question for madJack

[shamrock]

Bender, first of all the Patriots already signed Samuel 2 weeks ago, he is signed for next season. Secondly they are 29 million under the cap so they can afford to pay for some free agents. Third, they lost to Indianapolis in the conference final game largely because they had no linebackers. They never replaced Willie McGinnist or Roman Phifer. They were forced to play some guy named Eric Alexander in the championship game, who hadn't played a single snap all season at linebacker. Now they have probably the best linebacker in the AFC, don't see how this isn't a gigantic plus for the team.

 

[Blitz]

Patriots sign Pro Bowl LB Thomas, TE Brady

NFL.com wire reports

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (March 3, 2007) -- Linebacker Adalius Thomas, one of the most sought-after free agents, signed Saturday with the New England Patriots, giving the three-time Super Bowl winners a player in the mold of the departed Willie McGinest.

The 29-year-old Pro Bowler, one of the keys to the Baltimore defense last season, can play several positions, including outside linebacker and defensive end -- as McGinest did until he left last season for Cleveland.

The Patriots also announced the signings of two other veterans: tight end Kyle Brady and running back Sammy Morris.

"Personally and professionally, we are very impressed with Adalius Thomas," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "His playmaking, toughness, intelligence, versatility and character were all factors in our decision to pursue him. Adalius has contributed in many ways to some excellent defensive units and we look forward to getting to work with him."

Brady, 35, played four seasons with the New York Jets and eight with Jacksonville. He has played in 183 games and caught 334 passes for 3,449 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Morris is a seven-year veteran who has played for both Buffalo and Miami.


:00hour :spotting: dance2 dance1 :em71: :11jackson
:fit01:

 

[IX_Bender]

Shamrock, my point is simply that Samuels is under the tag. Its a one year contract based on an average of top salaries at the same position in the league. The pats have HUGE holes both at LB and in the secondary.
While Samuels is 'under contract' they need to work out a real deal for him. Thats what I meant about taking care of your existing players. If/when they offer Asante much less than Adailus in terms of a structured deal, then this will become an issue.

Congrats on signing him.

 

[shamrock]

He's going to Houston.

that's awfully strange judge, I saw him up Gillette today signing autographs & shaking hands:shrug:

 

[loudog]

LBs are secure now with varbel, bruschi, colvin, and thomas.

secondary has two players coming back that were out for postseason-eugene wilson and harrison. corners are solid with hobbs and samuels.

weaknesess going into draft day are at wr, having olb filled means they can focus wr with ther first pick. second pick in 1st round i could see going to a saftey. I have heard rumblings about a rb being taken in the earlier rounds maybe 2nd.

 

[loudog]

Pats just signed Wes Welker, the WR from miami for $38 million over seven years. If the Dolphins choose not to match, they will receive one of the Pats' second-round picks in the 2007 NFL Draft.

I remember him burning special teams with his kick off returns last year. Very fast receiver.