« Pats signings | Main | Franchise tags »

Europe talk

Punters Tom Malone and Danny Baugher, who were signed to 2007 contracts after spending parts of the '06 season on the Patriots' practice squad, will be allocated to NFL Europe.

John Rickert, the agent for Malone, said that NFL teams must allocate a minimum of three players and a maximum of five players to NFL Europe. Allocated players are granted a roster exemption through the end of training camp.

For Malone (USC) and Baugher (Arizona), it's a chance to punt in live games and get themselves on videotape for NFL teams to see.

Malone and Baugher factor in to what could be an interesting situation at punter for the Patriots. Likely factoring into the team's decision-making at punter is that 2006 opening-day starter Josh Miller -- who was placed on season-ending injured reserve Nov. 26 due to his shoulder -- is due a $100,000 roster bonus on the 15th day of the 2007 league year.

Veteran punters Ken Walter and Todd Sauerbrun are among a group of 14 Patriots players who are scheduled for unrestricted free agency in March.