Report: Pats sign Tank Williams

Back in 2003 - did anyone see the Milloy cut coming? Why do I see Rodney Harrison getting cut? He is a year older, no GH and a bad history of breaking down. Please note - I am NOT trying to slam Rodney. He was a great, great player. Clearly a HOFer but the end is coming - and with the Patriots - a player is released usually a year early - not a year late.

Peace

Joe E O

might tank play linebacker for the patriots?

Williams is a Strong Safety, right? He hasn't done much in the last two seasons (with the Vikings), but he wasn't bad the four previous years with the Titans. He had 57 starts with the Titans so he brings some experience with him. With Rodney Harrison missing games each of the last three seasons, it'll be interesting if Williams sticks, because the Patriots could use some depth at the Safety position.
I wonder if he's any good at special teams?

Rodneys not getting cut.

When I read the headline, for a second I thought this was the guy who used to play for the Bears, the one who got busted for having a giant gun arsenal. Seemed like kind of an odd choice for the Pats. Then I realized, oh, different Tank. Never mind.

This is great news, because the more they sign free agents at CB, LB, WR etc., the more likely they will pick up one of the really good defensive linemen like Vernon Gholston at #7 in the draft. I'm really excited at seeing that happen because I think the Pats defense applied a lot of pressure on Manning in the superbowl and ALMOST sacked him. A quality defensive lineman would have turned good pressure into sacks, fumbles and shoved those oreo cookies where they belong (hope you understand the reference).

One thing I think the superbowl proved was that pressure alone isn't enough because as long as there is time to get rid of the ball, Asante Samuel can still drop the key interception, Tyree can still make an improbable catch, and near the endzone, a failed blitz becomes a touchdown. Not blaming at all the defensive backfield. It's just that a good backfield won't help much if you don't win at the defensive line, whereas an average backfield can do well if you win on defense at the line of scrimmage.

wheres ty law?

I like the idea of signing proven players. That gives you many options.

I think they may be looking at moving Meriweather to corner...Williams will add depth at Safety with Harrison and Sanders. Rodney will NOT get cut after the post-season he just had.

I agree with poster #9. Can Merriweather be a slot cover, replacing Gay.
Then go for Gholston.

But I get the feeling that they may trade the pick and grab the 3rd or 4th cb in the draft. Maybe Cromartie?

Finally, some decent height in the defensive backfield. Now they just need a cornerback who is 6' + (with good skills, of course) ...

I hear from a reliable source that Harrison is considering retiring....

none of the safeties they have is getting cut ( or retiring)..........Tank most likely is just taking Eugene Wilson's spot....