BOSTON SPORTS CHICK
  • BLOG
  • DEFLATEGATE
  • GUEST BLOGS
  • GENERAL SPORTS/HOT TOPICS

WHAT TO DO WITH THE PATRIOTS' FREE AGENTS

2/17/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Two weeks removed from a Super Bowl victory, it's time to think about next year's team.  After signing nine players to future/reserve contracts, the Patriots have 15 free agents.  While some people are including Darrelle Revis into the mix of free agents, I'm not including him in this as he is under contract with New England for another year if they are willing to pay.

DEVIN MCCOURTY- (safety) Of the free agents, I think Devin McCourty is the most important puzzle piece.  Besides being a completely likable person, he is a great player.  In his 5 years in a Patriots uniform he has 18 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and over 400 tackles.  Back in 2012 when he was frequently returning kickoffs he took one 104 yards for a score.  Personally, I'd like to see him get a long term deal sooner than later.  Worst case I think the Patriots should use the franchise tag in order to make the numbers work.

JONATHAN CASILLAS - (linebacker) I haven't really gotten attached to Jonathan Casillas and don't think the Patriots will miss him.  The role he played on the Patriots could be filled by a younger player who will make half of his salary. 

AKEEM AYERS- (outside linebacker/defensive end) As a mid-season pickup via a trade with the Titans, Akeem Ayers positively impacted the team and genuinely appreciated the opportunity to play for a winner.  Assuming he isn't expecting an unrealistic contract, keeping an athletic 6'3" 25 year-old pass rusher around for another year or two is never a bad thing.  With an offseason in the Patriots' system he could reach his potential on the field next year.

SHANE VEREEN- (running back) I want Shane Vereen back in a Patriots uniform and think the Patriots will re-sign him.  Vereen is not your typical running back and is integral to the Patriots' offense.  He is a first down waiting to happen. 

Picture
Shane Vereen reaches out to make a catch.
STEVAN RIDLEY- (running back) Talk about having an injury at the wrong time.  Stevan Ridley started the season so strong and was doing a great job holding onto the ball.  Now he'll likely be without a team until after the draft unless he is willing to sign for peanuts.  I don't see the Patriots bringing him back unless he's available next fall and the Patriots have another running back go down to injury.

CHRIS WHITE- (inside linebacker) Primarily a special teams player, I don't see the need for the Patriots making him an offer.  

DANNY AIKEN- (long snapper) After Aiken had enough struggles this season for the Patriots to bring Charley Hughlett back to the practice squad after Thanksgiving, I'm thinking Danny Aiken's days in a Patriots uniform are over.  It is worth noting that one of the best long snappers in the college game is Naval Academy graduate Joe Cardona.

BRIAN TYMS- (wide receiver) With only two years under his belt, Tyms is an exclusive rights free agent.  According to Miguel Benzan, Brian Tyms can be signed by the Patriots for a mere $585,000 cap number.  I think the Patriots will bring him back and should.  After scoring two touchdowns in the preseason (9 catches for 163 yards), Tyms missed the first four weeks of the regular season when he had to serve a 4 game suspension for taking Adderall.  In his first game back he had his lone regular season touchdown on his longest reception of the season (43 yards).  Although he didn't make that much of a splash during the season, I think his attitude and athletic ability will give him another season in New England. 
   
Picture
Brian Tyms gets the fans into a preseason game.

JAMES DEVELIN- (fullback)- He's a role player who "does his job" and a few things that might not be in his job description.  Brady thinks he's the best fullback in the league.  James Develin doesn't get paid much, is an exclusive rights free agent and should return.

GREG ORTON- (wide receiver) If healthy he would be cheap labor.  Was on the IR all of last season.  Most of his professional football experience is from the arena league.  He was on the Broncos' practice squad before coming to the Patriots.  I don't think Patriots have a need for the 28 year old.

SEALVER SILIGA- (defensive tackle)- Played hurt and well at the end of the season.  Sealver Siliga just underwent surgery on his foot.  Patriots will bring him back.

JAMES MORRIS- (inside linebacker)- Another player who was on injured reserve for the season.  James Morris played his college ball in Iowa and recorded 107 tackles, 8 sacks and 4 interceptions his senior year.  I say he's a keeper.

STEPHEN GOSTKOWKSI- (kicker) Patriots should try and re-sign him to a multi-year deal.  If they can't come to agreements and don't have to use the franchise tag on McCourty then they should use it on Stephen Gostkowski .  While Gostkowski is the man, there are several up and coming kickers with big legs who are stewing in college right now.

DAN CONNOLLY- (guard) If Dan Connolly is brought back, his contract needs to be heavy on incentives. Chances are Connolly will be the veteran sacrificial lamb this off-season.

ALAN BRANCH - (defensive tackle) If we can pick Alan Branch up on the cheap side it could be well worth it to see what he can do with more time in the playbook and being in game shape. 

Follow @BOSsportschick on twitter
https://twitter.com/BOSsportschick
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Prime Video is the home of Thursday Night Football
    Picture
    Picture

    ARCHIVES

    September 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    OTHER BLOGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT

    New England Sports Talk
    Kap Lifestyle

    RSS Feed

    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Eric Kilby