Moving on...Offseason

[CreepCreep2014]

I could be wrong, but when Garcia was drafted by the Patriots, he had already lost 30 lbs and weighed in at 288 lbs when he was introduced at Gillette. If he lost another 40 lbs after that, he'd be down around 250 lbs soaking wet. So he's taking Plavix and probably some other meds to keep his heart stable and from excessive bleeding if he nicks himself shaving. Trying to put back 60 lbs of woorking muscle will be tough.

I had a new heart valve installed in January 2017. I was on Plavix to prevent clotting around the new valve for 9 months. I cut myself twice, once on my pinky finger and once on my forehead. The pinky was a mess for a 1/2" cut on the knuckle. The forehead looked like I'd been hit was a hatchet. Blood streamed down my face and all over my shirt. Nothing worse than a head wound for blood, even worse when your on a blood thinner. The forehead cut was about 3/8" long.......I walked into the corner of a open cabinet. Two butterfly stitches at the emergency room.

Is that why he fell in the draft? I think he was supposed to go earlier....anyway...it looks like this OT from UCLA could be in NE sites...compared very well to Solder.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Been reading there is a lot of good talent for the RB class this yr. Not sure we see RB move fast at all in FA this yr. I can see them sitting around till after the draft. Guys like Lewis who is hoping to cash in, prob won't get near what he wants. So question is, does BB get a few of these guys or hope Lewis returns on like a 3 yr deal?

 

[BigKen]

No one can officially do anything until March 14. Yet, we're hearing that trades are being made and will official on March 14. Why is it that teams other than the Patriots can make "unofficial" deals before the season starts but the Patriots would be considered as cheating if they did it?? The Dolphins have made two deals in the past week and they've been 'unofficisally' announced. Sorry...they're in the Patriots division and anything that the Dolphins, Jets or Bills do, legal or illegal is OK. If the Patriots make a deal, they'll be punished and their first round and second round picks will be forfeited.

That being said..........Dion lewis has been in talks with the Patriots. Seems that his desire for a 3 year $30M contract will only be offered in Fantasy Football Land. Don't know what's being negotiated, but I'd venture to guess that it's probably 3 years $15M with maybe $10M guaranteed in years 1 and 2.

Reports up here are saying that Danny Amendola will resign with the Patriots because he just doesn't want to go anywhere else, regardless of the money. Solder is also close to resigning with the Patriots.

Big surprise.......Malcolm Butler says that he has not ruled out returning to the Patriots. WTF??

Marquis Flowers says that he will see what the market offers, but will keep all channels of communication open with the Patriots.

It appears that a lot of guys know that there 14 guys returning from the IR and that there are 2000 potential football players who would love to play in the NFL at any price. Burning bridges may not be in anyone's best interest......

 

[redseat]

Time probably to draft another QB (obviously) and another TE... If Gronk comes back and nothing changes (fun wise) then I do see him hanging them up or demanding to be traded.

 

[BigKen]

Right now, Gronk is twisting the nutz of the Boston media. He knows that anything and everything he sayscauses an uproar and every talking head in the area is trying to figure out what the hell he's actually tweeting or saying. One radio guy said yesterday that he was already sick and tired of Gronk's tweets. A caller got on and said, "If you're sick of his tweets, why don't you block them and stop bitching about them?" Then he said, "All of you have spent entire 4 hour shows talking about his tweets and saying the same thing. Why don't you ignore them and see what happens?" At that point they shut him off. Nothing worse for a radio show than to have a caller start making sense and embarrassing the "experts".

People are reading way too much into Grank's comments at the end of a frustrating Super Bowl. It's also the football dead season. That and radio call shows suck because no one wants to talk about baseball, basketball or hockey. They just don't have the draw of football. In Boston they're trying to make the Celtics into something the fans can sink their teeth into, but of course, they're overdoing it and basketball isn't anywhere near as exciting as football.

So...................I've decided to just blank out the Tweet crap. Gronk's got two years left on his contract. He plays in NE or he doesn't play unless he's traded. KJraft ain't letting BB trade him, so I think it's a waste of effort to keep beating this dead horse.

 

[BigKen]

Seems the patriots are interested in a select few positions......Strange that they haven't interviewed any CBs.

The NFL’s 2018 scouting combine is in full swing. Between measurements, medical examinations and a variety of drills, the more than 300 players present at the event will also get the chance to talk to the teams present at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium – among them the New England Patriots, who have already started interviewing a number of prospects.

Overall, the team can conduct 60 formal interviews with NFL hopefuls while it is also able to speak informally with others. Check out our interview tracker to find out who the team has already spoken with to the best of our knowledge:

RB Sony Michel, Georgia (5105, 214 lbs): Michel is versatile back that has experience as both a receiver and ball carrier and has the makings of a good all-around back at the next level. He is projected to be selected on day two. (via Ryan Hannable)

RB Akrum Wadley (5097, 194 lbs): Wadley gained over 2,800 scrimmage yards in his last two years at Iowa while scoring a combined 26 touchdowns. Coming from a team coached by Kirk Ferentz, a Bill Belichick confidante, automatically puts him on New England's radar. (via NESN)

RB Mark Walton, Miami (5095, 202 lbs): Before his 2017 junior season was cut short after only four games by an ankle injury, Walton gained 129.8 scrimmage yards per game. (via Ryan Hannable)

OT Kolton Miller, UCLA (6085, 309 lbs): A big prospect that plays with sound technique, Miller is one of the better tackles entering this year's draft. His mix of size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. (via Phil Perry)

OT Rick Leonard, Florida State: After joining Florida State as a defensive lineman, Leonard converted to the offensive side prior to the 2016 season. By last year, he was the team's starting right tackle. A raw but physically intriguing prospect. (via Kevin Duffy)

RB Darrel Williams, LSU: Williams was a rotational back at LSU and as a result did not post outstanding numbers. Still, he was as solid as they come no matter if he was asked to carry or catch the football or help in blitz pickup. (via Doug Kyed)

RB Chase Edmonds, Fordham (5091, 205 lbs): A projected late-round prospect, Edmonds' 2017 season was marked by injuries. He still managed to earn second team All-Patriot League honors by gaining 729 yards from scrimmage, 577 of which on the ground. (via Doug Kyed)

RB Nyheim Hines, N.C. State (5083, 198 lbs): A small but explosive back, Hines has the makings and the experience of a passing-back in the mold of James White. He also brings experience in the return game to the table. (via Ryan Hannable)

TE Mark Andrews (6051, 256 lbs): The 2017 John Mackey Award winner opted to forgo his senior season at Oklahoma after a 62-catch, 958-yard, eight-touchdown season. Andrews is an impressive athlete and a mismatch in the passing game but has deficits as a blocker. He had an informal interview with the Patriots. (via Ryan Hannable)

QB Kyle Lauletta (6025, 222): Lauletta is among the potential mid-round quarterback options for the Patriots. The team’s scouts met with the senior passer, who completed 63% of his attempts at Richmond, today but did not hold a formal interview with him. (via Doug Kyed)

DL Sam Hubbard (6053, 270 lbs): Coming off a 7.0-sack season at Ohio State, the 2017 second-team All-Big 10 defensive end is projected to be drafted on day two this year. His football prowess is not the only thing to stand out about Hubbard: He turned down a Lacrosse scholarship at Notre Dame to play football at Ohio State. (via Ryan Hannable)

DL Da’Shawn Hand (6035, 297 lbs): While his stats at Alabama did not stand out, Hand brings ideal size and impressive athleticism to the table. Able to play both on the interior and on the edge, the senior is projected to become a mid or late round pick. (via Kevin Duffy)

DL Duke Ejiofor: Ejiofor lacks top-notch athleticism and size but has still been a productive player at Wake Forest that wins with sound technique and discipline. As a result, he should get drafted on day two by a team that needs help in the pass rushing department. (via Kevin Duffy)

DL Kylie Fitts (6036, 263 lbs): The 23-year old, who started his collegiate career at UCLA before transferring to Utah, brings plenty of experience to the table. However, he was limited over his past two seasons because of injuries and neither has the stats nor athletic traits to be selected early. (via Ryan Hannable)

 

[BigKen]

Dion Lewis might be one of the NFL's most underrated players. The soon-to-be free agent was a big part of the Patriots' offense last season where he averaged 5.0 yards per carry, hauled in 32 passes and scored nine touchdowns (six on the ground, three through the air). According to Football Outsiders' metrics, Lewis ranked first among all running backs in total value, second in value per play and was top 10 in receiving.

And assuming the Patriots don't re-sign Lewis before the start of free agency on March 14, the dynamic running back will have plenty of interest on the open market. The Jets and Colts are possible destinations for Lewis, reports ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler, and Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio writes that, in addition to New York and Indianapolis, the Texans, Raiders and possibly two or three other teams could try to sign him.

Lewis, originally a 2011 fifth-round pick of the Eagles, has played in every game in a season just once -- last season. His career has been hampered by injuries; he suffered a torn ACL in 2015, which limited him to seven games that season and seven in 2016 as he recovered. But when Lewis is healthy he can be a game-changer. And at 27 years old, his best football could still be in front of him.


Lewis isn't the only New England running back headed for free agency. Rex Burkhead's contract is up, leaving the Pats with James White, Mike Gillislee, James Develin and just re-signed Brandon Bolden.

Ryan Wilson
CBS Sports Writer
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Ryan Wilson has been an NFL writer for CBS Sports since June 2011, and he's covered five Super Bowls in that time. Ryan previously worked at AOL's FanHouse from start to finish, and Football Outsiders... Full Bio

 

[BigKen]

NFL sets 2018 salary cap at $177.2 million; Patriots have $14.65 million in cap space
The league officially announced its salary cap as well as franchise tag numbers.
By Bernd Buchmasser@BerndBuchmasser Mar 6, 2018, 5:00am EST

NFL sets 2018 salary cap at $177.2 million; Patriots have $14.65 million in cap space

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
Yesterday evening, the NFL sent out a memo to all 32 of its member clubs informing them about the 2018 salary cap one week before the legal free agency tampering period begins. As first reported by ESPN's Field Yates, the league and representatives from the NFL Players Association opted to set this year's cap at $177.2 million – another massive increase when compared to last year ($167 million).

As a result of the salary cap number being officially announced, we now also know how much available space the New England Patriots have. According to calculations by patscap.com's Miguel Benzan, the reigning AFC champions are under the cap $14.650,554 million. When compared to the rest of the league, the Patriots rank 24th overall (via OverTheCap.com).

Considering that the team has a lengthy list of free agents to be, it will likely try to increase its cap space by either releasing or restructuring multiple contracts. In fact, New England could create an additional $15 million by letting just five rotational members of the roster go. The team could also create another $15 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of four cost-intensive players.

With the salary cap announced, we now also know the franchise tag numbers for this offseason (in millions):

Quarterback: $23.189

Running back: $11.866

Wide receiver $15.982

Tight end: $9.846

Offensive line: $14.077

Defensive end: $17.143

Defensive tackle: $13.939

Linebacker: $14.961

Cornerback: $14.975

Safety: $11.287

Specialist: $4,939,000

The Patriots have multiple candidates to receive the tag but it appears highly unlikely that the team will actually use it on players like running back Dion Lewis or wide receiver Danny Amendola. New England's number one free agency priority, offensive tackle Nate Solder, has a clause in his contract that prohibits the team from placing the franchise tag on him.

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

Report: Former ASU coach Graham could join Patriots staff

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

@CharlesRobinson

#Patriots will go without a defensive coordinator next season. But linebackers coach Brian Flores will handle defensive playcalling responsibilities, mirroring Matt Patricia grooming in 2010.

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

@RapSheet

#Patriots WR Kenny Britt was informed that his option was picked up, source said. He’s back for 2018 and they’re looking for big things out of him.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

@RapSheet

#Patriots WR Kenny Britt was informed that his option was picked up, source said. He’s back for 2018 and they’re looking for big things out of him.

Report: Patriots WR Kenny Britt will be back in 2018

The first...hopefully Danny Playoff returns as well.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Report: Patriots WR Kenny Britt will be back in 2018

The first...hopefully Danny Playoff returns as well.

Well I hope the offseason along with OTAs and camp can improve his worth on the team? Great size but that's all he offers. At least Bolden who I feel is a waste of a roster spot plays STs.

I wonder if Malcolm is just not going to be healthy?

I'm with you sign playoff Danny don't screw him over BB.

 

[Shoeshine Boy]

Britt's cap hit is nothing. They basically paid 368k to bring him to camp. I wouldn't read anything into this as it relates to the other WR's

 

[BigKen]

Heard tonight that Britt's salary is $1M with a $500K bonus.

saw some film clips on Early Edition tonight with a bunch of Pats working out in shorts and tee shirts.

Are those called Unorganized Team Activities?? heeheehee

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Alan Branch is now officially a FA....next step is Marty B. If he gets his bonus, hes playing....I hope!

 

[BigKen]

Great conversation on Boston Sports Tonight. Tom Curran, Michael Holley and Phil Perry were discussing Bill Belichick and the "Belichick WAy" of things being done. Some really interesting side comments were stated like,
'Josh McDaniels will have a lot more say in which offensive players are drafted and signed." Does that mean he'll have final approval or disapproval or does it mean that if BB really wants someone, he gets to sign hium even is Josh doesn't?

Then the subject of Nate Solder came up and how important he is to the left side and protecting Brady's blind side. Curran broke in and literally silenced the the talk. He said, "Do any of you think that BB will pay Nate Solder $12M-$15M a year at 30 years old? Absolutely not. Solder was near out ofd football when he was diagnosed with tesicular cancer 5 years ago and BB stood by him and resigned toi a new contract after he went through treatment and then more than supported him when his little boy went through cancer as an infant and again last year when it returned. If it's about the money then BB and the Patriots will move on.

The best discussion came up when they turned to Malcolm Butler. Butler has recently said that he's not ruling out resigning with the Patriots. Everyone except Curran think that it's Malcolm leaving on a good note but will never resign with the Pats. Then Cur5an asked another question that caaught everyone off guard. "What would we be talking about today if Lockett had caught that pass and scored the touchdown in the SuperBowl 49?" The Seahawks would have won that game and Malcolm Butler wouldn't even be a footnote. During practices in the prvious two weeks, Butler had not been able to cover any Pats WR on that exact same play. All the Patriots were hoping was that he could disrupt the WR and force Wilson to attempt to run with the ball or throw it away. That play turned Butler from an also ran to front runner.

Finally, Dion Lewis. Two weeks ago he was demanding a 3 year $30M contract with $20M guaranteed. Seems now he's looking for 3 years $19.5M with $13M guaranteed. Word is that the NY Jets will make a 3 year $21M offer at 12:01 AM March 14th. Is he attempting to get a contract that let's him stay in NE and still pays him a good salary?

The next seven days are going to be really interesting. Not only will we get a chaance to see what the Patriots are thinking, but we'll get a chance to see who other teams are moving on from. And maybe see some cuts that will fall onto the Patriots plate.

 

[nefansince75]

'Josh McDaniels will have a lot more say in which offensive players are drafted and signed."

More say just means he'll be shut down mid sentence less, and only occasionally be ridiculed for opening his mouth in the first place.

 

[cdumler7]

Great conversation on Boston Sports Tonight. Tom Curran, Michael Holley and Phil Perry were discussing Bill Belichick and the "Belichick WAy" of things being done. Some really interesting side comments were stated like,
'Josh McDaniels will have a lot more say in which offensive players are drafted and signed." Does that mean he'll have final approval or disapproval or does it mean that if BB really wants someone, he gets to sign hium even is Josh doesn't?

Then the subject of Nate Solder came up and how important he is to the left side and protecting Brady's blind side. Curran broke in and literally silenced the the talk. He said, "Do any of you think that BB will pay Nate Solder $12M-$15M a year at 30 years old? Absolutely not. Solder was near out ofd football when he was diagnosed with tesicular cancer 5 years ago and BB stood by him and resigned toi a new contract after he went through treatment and then more than supported him when his little boy went through cancer as an infant and again last year when it returned. If it's about the money then BB and the Patriots will move on.

The best discussion came up when they turned to Malcolm Butler. Butler has recently said that he's not ruling out resigning with the Patriots. Everyone except Curran think that it's Malcolm leaving on a good note but will never resign with the Pats. Then Cur5an asked another question that caaught everyone off guard. "What would we be talking about today if Lockett had caught that pass and scored the touchdown in the SuperBowl 49?" The Seahawks would have won that game and Malcolm Butler wouldn't even be a footnote. During practices in the prvious two weeks, Butler had not been able to cover any Pats WR on that exact same play. All the Patriots were hoping was that he could disrupt the WR and force Wilson to attempt to run with the ball or throw it away. That play turned Butler from an also ran to front runner.

Finally, Dion Lewis. Two weeks ago he was demanding a 3 year $30M contract with $20M guaranteed. Seems now he's looking for 3 years $19.5M with $13M guaranteed. Word is that the NY Jets will make a 3 year $21M offer at 12:01 AM March 14th. Is he attempting to get a contract that let's him stay in NE and still pays him a good salary?

The next seven days are going to be really interesting. Not only will we get a chaance to see what the Patriots are thinking, but we'll get a chance to see who other teams are moving on from. And maybe see some cuts that will fall onto the Patriots plate.

The Butler conversation seems a bit like getting dumped by somebody so all you do is focus on the negative that a player brought to the table. Butler did more than just that one play. Heck the next season he was rated as a top-10 CB in football. I'm not saying the Pats should re-sign him or anything of that nature but lets not play some revisionist history here either.

 

[cdumler7]

Sounds like Bennett has been released.