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Restricted free agent day

Email|Link|Comments (2) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff February 28, 2008 08:15 AM

Today is a significant day on the NFL calendar as teams must decide what level tender offer they will make to their restricted free agents by 4 p.m.

There are four levels of tenders. The level of tender determines what compensation the team receives should the player sign an offer sheet with another team that is not matched.

Low -- 927,000 (compensation would be round in which player entered the NFL)

Second round -- $1.41 million

First round -- $2.01 million

First & third round -- $2.56 million

Reserve DL Mike Wright is a restricted free agent. Because he entered the league as a rookie free agent, look for him to get the second-round tender from the Patriots. It is also possible the sides could work to hammer out a contract extension.

Meanwhile, here are three restricted free agents from around the NFL who might fit the Patriots' style:

LB Adam Seward (Carolina) -- A fifth-round draft choice in 2005, the 6-foot-2, 248-pound Seward has some background in 3-4 schemes from his college days at UNLV. He's been primarily a backup/special teamer the last three years, although he caught the eye in the 2007 preseason with a 5-tackle effort against the Patriots. Word out of Carolina is that he's been tendered at the low level, so he'd cost a fifth-round pick to acquire.

CB Reynaldo Hill (Titans) -- With 26 starts over the last three seasons, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Hill entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft choice in 2005. The Tennessean reported that Hill received the low tender, which would result in a team surrendering a seventh-round choice to acquire him. A quicker corner, Hill's ball skills are evidenced in his six career interceptions.

DL Colin Cole (Packers) -- The 6-foot-1, 325-pound Cole played in only four games last season due to an arm injury. He has the makeup to possibly contribute at nose tackle in the 3-4 alignment. He caught the eye in 2006 against the Patriots, totaling eight tackles and a sack. Because he entered the NFL as a free agent, he is likely to get the second-round tender, which will scare most teams away.

2 comments so far...

Andre Frazier is a RFA I would like to see the Pats go after. Get this kid with Mike Woicik and he will be a steal.

from ESPN.com, Scouts

Full Name: Andre Frazier
Born: June 29, 1982
Cincinnati, OH
Height: 6-5
Weight: 255 lbs. Age: 25
Pos: LB
Experience: 3 years

Comment: Frazier is a very tall lanky backup strongside linebacker who has experience outside in the 3-4. He is too lean and is not strong enough to handle the pounding against tight ends and tackles in the 3-4 or close to the line of scrimmage every play in the 4-3. He has very long arms though and exceptional pure speed. He is capable of making a lot of plays in pursuit. His best asset though, without question, is his special teams skills. He is a core special teams player. He shows some explosive qualities and is very quick off the ball. Frazier also covers a lot of ground in coverage and has the athleticism to play in space. He is a good speed rusher who can bend his knees, get low and bend the corner. He is a good upside player who is a very good contributor on special teams, but simply has to get stronger to handle his responsibilities at the point of attack.

Posted by nikos February 28, 08 01:10 PM

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Where can I find a list of all of this year's restricted free agents and the tender they received?

Posted by Joseph March 6, 08 09:08 PM

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