picks and one in each round besides the 7th round, with two in the 2nd round. We'll most likely get a 3rd round pick next year for Butler, we might get even more if Solder, Lewis and Burkhead also leave. Solder, Lewis, and Butler are definitely gone. You can put that on ink. Burkhead might be the only player they resign if he's cheap enough. I like the deal, but don't love it because of the fact that the Patriots have plenty of depth at DT. It was probably the only place on this team that they were okay with to start the off-season. The Patriots need defensive rush (defensive-ends), a corner, huge upgrades on the linebacker positions. Not to mention all the players on offense that are getting older. The Patriots are losing a ton on offense at the tackle and running back positions potentially. It's going to be almost impossible to replace Solder and Lewis on offense. While Brown, Butler, Guy and Valentine isn't bad, it needed both more depth and another guy that can play nose tackle. We missed Valentine in the Superbowl when they went 3-4. I look at Shelton as a younger Ted Washington, Vince Wilfork, Alan Branch type guy. You got him and an extra pick this year, for basically next years comp pick. That extra pick being huge in my eyes, as it takes away the need to trade down and acquire more picks. They will trade down at some point, it's what they do. They just have more options and ammo now. Solder is gone unless he wants to be a Patriot. They would most likely make him a nice offer, something around 9-10 million for 3-4 years. Frankly that's what he is worth. In this market though, where he's the top tackle and no one is really even close. I can see some huge mega offers coming his way. It's all up to Solder really, does he want to be a Patriot or get top dollar? Without knowing that you can't know for sure. This draft is loaded at RB, so that is the last position I worry about. We need a more physical everydown RB anyway. So I wouldn't want to bring back both Burkhead and Lewis. I'm ok with one, but not both. Not when you still have White. Nevermind with Edleman back, there just won't be that many balls to go around. The offense gets back Edleman and Mitchell. Let's say Solder leaves and you resign Flemming. Then OT is probably your #1 need. If you resign him, DE is most likely your #1 need. RB is going to be a big need. Then you really need CB, S, and LB depth. injuries killed us in the playoffs on D, no Hightower, no Valentine and no Jones who with Butler not playing was a massive loss. He was our third best CB all year, so we didn't have him or Butler. How they use Rivers will be huge also, is he a pure DE or a DE/LB combo? |
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rjp313jr
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Post by rjp313jr on Mar 12, 2018 6:31:10 GMT -5
Don’t forget, they played Flowers a lot inside too so if Shelton allows him to play more outside that helps the DE spot too.
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Post by rjp313jr on Mar 12, 2018 6:48:38 GMT -5
The two free agents I would like to see the Patriots sign are:
1. Preston Brown (Bills Linebacker). He’d be an immediate starter. It would take an investment but they need a very good linebacker badly and he’s still young and he’s super durable. He’s another guy who would allow
Hightower to move more outside and thus help their edge without being a true edge player.
2. Patrick Robinson - we need a slot corner and he was really good at that last year and should be reasonably priced.
Other targets should be:
McMinnon (RB) can replace Lewis as a run and catch back but cheaper.
Prince Amukamara or Maurice Claireborn (corners) - if they don’t sign Robinson these are two quality corners with some upside still who should be affordable.
Jimmy Graham - even is Gronk doesn’t retire and they keep Amendola and Cooks... having Graham with Gronk play the quickness of Dola and Edelman would make the red zone touchdown central. Definitely worth a go.
Adrian Clayborne or Muhammad Wilkerson could be great additions to the edge.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 12, 2018 7:39:55 GMT -5
Well Flowers only plays inside on for sure passing downs and Shelton is mainly a run stuffing DT. So I don't see that really changing.
I like Brown, but at what cost? 5-6 million a year and I'm down. I don't think he's an truly elite middle LB that deserves 7-9 million a year though. I do love the idea of getting a middle LB in free agency or the draft and having Hightower and Van Noy outside.
Didn't Jonathan Jones play in the slot last year? He really impressed me, is young, cheap, fast, and knows the system. So I'd rather get another outside guy to compete with Rowe.
Graham is an interesting guy to think about. If they can afford him he's a great fit. Just rather spend the money on a guy like Brown.
I like Clayborne, comes down to price. Like if he takes a Sheard type deal. Wilkerson is a talent, but he's a 3/4 DE or 4-3 DT isn't he? His value seems down, could be worth a shot on a one year prove it deal. He might be the most talented defensive player you have a chance at.
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Post by oilcan73 on Mar 12, 2018 10:51:19 GMT -5
I think the top priority needs to be the pass rush. We got absolutely shredded by Foles in the SB and he had way too much time to throw and be comfortable. Maybe Rivers will help, but I would like to see a guy who will scare opponents. I think they will bring back Solder and hopefully TB12 will extend out and provide them with some additional cap space for a slot CB and Burkhead. Otherwise, I am fine losing Lewis and Butler, which will give them two compensation picks in 2019. I think they can fortify the defense in the draft now that they added a 4th and 5th since the end of the season. I hope they draft a couple of MLB's with some speed and athleticism and maybe a CB or 2.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Mar 12, 2018 12:57:13 GMT -5
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Post by jimed14 on Mar 12, 2018 13:06:27 GMT -5
Darren Sproles might be a good pickup to replace Lewis if he's healthy. No clue how much he'd fetch.
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Post by rjp313jr on Mar 12, 2018 13:44:40 GMT -5
I think the top priority needs to be the pass rush. We got absolutely shredded by Foles in the SB and he had way too much time to throw and be comfortable. Maybe Rivers will help, but I would like to see a guy who will scare opponents. I think they will bring back Solder and hopefully TB12 will extend out and provide them with some additional cap space for a slot CB and Burkhead. Otherwise, I am fine losing Lewis and Butler, which will give them two compensation picks in 2019. I think they can fortify the defense in the draft now that they added a 4th and 5th since the end of the season. I hope they draft a couple of MLB's with some speed and athleticism and maybe a CB or 2. The NFL Comp pick structure doesn’t work that way. You don’t just get 3rd round picks for guys leaving. It depends on who you sign etc. guys cancel each other out and performance matters the next year. Like Bennet getting hurt and cut last year by the Packers cost the Patriots a comp pick this year. So if Lewis leaves and gets hurt or doesn’t play a lot like Vereen and Ridley before him he’s not bringing back a pick. |
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 12, 2018 18:28:45 GMT -5
Comp picks are based mainly off per year salary, then to a lesser extent playing time (% of defensive or offensive snaps) , then playoff honors but this is a very small part. Performance doesn't matter, well that is what the experts say. No one knows the exact formula, as it's never been made public.
Given we signed the guy with the highest salary in Gilmore, I'm exactly surprised we got a 4th. Bennett and his contract had to play a big part in that. He got the second biggest deal besides Ryan.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 13, 2018 13:22:52 GMT -5
DE's that I think we can afford Pernell McPhee, Denico Autry, and Williams Hayes. Guys coming off injury in Trent Murphy and Alex Okafor. Maybe an older Vet coming off a bad year like Conor Barwin or unproven upside guys like Aaron Lynch and Tank Carradine. As a former Notre Dame guy I like Lynch, he can rush the passer, but has had issues.
Tyler Eifert might be a low cost option at TE. When healthy he is an elite pass catcher.
This CB group looks deep, I'd wait out the first rush and see who is left. Look for a value signing.
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Post by ramireja on Mar 13, 2018 14:00:49 GMT -5
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 13, 2018 14:28:51 GMT -5
Hate to see him go, will be a big loss. Can't blame him for taking that deal though, 8.25 million guaranteed is a nice payday on a 2 year 12 million deal. On the flip side we now have more room to add a rookie and this draft class is loaded. We could use another young guy with Cooks and Hogan up after next year.
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Mar 13, 2018 14:45:04 GMT -5
Man, I hate to see that guy go. Thanks Danny for everything really.
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Post by philarhody on Mar 13, 2018 17:01:16 GMT -5
I really don't want to see the Patriots spend a developmental pick on a quarterback in the first few rounds. Does Jimmy G really make a difference for NE in the Super Bowl? No way.
I hope they resign Solder for reasonable money. Regardless, I expect New England to use their first two picks on an offensive tackle, a disruptive defensive lineman or possibly a linebacker, although most of the top linebackers in this draft are a little small for Belichick's taste. I would love if Rashaan Evans somehow slipped to the 41st pick.
Amendola made a bunch of big plays in a bunch of big situations. But I'm glad we didn't overpay him.
I think the same logic should apply to Dion Lewis. This draft class is stacked with talented runners. Probably the best running back class I can remember. There are 4 or 5 really gifted runners at the top, with some awesome 3rd down weapons in the middle rounds. The versatility of 3rd down backs like Ballage, Samuels, Penny, and Hines gives New England some options for added versatility if they don't draft one of the bell cows in the first couple rounds. Watching Ballage, Samuels and Hines catch the football is like watching a couple h-backs and a slot receiver. Would not be surprised at all if we see Samuels taken with the Patriots 3rd round pick if he's still on the board.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 13, 2018 17:26:18 GMT -5
Butler got 5 years 61 million, 30 million guaranteed. That's almost what Gilmore got wow. Still not as bad as Watkins getting 3 years 48 million.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 13, 2018 17:34:19 GMT -5
I really don't want to see the Patriots spend a developmental pick on a quarterback in the first few rounds. Does Jimmy G really make a difference for NE in the Super Bowl? No way. I hope they resign Solder for reasonable money. Regardless, I expect New England to use their first two picks on an offensive tackle, a disruptive defensive lineman or possibly a linebacker, although most of the top linebackers in this draft are a little small for Belichick's taste. I would love if Rashaan Evans somehow slipped to the 41st pick. Amendola made a bunch of big plays in a bunch of big situations. But I'm glad we didn't overpay him. I think the same logic should apply to Dion Lewis. This draft class is stacked with talented runners. Probably the best running back class I can remember. There are 4 or 5 really gifted runners at the top, with some awesome 3rd down weapons in the middle rounds. The versatility of 3rd down backs like Ballage, Samuels, Penny, and Hines gives New England some options for added versatility if they don't draft one of the bell cows in the first couple rounds. Watching Ballage, Samuels and Hines catch the football is like watching a couple h-backs and a slot receiver. Would not be surprised at all if we see Samuels taken with the Patriots 3rd round pick if he's still on the board. This is a great RB class, very deep. I mean Josh Adams is being rated as a 4th/5th round talent in this class. I don't know if it's better than even last years class, nevermind all time. It's very deep, but seems to lack a bunch of truly elite guys outside Barkley. |
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Post by pedrofanforever45 on Mar 13, 2018 21:04:19 GMT -5
Dion Lewis signs a 4 year 20 million dollar deal with the Titans. Again, thanks for everything big guy. I feel like crying lol. He was my favorite Patriot, outside of Brady.
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Post by umassgrad2005 on Mar 13, 2018 22:49:56 GMT -5
Lewis got 4 years 23 million, half fully guaranteed. Makes him a top 10 paid RB. Good for him. The Titans love giving ex patriots huge money.
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rjp313jr
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Post by rjp313jr on Mar 14, 2018 8:23:32 GMT -5
Comp picks are based mainly off per year salary, then to a lesser extent playing time (% of defensive or offensive snaps) , then playoff honors but this is a very small part. Performance doesn't matter, well that is what the experts say. No one knows the exact formula, as it's never been made public. Given we signed the guy with the highest salary in Gilmore, I'm exactly surprised we got a 4th. Bennett and his contract had to play a big part in that. He got the second biggest deal besides Ryan. By performance, I meant playing time. I should have said that more clearly. Guys who don’t perform don’t usually play in football but it was sloppy in my quick response. |
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Post by rjp313jr on Mar 14, 2018 8:28:04 GMT -5
Butler got 5 years 61 million, 30 million guaranteed. That's almost what Gilmore got wow. Still not as bad as Watkins getting 3 years 48 million. This free agency period has been crazy stupid so far. After last year, and the Patriots going aggressive making moves early, it’s tough to see all these guys go but it’s also a good time to remind ourselves that last year didn’t work out so well as a whole and this is typical Patriots. Sit back survey the market, pass on the stupid money even if you like the players and scoop up the good players left on value deals. |
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