NFL Offseason Thread

[26 to 6]

What an offseason. I dont normally follow Football too closely, but how could you not follow it with alll of these big name guys moving all over.

 

Why are so many guys getting released, and traded and whatnot? Does it have anything to do with that players/owners stuff that was going on with the CBA?

[jsinger121]

That's because he posted it an hour and a half ago.

 

And I posted it 3 hours before that

[yankeessuck013]

I'd rather have Daunte in Miami, than having Brees in South Beach.

[riverside sluggers]

Boston Globe: Fabini gets a look

The Patriots are scheduled to host offensive tackle Jason Fabini on a free-agent visit this week, according to industry sources.

 

The 31-year-old Fabini has played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Jets (1998-2005). His first two seasons came when Patriots coach Bill Belichick was an assistant with the Jets.

 

Fabini (6-7, 304) is coming off a torn pectoral muscle that limited him to nine games in 2005. But the former University of Cincinnati product, who entered the league as a fourth-round draft choice, has generally been known for his durability. He’s played in 114 career games, starting all of them. He’s played in all 16 games of a season in six of his eight years.

 

Fabini, who has experience at both right and left tackle, previously took a free-agent visit to Tampa Bay. He is the second known offensive lineman to line up a visit with the Patriots, following Kevin Mawae, who ultimately signed with the Titans on Tuesday. The visits might be an indication that the Patriots are looking to add a veteran presence to the line, which was one of the younger units in the NFL in 2005.

 

The Patriots currently have Matt Light, Nick Kaczur and Brandon Gorin atop the depth chart at offensive tackle. Fabini could provide depth if the Patriots decided to move someone like Kaczur to guard, or insurance if Light has any setbacks in his return from a broken fibula that cost him most of the 2005 season.

 

QUICK HITS:

 

* Outside linebacker Willie McGinest arrived in Cleveland later in the day on Tuesday and dined with members of the Browns’ staff. He was scheduled to return to the team’s facility on Wednesday for more meetings with Browns officials.

 

* Adam Vinatieri is set for a free-agent visit to the Packers this week. Green Bay has the salary cap space to make a strong offer.

 

* The agent for offensive tackle Tom Ashworth began contract negotiations on Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

* Former Patriots safety Lawyer Milloy is set for his third free-agent visit on Wednesday, when he travels to Seattle to meet with the Seahawks, according to his agent Carl Poston. Milloy has visited with the Bengals and Falcons already. Poston said cornerback Ty Law has generated interest from the Seahawks, Chiefs and Dolphins. The Packers and Redskins have also reportedly considered Law. The Patriots haven't entered the mix. Poston added that the Patriots also haven’t expressed interest in another of his clients, linebacker LaVar Arrington.

 

* The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Patriots will visit with free-agent cornerback Deshea Townsend this week.

[jsinger121]

Typical Patriots going for second-rate free agents. The hometown discount doesn't work anymore in New England. They will need to start showing free agents some money instead of being cheap like they have been or other players will leave just like Givens in the future.

[jsinger121]

Willie McGinest signs a 3-yr 12 million dollar contract with the Browns with 6 million in guaranteed money.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2369949

[schillingouttheks]

So, meeting up with Romeo again?

[riverside sluggers]

I know Belichick always has a plan. Ok well you can present it now, the quality free agents are drying up and New England is twiddling their thumbs with $17 million under the cap. I dont know what to think if Vini leaves

[stocker323]

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/AP_Photo/2006/03/15/1142471106_2603.jpg

 

Ugh.

[riverside sluggers]

He has the same number in Cleveland to boot, that has churned my stomach

[jsinger121]

WEEI has reported that Troy Brown will be meeting with the Jets today.

[riverside sluggers]

oh cmon, this is just crazy. Im not liking the Pats that much right now

[jsinger121]

I have no idea what they are doing right now. They are 17 million under the cap and haven't brought in anyone significant for a visit yet or signed to a contract.

[riverside sluggers]

Keyshawn Johnson's name is starting to be brought up more. Of the remaining free agent wideouts, he's actually the best of the bunch (besides the team wrecker T.O) and would seem to fit the Patriots mold. I believe Belichick could keep him at bay

[jsinger121]

The Pats better bring him in fast and keep him here before other teams get interested. They need more than just Keyshawn though. With the amount of money the Pats have to spend its frustrating they have done anything.

[MC Hammer]

All you Pats fans need to calm down. Bellichic has built a program that reminds me a lot of the Steelers, where as it's no so much the players, but the coaches and the system. Yes you guys are losing a lot of players, but you still have one of the best coaches in the league, the best QB, and a good cast a characters. Bellichic will get the right pieces and make sure that you guys are in the hunt every year he's with the team. I know it seems strange that the Pats are letting so many guys walk away, but trust me they know what they're doing. You don't win 3 Super Bowls in a decade without knowing what you're doing.

 

Mcginest is 35 years old. His productive days as an NFL LB are quickly coming to an end, and to sign him to anything but a 1 year deal would be a bad business move.

 

I can't image any team ... even the browns ... was willing to offer a 3 year contract to a 35 year old LB. I strongly doubt he's going to play out the contract.

[riverside sluggers]

Along with Brown, the Jets are also eyeing Tim Dwight

 

MCHammer, I know we shouldnt worry like this... but right now the Pats have just 2 WRs. Deion Branch, and the often injured Bethel Johnson. The free agency WR options are dwindling up fast, and the draft market is thin in that area this year. They are also taking a big gamble letting Vinatieri test free agency, Green Bay is now making a serious run at him.

[jsinger121]

Another Wide Receiver off the market as the Eagles have signed Jabar Gaffney to a 1yr contract.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2370849

[riverside sluggers]

The Patriots have officially cut Tyrone Poole

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2371085

 

This now ups their cap space to $19 million.

[riverside sluggers]

Rotoworld:

 

NFL Network reports the Patriots hosted WR Reche Caldwell Thursday. The Patriots badly need some depth at receiver, with only Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson on the roster.

 

Free agent CB Deshea Townsend is visiting with the Patriots Thursday. Townsend would offer New England some much-need veteran depth at cornerback. The Steelers also want him back, possibly as a nickel back. The Patriots haven't signed a free agent from another team yet.

 

From the Chargers, Caldwell has had 2 of his 4 seasons cut short due to injuries. His career high in catches is 28, career high in yards is 352

 

EDIT: Update on Deshea Townsend... http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4346/career;_ylt=Atxjkz1uAH2nflInc3WqEhX.uLYF

According to WEEI, Townsend had a great time over at Gillete Stadium today. The agent was quoted as "He's having a wonderful visit and it's coming down to the wire. We're moving pretty quick." The Steelers are also vying to re-sign him.

 

Could the first free agent signing be afoot here? If so, I'll like this signing. Added insurance in case Rodney isnt back 100%

[riverside sluggers]

Patriots re-signed WR Bam Childress to a one-year contract. The Patriots now have three receivers! He was an exclusive rights free agent and had no room to move. The practice squader will compete for a roster spot in 2006.

 

Troy Brown's agents deny that he visited with the Jets. Brown, like a few other Patriots veterans, is annoyed at the "lack of respect" they have showed by not contacting him since the season ended. If Brown and Vinatieri leave, Tedy Bruschi would be the only Patriot remaining from the Bill Parcells era.

 

Adam Vinatieri's contract negotiations with the Packers are expected to heat up Friday. Look for a decision either way for the possible Hall of Famer shortly. Packers coach Mike McCarthy admitted, "We’re looking to take a swing at it."

 

If Vinatieri slips through the cracks, all I can say is damn you Scott Pioli. Oh no, not $3 million at the most to lock a kicker up, please. I gurantee the Patriots F.O. will have to do serious damage control after losing the best clutcher kicker in NFL history. Yes lets have instead the jackass Vanderjact who is not even close to being clutch

[jsinger121]

The Pats really need to stop being cheap when they are 20 million under the cap. No wonder why players don't want to come here because they know how cheap the Patriots have become recently.

[riverside sluggers]

The Patriots have a free agent signing, wide receiver Reche Caldwell from the San Diego Chargers

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

 

Also Deshea Townsend has instead re-signed with the Steelers. The deal is worth at 4 years/$8 million. Ok that deal the Pats could have easily matched or done better.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2372706

[jsinger121]

Jets acquire Patrick Ramsey from the Redskins for a 6th round pick

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2372804

[jsinger121]

Lawyer Milloy signs a 3yr 6 million dollar deal with the Falcons

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2372678

[CrespoBlows]

No one's mentioned this one.

 

According to benmaller.com, Terrell Owens has signed with the Cowboys to a three year deal. Rosenhaus has denied the signing though.

[riverside sluggers]

Right off the bat, I just knew TO would end up in Dallas. He'll act like a professional his first season, and the by year 2 he will start griping about his contract and become a clubhouse cancer. Its clockwork.

 

------------------

Another Patriot target is gone. Tackle Jason Fabini has signed with the Cowboys for 3 years/$6 million. Pats are said to be hoping to re-sign Ashoworth, but thats not likely to happen.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2372555

[MC Hammer]

The Patriots have a free agent signing, wide receiver Reche Caldwell from the San Diego Chargers

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

 

Also Deshea Townsend has instead re-signed with the Steelers. The deal is worth at 4 years/$8 million. Ok that deal the Pats could have easily matched or done better.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2372706

Actually the Pats offered 4/8 and Deshea came back to the Steelers and said if you match I'll come back, and they did.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

Pats are playing it close to vest as always. Conservative in free agency, grab what they need in the draft, make a tade if need be, and grab who they can from the waiver wire. Keep the faith.

[riverside sluggers]

Pats are playing it close to vest as always. Conservative in free agency, grab what they need in the draft, make a tade if need be, and grab who they can from the waiver wire. Keep the faith.

 

If Pats los Vinateiri over just a gap of $500,000... I wont know where my faith will be in the Pats F.O. The options are Edinger who averages 10 missed field goals a season, and most of his games have been played in a dome. Then there's the jackass Vandergat, oh yeah he's clutch... when it doesnt count. No matter who they find, no kicker will be good as Vinny and they know that