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Rumors, Rumors, Rumors........

BigKen

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With the opt outs, Patriots cap space is now $21M.

Several media people are talking about the rumor that Bill Belichick has contacted the agent of ........

Patriots have interesting salary cap options after opt-outs, including Jadeveon Clowney
011417patsms58.jpg

HAMMERED: Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney sends Tom Brady to the turf after the Pats quarterback released a pass during their game Saturday night in Foxboro. Staff photo by Matt Stone
By KAREN GUREGIAN | [email protected] | Boston Herald
PUBLISHED: July 28, 2020 at 2:29 p.m. | UPDATED: July 28, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.

Player opt-outs have left the Patriots with significant holes to fill.

Obviously, this is not the best news for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. While it’s understandable for players to do what’s best for them and their families during a pandemic, it’s certainly not what he’s looking for as he moves on from Tom Brady.

A possible silver lining?

All of a sudden, the cap-strapped Patriots have money to spend. The team’s cap space has shot up to well over $20 million this season, per Boston Sports Journal cap guru Miguel Benzan, with the six opt-outs. With that extra room, they could jump back into the free agency pool this year, and do their best to make up for some of the losses.

TOP ARTICLES1/5READ MOREWalsh ‘certainly concerned’ about return of Boston colleges
Stud pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney is still out there, biding his time. He’s an intriguing option who would help soothe the loss of Dont’a Hightower. With an already depleted linebacking corps, losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency, the addition of Clowney would stop some of the bleeding.

It’s certainly an attractive option for 2020, if the Patriots could pull it off.

Another?

Make do with what they have in-house, perhaps adding a few veteran free agents who won’t make as much of a dent in the cap number as Clowney, and surge ahead.

That way, they can proceed in a crazy, pandemic-infused season that might not see a start or finish, while rolling their cap space to next year when everything’s closer to normal. As it is, the Patriots were expected to be among the league leaders in terms of cap room in 2021, with roughly $59 million.

With all that money in reserve for next season, it would allow the Patriots to beef up a roster that’s in need of a talent infusion. They could undertake a legitimate reload with more than $75 million on the books to spend. All that space would help extend star cornerback Stephon Gilmore or re-sign Cam Newton if he plays well in 2020.

Basically, everything’s in play if the Patriots stand pat.

Or maybe Belichick sees a path to the Super Bowl with all the unforeseen circumstances, and wants to make a splash now, using the money on a top-end player.

With Hightower out, the Patriots have basically lost their entire starting linebacking corps from last year. That unit could use an immediate boost if Belichick believes his team can still contend with Newton at quarterback.

While there are other suitors for Clowney, namely the Seahawks and Jets, the Pats could make a unique pitch to the 27-year-old star, who like Hightower, is an impact player. Maybe it’s a 1-year deal that allows him to land an even more lucrative contract in 2021 and an opportunity to play in Belichick’s defense.

He’s certainly a system fit. For years, he was effective with the Texans under former defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who essentially adopted the Patriots’ scheme.

And Clowney’s a complete player. He’s actually had more impact as a run defender than pass-rusher. He’s received Pro Football Focus run-defense grades about 75.0 for five straight years.

Clowney wants to be paid like a top edge rusher ($20 million per year or more), even if his numbers don’t grade out in that category. Either way, the Patriots should at least kick the tires on the three-time Pro Bowl player and see what shakes out.

Barring that move, there really aren’t too many other options in free agency that would fit the bill and come close to mitigating the loss of Hightower, even if they don’t exactly play the same position. Perhaps they can find a trade partner, but the best move would be to plug the holes with in-house solutions, hope for the best, then make hay in 2021.

The Pats have ample depth at safety. They can also get creative on the offensive line, and perhaps add a veteran for depth. Filling the Hightower void is the toughest. The leadership element provided by both Hightower and Patrick Chung is another issue that must be dealt with.
 

Yankee Traveler

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With the opt outs, Patriots cap space is now $21M.

Several media people are talking about the rumor that Bill Belichick has contacted the agent of ........

Patriots have interesting salary cap options after opt-outs, including Jadeveon Clowney
011417patsms58.jpg

HAMMERED: Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney sends Tom Brady to the turf after the Pats quarterback released a pass during their game Saturday night in Foxboro. Staff photo by Matt Stone
By KAREN GUREGIAN | [email protected] | Boston Herald
PUBLISHED: July 28, 2020 at 2:29 p.m. | UPDATED: July 28, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.

Player opt-outs have left the Patriots with significant holes to fill.

Obviously, this is not the best news for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. While it’s understandable for players to do what’s best for them and their families during a pandemic, it’s certainly not what he’s looking for as he moves on from Tom Brady.

A possible silver lining?

All of a sudden, the cap-strapped Patriots have money to spend. The team’s cap space has shot up to well over $20 million this season, per Boston Sports Journal cap guru Miguel Benzan, with the six opt-outs. With that extra room, they could jump back into the free agency pool this year, and do their best to make up for some of the losses.

TOP ARTICLES1/5READ MOREWalsh ‘certainly concerned’ about return of Boston colleges
Stud pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney is still out there, biding his time. He’s an intriguing option who would help soothe the loss of Dont’a Hightower. With an already depleted linebacking corps, losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency, the addition of Clowney would stop some of the bleeding.

It’s certainly an attractive option for 2020, if the Patriots could pull it off.

Another?

Make do with what they have in-house, perhaps adding a few veteran free agents who won’t make as much of a dent in the cap number as Clowney, and surge ahead.

That way, they can proceed in a crazy, pandemic-infused season that might not see a start or finish, while rolling their cap space to next year when everything’s closer to normal. As it is, the Patriots were expected to be among the league leaders in terms of cap room in 2021, with roughly $59 million.

With all that money in reserve for next season, it would allow the Patriots to beef up a roster that’s in need of a talent infusion. They could undertake a legitimate reload with more than $75 million on the books to spend. All that space would help extend star cornerback Stephon Gilmore or re-sign Cam Newton if he plays well in 2020.

Basically, everything’s in play if the Patriots stand pat.

Or maybe Belichick sees a path to the Super Bowl with all the unforeseen circumstances, and wants to make a splash now, using the money on a top-end player.

With Hightower out, the Patriots have basically lost their entire starting linebacking corps from last year. That unit could use an immediate boost if Belichick believes his team can still contend with Newton at quarterback.

While there are other suitors for Clowney, namely the Seahawks and Jets, the Pats could make a unique pitch to the 27-year-old star, who like Hightower, is an impact player. Maybe it’s a 1-year deal that allows him to land an even more lucrative contract in 2021 and an opportunity to play in Belichick’s defense.

He’s certainly a system fit. For years, he was effective with the Texans under former defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, who essentially adopted the Patriots’ scheme.

And Clowney’s a complete player. He’s actually had more impact as a run defender than pass-rusher. He’s received Pro Football Focus run-defense grades about 75.0 for five straight years.

Clowney wants to be paid like a top edge rusher ($20 million per year or more), even if his numbers don’t grade out in that category. Either way, the Patriots should at least kick the tires on the three-time Pro Bowl player and see what shakes out.

Barring that move, there really aren’t too many other options in free agency that would fit the bill and come close to mitigating the loss of Hightower, even if they don’t exactly play the same position. Perhaps they can find a trade partner, but the best move would be to plug the holes with in-house solutions, hope for the best, then make hay in 2021.

The Pats have ample depth at safety. They can also get creative on the offensive line, and perhaps add a veteran for depth. Filling the Hightower void is the toughest. The leadership element provided by both Hightower and Patrick Chung is another issue that must be dealt with.

Oh hell yes.
Also...extending J.C. Jackson is as important as extending Gilmore. That is a duo that needs to play together for as long as possible.
 

YankeeRebel

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Oh hell yes.
Also...extending J.C. Jackson is as important as extending Gilmore. That is a duo that needs to play together for as long as possible.
I agree I would rather lock down Jackson and Gilmore than worry about Clowney.
 

Yankee Traveler

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I agree I would rather lock down Jackson and Gilmore than worry about Clowney.

A Lock down secondary gives average run stuffers and pass rushers a leg up.
But I am not against Clowney either. An elite pass rusher will force more interceptions.
The two combined could be special.
 

BigKen

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Looks like John Simon and Stephon Gilmore will be the defensive captains. The line backers are going to be very young and signing a solid veteran like Ogletree could be cheap and very worthwhile helping Mayo get the kids over the hump.

The secondary will need some help at Safety unless one of the rookies or second year players really steps up. Eric Reid might also be like Ogletree and be a solid guy to help youngsters when they hit the wall.

We're going to have to wait until all of the testing gets accomplished and the healthy guys are confirmed and can start practicing. Signing a few veterans could make a big difference in getting the young guys up to NFL ready.
 

YankeeRebel

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Looks like John Simon and Stephon Gilmore will be the defensive captains. The line backers are going to be very young and signing a solid veteran like Ogletree could be cheap and very worthwhile helping Mayo get the kids over the hump.

The secondary will need some help at Safety unless one of the rookies or second year players really steps up. Eric Reid might also be like Ogletree and be a solid guy to help youngsters when they hit the wall.

We're going to have to wait until all of the testing gets accomplished and the healthy guys are confirmed and can start practicing. Signing a few veterans could make a big difference in getting the young guys up to NFL ready.
So the Pats will be playing Simon Says?
 

BigKen

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Devin and Jason McCourty are considering opting out and have informed the Patriots.

They haven't yet but considering doing it.
 

YankeeRebel

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Devin and Jason McCourty are considering opting out and have informed the Patriots.

They haven't yet but considering doing it.
Good for them
 

BigKen

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PATRIOTS NEWS
Patriots reportedly expected to sign both Jordan Leggett and Darius Kilgo following free agency workouts
Related: Patriots reportedly host Jordan Leggett, Darius Kilgo on free-agent visits

By Bernd Buchmasser@BerndBuchmasser Aug 10, 2020, 1:27pm EDT
1158663759.jpg.0.jpg
Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The New England Patriots had 75 players remaining on their active roster following the NFL’s player opt-out deadline, and it seems as if they are planning to close that five-player hole rather quickly. After acquiring cornerback Michael Jackson via trade from the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the team is expected to bring two more players aboard on Monday.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, New England will sign tight end Jordan Leggett and defensive tackle Darius Kilgo. Both players had been to Gillette Stadium last week to hold free agency workouts with the team, and will now join the organization pending physicals and Covid-19 testing. The Patriots’ roster will therefore move to 78, with only two more spots remaining under the 80-player threshold.

Leggett originally joined the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2017. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, the 25-year-old appeared in 15 games and made four starts during his time with the Patriots’ division rivals. He caught 14 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown along the way, before getting waived last offseason. The Clemson product went on to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but did not see any playing time in 2019. He was waived by the team in July.

Kilgo, meanwhile, will join the Patriots for his second stint. The 28-year-old, who has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, joined New England’s practice squad during the 2016 season — eventually winning a Super Bowl ring as a member of the team. Kilgo has 29 in-game appearances on his NFL résumé since joining the league as a sixth-round draft pick in 2015, even though none of them came while with the Patriots.

With Leggett and Kilgo soon joining the club, New England has bolstered the depth at two of its most vulnerable positions. At tight end, Leggett will join Ryan Izzo as the only player on the depth chart not in his rookie year; at defensive tackle, Kilgo will offer experienced depth behind a top-three made out of Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler and Beau Allen.
 

NWPATSFAN

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Any of us that may have been waiting for BB to sign E. Griffen the wait is over.

He just signed a one year $6M deal with the Clownboys.
 

BigKen

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The minute a rumor about BB being interested in anybody is breathed, another team will sign them.

I'm beginning to learn that when one of these gets out to thye media, Bill is looking to get someone he's concerned about to spend money so he tells someone to call Mike Reiss, Tommy Curran or Phil Perry.

Three people I was told to watch for are : Demar Dotson RT. His people have been in touch with the Patriots. Notice that i DID NOT say BB. Cameron Wake Edge, Teams believe that he's lost a step and no one offered him a contract during FA. He could be a Vet. Min. signing and be a rotational player like many of the Patriots LBs have been in the past. Alec Ogletree OLB. For some reason he hasn't been offered a deal. Some say it's because he's asking too much. He's started for the Giants and Rams and has 7 years in the league. He had 5 INTs in 2018. Not a lot of sacks but does shut down the edge.
 

BigKen

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Heard from one of my guys this morning that Clay Matthews has been in touch with Nick Caserio and even at 34 he might be a third down potential Patriots Edge Rusher. He had 8 sacks with the Saints last year.

This guy also said that Jadevon Clowney's people have spoken with BB several times and BB has told them that there's no way he's interested in bringing the player into camp at $20M+. Seems that now that the camps are pretty much over, he's willing to come down. The rumor is that BB said that he'd give him $9M with $5M guaranteed. Clowney said said no. They called BB last night. I can't find one corresponding item that even hints that this has happened. This guy has pulled rabbits out of his ass at least a dozen times over the past ten years so I never discount him 100%.
 

nefansince75

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Heard from one of my guys this morning that Clay Matthews has been in touch with Nick Caserio and even at 34 he might be a third down potential Patriots Edge Rusher. He had 8 sacks with the Saints last year.

This guy also said that Jadevon Clowney's people have spoken with BB several times and BB has told them that there's no way he's interested in bringing the player into camp at $20M+. Seems that now that the camps are pretty much over, he's willing to come down. The rumor is that BB said that he'd give him $9M with $5M guaranteed. Clowney said said no. They called BB last night. I can't find one corresponding item that even hints that this has happened. This guy has pulled rabbits out of his ass at least a dozen times over the past ten years so I never discount him 100%.
I have a hard time trusting someone who shoves rabbits up his ass for somebody to be impressed by someone pulling a rabbit from an ass.

Every piece of information has a source and unless your guy is using an illegal wire tap, that information is available to others as well or is a "guess" that just happened to come true.
 

BigKen

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I have a hard time trusting someone who shoves rabbits up his ass for somebody to be impressed by someone pulling a rabbit from an ass.

Every piece of information has a source and unless your guy is using an illegal wire tap, that information is available to others as well or is a "guess" that just happened to come true.

And a happy Labor day weekend to you.

Apparently your English comprehension has issues. Try re-reading what I wrote to very end and if you do, you will see that I attempted to confirm and stated That I couldn't find anything. In the interest of trying to put an "Unfounded and Unconfirmed rumor" before the readers, I clarified that I had no other source.

Then again, that's why they're called 'rumors'.

So why don't you start a new thread and supply us with some "facts"? Since you seem to know and see all.
 

nefansince75

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And a happy Labor day weekend to you.

Apparently your English comprehension has issues. Try re-reading what I wrote to very end and if you do, you will see that I attempted to confirm and stated That I couldn't find anything. In the interest of trying to put an "Unfounded and Unconfirmed rumor" before the readers, I clarified that I had no other source.

Then again, that's why they're called 'rumors'.

So why don't you start a new thread and supply us with some "facts"? Since you seem to know and see all.
I'm sorry.. I thought you wrote this guy was "your guy" and "your guy" has pulled rabbits out of his ass. If you didn't write them then it's not my comprehension that has an issue it's my eyesight putting things on the screen that just weren't there.

Let's assume for a second that you had written the above words, just hypothetically of course. I would have been repeating one thing you wrote, there weren't other sources, and just targeting my comments at "that guy" by playfully mocking your wording.

The comment about me starting my own thread isn't appreciated. I give you props all the time for your efforts and it's clear you enjoy doing it. But this is a "state-less" environment where you can't read anyone's intentions. I'm happy to read your supported and unsupported rumors but you need a thicker skin if me joking about the lack of substantiation behind a rumor. Please don't act like I'm calling you out for the same thing I complement you for on a different day.
 
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BigKen

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I'm sorry.. I thought you wrote this guy was "your guy" and "your guy" has pulled rabbits out of his ass. If you didn't write them then it's not my comprehension that has an issue it's my eyesight putting things on the screen that just weren't there.

Let's assume for a second that you had written the above words, just hypothetically of course. I would have been repeating one thing you wrote, there weren't other sources, and just targeting my comments at "that guy" by playfully mocking your wording.

The comment about me starting my own thread isn't appreciated. I give you props all the time for your efforts and it's clear you enjoy doing it. But this is a "state-less" environment where you can't read anyone's intentions. I'm happy to read your supported and unsupported rumors but you need a thicker skin if me joking about the lack of substantiation behind a rumor. Please don't act like I'm calling you out for the same thing I complement you for on a different day.


Fair enough and I apologize for being thin skinned.

I have to believe it's the environment and the constant election bullshit. I don't need to see six "make sure you vote" ads every thirty minutes. Who are they trying to get out to vote? Considering Hillary won the popular vote but lost the electoral college by a landslide, will more NY, CA or IL voters make any difference?

BTW, I called the guy who told me about the rumors and told him that there was nothing anywhere about what he said. He claims he got it from a Patriots' staff member and that if anything happens it will happen by Sunday. I asked him for the name and he told e to "Intercourse myself." He said that the staff has been told that their jobs are not to supply the media with sensitive information. I apologized to him.
 

BigKen

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HOLY SHIT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Tennessee Titans called a team meeting to discuss.......................................


Mike Vrabel has extended an offer to Jadevon Clowney !!!!!!!!



All it took was rumor by BK in the SportsHoopla and Clowney is now a hot commodity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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