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Additions
.::. Fred Taylor [RB; Jacksonville Jaguars]
Contract: 2 years / 5 million
The 33 year old former Jaguar star brings a lot to the table for the New England Patriots. We could talk about his leadership and locker presence, but it's the way he runs that makes Taylor special. A terrific down hill runner, Taylor would prefer to run a defender over instead over attempting to juke them out. At this point in RB's career they tend to slow down, like Corey Dillon for example back in 2006, however Taylor has showed no such thing. Since 2002, Taylor hasn't reached the 1,000 plateua in a season only twice. In 2007 as matter of fact Taylor gained 1,202 yard rushing on a 5.4 yard per carry average. Although he wasn't overly productive this season (556 yards) the Jaguars as a whole really struggled, including the offensive line. Now a Patriot Taylor should see 10-12 carries a game and don't be surprised to see Taylor be productive in New England. This signing probably means that LaMont Jordan will not be signed and that BenJarvus Green-Ellis may need to be confined to the practice squad. Adding Taylor to the already sixth best rushing attack in the AFC could be dangerous. He joins; Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk. It could be interesting to see if the Patriots try to move Morris with this signing or even field offers for Maroney, which is unlikely. .::. Chris Baker [TE; New York Jets]
Contract: - Unknown -
The 29 year old Michigan State product has been a consistent TE for the Jets over the last seven years as he can block as well as catch the football. His versatility in that department is one of the keys why the Patriots decided to bring Baker in yesterday, as the Jets-Patriots player swap is evident once again. Last season with Brett Farve at quarterback, Baker recorded only 21 receptions, but the year before, with Pennington, Baker had himself a career high 41 catches. Baker was overshadowed by 2008 first round pick Dustin Keller as the Jets asked Baker to block more as he helped paved the way for Thomas Jones's 1,312 yard season. As a Patriot look for Baker to take the role that Daniel Graham occupied a couple of seasons ago. Because of his blocking, Baker should see the field a lot come the 2009 season. This move now leaves the Patriots with; Ben Watson, David Thomas, Tyson DeVree, and Brad Listori as the TE position. Both Watson and Thomas have disappointments and neither are consistent enough to take that next step in this league. With that said, Watson should still start and look for Baker to alternate in. Consequently, Thomas appears to be the odd man out and I wouldn't be surprised to see the 2006 third round pick released at some point during this off-season. Departures
.::. Lonie Paxton [LS; Denver Broncos]
Contract: 5 years / 5.5 million / 1 million guaranteed
Paxton started every game for the Patriots in his career dating all the way back to 2000. Never once did Paxton butcher a snap, instead, he made one of the most talented football plays in the leagues history in Denver. Bill Belichick decided to take a safety so Paxton simply snapped the ball into the right upright as it dinked off. Simply masterful. Although it is extremely sad to see Paxton leave, the contract that the Broncos gave him was something the Patriots couldn't. Anything more than a three year deal would have been much and well, it was. Realistically, however, the loss is minimal. You can find a long-snapper almost anywhere. This team could pick up an UDFA after the draft and the need would be gone. ..:.. Mike Vrabel [OLB; Kansas City Chiefs]
Trade: - Undisclosed draft choice -
Sure it's painful to see one of the greatest Patriots players in the teams franchise leave but it had to be done. Vrabel played poorly last season and it was evident that he was declining. The fact that the Patriots could even get value for Vrabel leads me to believe that this deal isn't done yet. With the loss of Vrabel the Patriots now have a huge need at the OLB spot and must address in early in the draft. Vrabel's leadership will be missed as Tedy Bruschi called Vrabel; "The best all-around player on this team." Now to the good stuff. Is Matt Cassel going with Vrabel? That's the question. Do the Patriots send Cassel along with one of their 2nd round picks for the 3rd overall pick and draft Aaron Curry? That's probably wishful thinking, but you never know. Do the Patriots get the Chiefs 2nd round pick? Maybe. Or, do the Patriots simply get a 5th round pick for Vrabel? Possibly. No one knows, but folks, stay tuned. ..:.. Jabar Gaffney [WR; Denver Broncos]
Contract: 4 years / 10 million / 3 million guaranteed
Good riddance, if you ask me. Gaffney was great in the 2006 playoffs and those performances will not be forgotten. However, this past season Gaffney really looked out of his element and had problems holding onto the ball all season long. That Colts drop still gives me nightmares at nights. However, I'm happy for Gaffney. He gets a nice sized contract, more than he would have got here, and he deserved it. From a guy no one wanted in Houston and Philadelphia, to a starter to the Patriots in 2006, and a guy who beat out high profiled free agent WR Donte Stallworth in 2007. With the departure WR is a rather big need. Behind Randy Moss and Wes Welker you do not have one capable NFL wide receiver. (Sam Aiken, Matthew Slater, Ray Ventrone) As we know, Welker is a slot receiver so the Patriots need that outside, possession guy to compliment Moss. Do the Patriots sign a Devery Henderson, Reggie Williams, or Bryant Johnson? That would seem likely. Or, do the Patriots maybe target a Jeremy Maclin at pick 23? A Brian Robiskie in the second round? Or does the team sit on a receiver in the third round? A lot of questions at the position, questions that should be answered relatively soon.
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Preview :
Day One Recap: Taylor In; Vrabel Out
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Patriots Free Agency: Day 1 Additions .::. Fred Taylor [RB; Jacksonville Jaguars] Contract: 2 years / 5 million The 33 year...
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Patriots Free Agency: Day 1 Additions .::. Fred Taylor [RB; Jacksonville Jaguars] Contract: 2 years / 5 million The 33 year...
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