I know there has been one but it was buried and I'm lazy so now that we know we have ~23mil to play with (Thank you Brady), Lloyd's bad behavior in the locker room, Dennard convicted, and Brady extended what are you're moves this offseason?

For me:

Cuts -

Brandon Lloyd - If not for the locker room stuff I'd keep him as he provide good production for what he cost against the cap. However the locker room is enough for me to dump him and target a different WR, even if that means only having Slater on the roster at this point. Savings  2.5mil this years cap increasing space to ~25.5mli

Jermaine Cunningham - The only time Cunningham flashed last year was when he was on something. There was serious questions whether he'd make the roster and clearly the PEDs helped him keep his spot. After he was caught he completely disappeared. Savings 600K increasing cap space to 26mil

RFA Tenders -

Hoom - A original 5th round pick in 3rd year, I'd tender him at original pick level which would reward him with a 1.1mil contract. For what he brings to the team in terms of blocking and became the prime backup over Fells well worth the tender and try to work out a 2-3 year deal

Resignings -

Welker - before knowing about Lloyd and before Brady gave cap space I'd let Welker walk. But, if Welker is able to take a cap friendly deal for the first couple of years he'd be welcome back, provided the Pats become more diverse with the other WR. my offer would be the 40mil over 5 yrs as rumored with 18mil signing and a base of 2mil the first two years 4mil the 3rd and 7mil the last two years, with the first 3 guaranteed. It gives Welker 26mil guaranteed while minimizing the cap hit drastically and gives the team the option to back out after the 3rd year

Edelman - He gets hurt often but he's still one of the best PR men in the game and when healthy provides solid depth in the slot behind Welker. I don't think he'd command much money maybe a 3yr 8mil contract 3mil signing. That could mean a 13' cap hit of ~1.8mil which should be accetable

Vollmer - He appears healthy (minor knee clean up aside) and when healthy is one of the best RT's in the game. With Cannon and Solder you lock down one of the most important OL position in the game for years to come. To get it done I'm looking at Vollmer for a 5yr 35ml with 12mil signing and first 2 years guaranteed. I'd break down the base to 2mil each first two years, 7mil the next two years, 5mil the final year. This limits his cap hit to ~5mil the first two years before the cap expands and gives him 18mil over the first 2 years which should make him happy

Talib - I don't think the market for him will be as large as most think there will be. Grimes, Houston, DCR and similar options currently on the market and expect even more to be added, all without Talib's off-field concerns or previously failed drug test. I see a two year prove it contract which would benefit both sides. Talib will be able to hit the market before turning 30 and the Pats will get Talib on his best behavior and an easy out. I'm thinking a 2yr 12mil contract 5mil signing 2mil first year 2mil next year and a 3mil option bonus that must be picked up before the end of the 13' season for the 14' season

Total cap remaining - 8.5mil

FA's:

David Nelson - A larger jump up and get it WR with a huge catching radius. Here's the Boldin type of WR that Brady needs but at Walmart prices. Because of his knee injury and the number of good available WR's on the market his asking price might be low, looking for a prove it contract, and we know that Pats wanted to sign him as a UDFA in 10'. They get there guy under a prove it contract for 2yr 4mil contract 2mil signing with the 1st year being a base min. 

William Moore - I'd love to get Goldson but at this point I'm pinching pennies by this point. Moore is a very capable SS and is a large upgrade over Gregory but will cost less then Goldson and the hamstring injury might drop his price slightly. I'm looking at a 3yr 12mil 5mil signing with 1.5mil 1st year, 2mil 2nd, and 4 3rd year.

Total cap remaining - 4mil

Draft:

29: Hankins/Jenkins/J Williams - If somehow Hankins falls he'd be my first choice but that might be less then a 50% cahnce at this point. The next up is either Jenkins or J Williams. Depending on who you ask on the draft forum it seems like one or the other is currently the favorite DT's that might be around at that point so they get the choice.

Trade Mallett - There are a number of teams looking for QB's and maybe 4 QB's worth taking in the 1st two rounds. Smith was just traded so there no longer is a FA or really trade market left. I'm looking at Ari at #38 who had Skelton and Kolb and desperately need a QB. Of course Mallett for #38 straight up most likely won't get it done so add the Pats 4th next year to complete it.

38: Margus Hunt - Hunt is tall, powerful, and an all around athletic freak. He's a bit of a raw prospect but has shown flashes of dominance. Put him to bookend Jones and they have one of the biggest DL's who can get to QB's in the league

60: Will Davis CB - He's taller then the normal Pats CB and was one of the most impressive CB's in college last year. Add him as a slot CB and the secondary is fully rebuilt at that point

91: Mike Glennon QB - I can hear it now, if we trade Mallett who plays backup? Well Glennon is this years version of Mallett. They are extremely similar players down to the off-field issues which is why Glennon even makes the back of the 3rd. You are essentially replacing Mallett for Glennon keep the same skill set and pick up a 2nd all for the cost of a 4th next year and 3rd this year. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

With those positions in the draft and taking off Malletts contract we'd be just under 1mil left in the cap. To fill the rest of the positions will require a restructure or more releases. Wilfork is the prime candidate for restructure or extension and Fells would be a prime player for a cut. But, depending on how the FA's are structured they might be good anyways

Alright have at me and tear it apart

Why would you trade Mallett if you're going to draft another QB in this years draft?

I understand you net a 2nd at the cost of a 3rd and 4th, but that still makes no sense to me.

Especially now that we knoe Brady is at least signed through 2017 with a ot of guarantees.

IMO, you bring back Cassel or Hoyer to be a backup for a couple of years until you're in a position to draft who they would believe to be the heir apparent.

Don't need draft another backup whose contract will expire before Brady's.

I agree with nearly all of this (and I don't say that often). My concerns are that Moore will be franchised and Glennon could get drafted earlier. I might add a cheap FB for goaline offense, but yeah I agree with this alot (agree on DT, then OLB/DE\). I still think WR is a possibility for the draft, but that obviously depends on what happens in free agency.

I could be wrong on saying Moore will be franchised. I am often not entirely aware of other teams cap situations.

To be honest I wanted Spencer (franchised) or Melton ($$), but I knew either was unlikely.

 

Nelson is an interesting option. I never, repeat, never thought BB would sign a FA WR for big bucks.

This post has been removed.

I know that the last big  defensive splash FA didn't pan out for the Pat's (Adalius Thomas) but the need for a pass rush is imperative IMO. I would take a serious run at Paul Kruger.

 

Good and well thought out post.  I agree with your thinking about securing DT and DE positions with players who can play multiple sets and get at the QB with the first two picks.  The pass defense secondary can only do so much when the opposing QB can sit in the pocket all day and pick us apart.  

I'de rather not draft a CB or S/SS, espcially if Denard and Aquib are on the field at CB (big if) and if Ras I can complete a productive healthy camp (bigger if).  If not, get proven player(s) via FA.  I'm still steaming about Tavon Wilson...who I think is demonstrating he was better suited as a 6th round pick, not early 2nd round waste.

at 29 - If not Hankins, I like Williams, N.C. who can play both DT and DE34.  

at 38, I think Hunt is a reach and too much of a gamble for a second round pick. I would prefer Jones from UCLA or Mingo from LSU.

and I use 60 for OG/C.  

and  what to do with Ras I.  Picked #33, he was injured at Virginia and has been injured for two years here...  I think it's time to cut bait.   

I'd write shorter posts.

In response to jri37's comment:

Can you explain what you like about Kruger? Not knocking, because a lot of people like Kruger, just curious why you would pay him $40 million/whatever he's looking for.

Before Suggs came back, he had 1.5 sacks.

He primarily played just as a pass rush specialist, he split a lot of time with Courtney Upshaw.

 

So in other words, Kruger probably can't be a number 1 pass rusher, he's more of a complimentary one. He also has not been a full time starter. I wouldn't spend $40 million unless I was getting a surefire 3 down player

The game is won in the trenches, and always will be won in the trenches.

I would focus on a (fast) DE/OLB...let's face it, our pass rush continues to be average. This must get fixed. I can't stand another season of watching sub-par QBs torch us.

Bring in another stud on the OL...or maybe even 2 more...we have plenty of talent in the skilled positions, but we must make sure the blocking is there. Is it finally time to think about letting Vollmer and his back problems go?

Sign Talib, and use some of the extra cap $$ to get a beast safety. Someone who can help in the run, but mainly to help our slow LBs in coverage.

In response to dapats1281's comment:

I didn't say i would pay 40 million. I think if you can be creative and with a cap friendly backloaded deal with an enticing signing bonus it would give the Pat's bookend  pass rushers something they sorely need. If not so be it. I wouldn't destroy the salary cap model they have to sign him but i would definitely explore the possibility..

I don't have all the answers but I do know watching this team play the last few years that getting pressure on the QB is a big need.

Like your posts as they are well thought out. Generally agree with FA decisions, but have some draft strategy changes

1. I would grab okafor at 29, and 38, grab Jesse Williams

2. i would not draft a QB in round 3...I would trade the 3rd round pick for a 4th and 5th. With my fourth round I grab Ryan Swope. 

3. I cut gostkowski, save 3m, and use my 5th rounder on replacing gostkowski with Hunter. Every time gostkowski takes the field he looks like he is going to wet his pants.

4. I have 3m more to spend with gostkowski being cut. look to extend mccourty or spikes, send the money their Way...perhaps spend on another FA...

In response to PatsLifer's comment:

cutting Ghost only save 1.8mil on the cap this year and who are you getting to replace Mallett? I like the idea of Swoop though. Maybe I'd extend Ghost and spread out the money. He's still a pretty realiable kicker. Just had a rough year which still made him a top 15 kicker in the league (in his worst year)

How much do we save if we cut the mediocre Mayo?  It's really silly paying Elite money for an average, at best, LB.

Stop sucking at drafting.  I mean seriously, can we hit on ONE 2nd round pick this year?  I'm sick of BB surrounding Brady with mediocre players.  It's unfair to the GOAT and it's unfair to we the people who support Tom, the savior of this franchise and of man-kind

In response to tcal2-'s comment:

You're being generous by labeling anybody average on that Mickey Mouse D.  Can Tom play LB, too?

In response to BabePariIIi's comment:

Wilfork might disagree? Want a mulligan on that one?

In response to Iceman4's comment:

I will give Wilfork his due.  He's the only respectable player on that D.  All of the rest suck.  Maybe if BB didn't blow so many 2nd round picks in the past 5 years then we would have at least an average D.  Thank God that Brady is on this team, otherwise we would be the doormat of the AFC East.

I would sign Ed Reed.

After what Suggs said, I would really just love for Reed to come here.

In response to tcal2-'s comment:

Yes, Mayo DRoY(08'), 2x pro-bowl (10',12'), 1x all-pro (10'), 1x all-nfl (12') is mediocre. You are just as bad as Rusty with Brady or Babe with BB drafting

In response to PatsLifer's comment:

agree on ghost. posted same thought at end of season.

i like a big body and huge hands for our wr.

i like okafor.

dt lower on my needs list

In response to BabePariIIi's comment:

Yep he doesn't surround Brady with talent Solder, Vollmer, Mankins, Gronk, Hern via draft. And Spikes, Jones, Mayo (see comment above) on the D don't count either. What a horrible GM that can't get all-pro's at every position. Brady is just as much a goat on the team as any other player and coach. They collectively failed not just one player or one group.

Now BB stinks at drafting DB's and WR's but give him his due. He's pretty good at the front 7 and OL/TE's. You can give me Brace and Hill all you want but Ty, Seymour, Wilfork, Jones would say that 4 out of 6 isn't bad for DL in the first 2 rounds. Any GM would love to have hit on that many.

BB's not perfect but he hits on just as many as most GM's out there, if not more recently and in some positions he's better but of course others he stinks.

In response to PatsEng's comment:

 

I know there has been one but it was buried and I'm lazy so now that we know we have ~23mil to play with (Thank you Brady), Lloyd's bad behavior in the locker room, Dennard convicted, and Brady extended what are you're moves this offseason?

For me:

Cuts -

Brandon Lloyd - If not for the locker room stuff I'd keep him as he provide good production for what he cost against the cap. However the locker room is enough for me to dump him and target a different WR, even if that means only having Slater on the roster at this point. Savings  2.5mil this years cap increasing space to ~25.5mli

Jermaine Cunningham - The only time Cunningham flashed last year was when he was on something. There was serious questions whether he'd make the roster and clearly the PEDs helped him keep his spot. After he was caught he completely disappeared. Savings 600K increasing cap space to 26mil

RFA Tenders -

Hoom - A original 5th round pick in 3rd year, I'd tender him at original pick level which would reward him with a 1.1mil contract. For what he brings to the team in terms of blocking and became the prime backup over Fells well worth the tender and try to work out a 2-3 year deal

Resignings -

Welker - before knowing about Lloyd and before Brady gave cap space I'd let Welker walk. But, if Welker is able to take a cap friendly deal for the first couple of years he'd be welcome back, provided the Pats become more diverse with the other WR. my offer would be the 40mil over 5 yrs as rumored with 18mil signing and a base of 2mil the first two years 4mil the 3rd and 7mil the last two years, with the first 3 guaranteed. It gives Welker 26mil guaranteed while minimizing the cap hit drastically and gives the team the option to back out after the 3rd year

Edelman - He gets hurt often but he's still one of the best PR men in the game and when healthy provides solid depth in the slot behind Welker. I don't think he'd command much money maybe a 3yr 8mil contract 3mil signing. That could mean a 13' cap hit of ~1.8mil which should be accetable

Vollmer - He appears healthy (minor knee clean up aside) and when healthy is one of the best RT's in the game. With Cannon and Solder you lock down one of the most important OL position in the game for years to come. To get it done I'm looking at Vollmer for a 5yr 35ml with 12mil signing and first 2 years guaranteed. I'd break down the base to 2mil each first two years, 7mil the next two years, 5mil the final year. This limits his cap hit to ~5mil the first two years before the cap expands and gives him 18mil over the first 2 years which should make him happy

Talib - I don't think the market for him will be as large as most think there will be. Grimes, Houston, DCR and similar options currently on the market and expect even more to be added, all without Talib's off-field concerns or previously failed drug test. I see a two year prove it contract which would benefit both sides. Talib will be able to hit the market before turning 30 and the Pats will get Talib on his best behavior and an easy out. I'm thinking a 2yr 12mil contract 5mil signing 2mil first year 2mil next year and a 3mil option bonus that must be picked up before the end of the 13' season for the 14' season

Total cap remaining - 8.5mil

FA's:

David Nelson - A larger jump up and get it WR with a huge catching radius. Here's the Boldin type of WR that Brady needs but at Walmart prices. Because of his knee injury and the number of good available WR's on the market his asking price might be low, looking for a prove it contract, and we know that Pats wanted to sign him as a UDFA in 10'. They get there guy under a prove it contract for 2yr 4mil contract 2mil signing with the 1st year being a base min. 

William Moore - I'd love to get Goldson but at this point I'm pinching pennies by this point. Moore is a very capable SS and is a large upgrade over Gregory but will cost less then Goldson and the hamstring injury might drop his price slightly. I'm looking at a 3yr 12mil 5mil signing with 1.5mil 1st year, 2mil 2nd, and 4 3rd year.

Total cap remaining - 4mil

Draft:

29: Hankins/Jenkins/J Williams - If somehow Hankins falls he'd be my first choice but that might be less then a 50% cahnce at this point. The next up is either Jenkins or J Williams. Depending on who you ask on the draft forum it seems like one or the other is currently the favorite DT's that might be around at that point so they get the choice.

Trade Mallett - There are a number of teams looking for QB's and maybe 4 QB's worth taking in the 1st two rounds. Smith was just traded so there no longer is a FA or really trade market left. I'm looking at Ari at #38 who had Skelton and Kolb and desperately need a QB. Of course Mallett for #38 straight up most likely won't get it done so add the Pats 4th next year to complete it.

38: Margus Hunt - Hunt is tall, powerful, and an all around athletic freak. He's a bit of a raw prospect but has shown flashes of dominance. Put him to bookend Jones and they have one of the biggest DL's who can get to QB's in the league

60: Will Davis CB - He's taller then the normal Pats CB and was one of the most impressive CB's in college last year. Add him as a slot CB and the secondary is fully rebuilt at that point

91: Mike Glennon QB - I can hear it now, if we trade Mallett who plays backup? Well Glennon is this years version of Mallett. They are extremely similar players down to the off-field issues which is why Glennon even makes the back of the 3rd. You are essentially replacing Mallett for Glennon keep the same skill set and pick up a 2nd all for the cost of a 4th next year and 3rd this year. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

With those positions in the draft and taking off Malletts contract we'd be just under 1mil left in the cap. To fill the rest of the positions will require a restructure or more releases. Wilfork is the prime candidate for restructure or extension and Fells would be a prime player for a cut. But, depending on how the FA's are structured they might be good anyways

Alright have at me and tear it apart

 

Good post, PE.

 

I don't have issues with your projected cuts, RFA Tenders or resignings, though I think Talib is still the wild card... he can cover and that still comes at a premium... if they get him on your proposed deal then I think it's a no brainer, though I don't think they'll go too far on him.

As far as you FA signings go, I like Moore as an option... am also interested in Reed and even Quentin Jammer who could even project to S, also play some slot CB, etc.

If they pass on Talib, Keenan Lewis, Greg Toler and Bradley Fletcher could be names of interest.

At WR, I'm thinking Brian Hartline is their top realistic option and I still like Brandon Gibson (and his decreasing drop rate) as options there.

A solid all around ILB like Brad Jones could be a target as well

So I could see:

• Cut:  Lloyd, Cunningham
• RFA: Hooman
• Resign: Welker, Edelman, Vollmer
• FA Signings/Targets: Some mix of S Moore/Reed, WR Hartline/Gibson, LB Jones, CB Talib or Toler/Lewis/Flethcher/Jammer

Draft: (I'll go along with your trade)

• Rd 1:  DT Jesse Williams- Alabama
• Rd 2:  DE/OLB Tank Carradine- FSU
• Rd 2:  (Pick your CB) Logan Ryan/Darius Slay/DJ Hayden/Jamar Taylor/Jordan Poyer
• Rd 3:  (Pick your WR) Stedman Bailey/Ace Sanders/Ryan Swope/Josh Boyce/Markus Wheaton
• Rd 7:  WR TJ Moe- Mizzou
• Rd 7:  S Cooper Taylor- Richmond

If they don't pick up a S in FA, I'd add in Cyprien and Elam as options with one of there first (2) picks or Swearinger, Josh Evans, Shawn Williams, and Shamarko Thomas etc. as options on Day 2.

In response to PatsEng's comment:

 

I know there has been one but it was buried and I'm lazy so now that we know we have ~23mil to play with (Thank you Brady), Lloyd's bad behavior in the locker room, Dennard convicted, and Brady extended what are you're moves this offseason?

For me:

Cuts -

Brandon Lloyd - If not for the locker room stuff I'd keep him as he provide good production for what he cost against the cap. However the locker room is enough for me to dump him and target a different WR, even if that means only having Slater on the roster at this point. Savings  2.5mil this years cap increasing space to ~25.5mli

Jermaine Cunningham - The only time Cunningham flashed last year was when he was on something. There was serious questions whether he'd make the roster and clearly the PEDs helped him keep his spot. After he was caught he completely disappeared. Savings 600K increasing cap space to 26mil

RFA Tenders -

Hoom - A original 5th round pick in 3rd year, I'd tender him at original pick level which would reward him with a 1.1mil contract. For what he brings to the team in terms of blocking and became the prime backup over Fells well worth the tender and try to work out a 2-3 year deal

Resignings -

Welker - before knowing about Lloyd and before Brady gave cap space I'd let Welker walk. But, if Welker is able to take a cap friendly deal for the first couple of years he'd be welcome back, provided the Pats become more diverse with the other WR. my offer would be the 40mil over 5 yrs as rumored with 18mil signing and a base of 2mil the first two years 4mil the 3rd and 7mil the last two years, with the first 3 guaranteed. It gives Welker 26mil guaranteed while minimizing the cap hit drastically and gives the team the option to back out after the 3rd year

Edelman - He gets hurt often but he's still one of the best PR men in the game and when healthy provides solid depth in the slot behind Welker. I don't think he'd command much money maybe a 3yr 8mil contract 3mil signing. That could mean a 13' cap hit of ~1.8mil which should be accetable

Vollmer - He appears healthy (minor knee clean up aside) and when healthy is one of the best RT's in the game. With Cannon and Solder you lock down one of the most important OL position in the game for years to come. To get it done I'm looking at Vollmer for a 5yr 35ml with 12mil signing and first 2 years guaranteed. I'd break down the base to 2mil each first two years, 7mil the next two years, 5mil the final year. This limits his cap hit to ~5mil the first two years before the cap expands and gives him 18mil over the first 2 years which should make him happy

Talib - I don't think the market for him will be as large as most think there will be. Grimes, Houston, DCR and similar options currently on the market and expect even more to be added, all without Talib's off-field concerns or previously failed drug test. I see a two year prove it contract which would benefit both sides. Talib will be able to hit the market before turning 30 and the Pats will get Talib on his best behavior and an easy out. I'm thinking a 2yr 12mil contract 5mil signing 2mil first year 2mil next year and a 3mil option bonus that must be picked up before the end of the 13' season for the 14' season

Total cap remaining - 8.5mil

FA's:

David Nelson - A larger jump up and get it WR with a huge catching radius. Here's the Boldin type of WR that Brady needs but at Walmart prices. Because of his knee injury and the number of good available WR's on the market his asking price might be low, looking for a prove it contract, and we know that Pats wanted to sign him as a UDFA in 10'. They get there guy under a prove it contract for 2yr 4mil contract 2mil signing with the 1st year being a base min. 

William Moore - I'd love to get Goldson but at this point I'm pinching pennies by this point. Moore is a very capable SS and is a large upgrade over Gregory but will cost less then Goldson and the hamstring injury might drop his price slightly. I'm looking at a 3yr 12mil 5mil signing with 1.5mil 1st year, 2mil 2nd, and 4 3rd year.

Total cap remaining - 4mil

Draft:

29: Hankins/Jenkins/J Williams - If somehow Hankins falls he'd be my first choice but that might be less then a 50% cahnce at this point. The next up is either Jenkins or J Williams. Depending on who you ask on the draft forum it seems like one or the other is currently the favorite DT's that might be around at that point so they get the choice.

Trade Mallett - There are a number of teams looking for QB's and maybe 4 QB's worth taking in the 1st two rounds. Smith was just traded so there no longer is a FA or really trade market left. I'm looking at Ari at #38 who had Skelton and Kolb and desperately need a QB. Of course Mallett for #38 straight up most likely won't get it done so add the Pats 4th next year to complete it.

38: Margus Hunt - Hunt is tall, powerful, and an all around athletic freak. He's a bit of a raw prospect but has shown flashes of dominance. Put him to bookend Jones and they have one of the biggest DL's who can get to QB's in the league

60: Will Davis CB - He's taller then the normal Pats CB and was one of the most impressive CB's in college last year. Add him as a slot CB and the secondary is fully rebuilt at that point

91: Mike Glennon QB - I can hear it now, if we trade Mallett who plays backup? Well Glennon is this years version of Mallett. They are extremely similar players down to the off-field issues which is why Glennon even makes the back of the 3rd. You are essentially replacing Mallett for Glennon keep the same skill set and pick up a 2nd all for the cost of a 4th next year and 3rd this year. Sounds like a good deal to me.

 

With those positions in the draft and taking off Malletts contract we'd be just under 1mil left in the cap. To fill the rest of the positions will require a restructure or more releases. Wilfork is the prime candidate for restructure or extension and Fells would be a prime player for a cut. But, depending on how the FA's are structured they might be good anyways

Alright have at me and tear it apart

 

hey eng, not bad. i  have posted nearly all of the same opinons, save glennon, and liking a big outside wr in draft over welker. been on board with your nelson idea. the rest i too have suggested. 

done this exercise nealry 10 times on threads the past month. still fun to read, but no as enthusiastic as spitting more out at the moment. sure it will catch fire again though.

hope we get a pick this year for mallet.

In response to mbeaulieu07's comment:

carradine and williams not bad.

the only thing I know for sure is every name under consideration for being drafted by us will not be drafted by us! BB seems to do that to us every year!