Costly business on the o-line
ANALYSIS
When a team gets a run of injuries at a certain position -- forcing it to sign veteran players who are more prone to injuries -- the results can sometimes be costly from a financial perspective.
The Patriots' situation on the offensive line is one example.
In need of bodies along the offensive line, the team signed 32-year-old Anthony Clement on July 21, a few days before training camp started. Later in camp, on August 2, veteran Barry Stokes (34) was signed.
Both players are now on season-ending injured reserve -- Clement due to a knee injury and Stokes with a back ailment.
The moves ultimately cost the Patriots some salary cap space, as Clement will be paid a split salary of $345,000 and Stokes a split salary of $320,000 (assuming neither player gets an injury settlement).
This is one example why teams often talk about the importance of developing young players, especially along the line of scrimmage. Relying on veteran players who haven't been part of a team's offseason program comes with added injury risk.
The salary cap hit won't necessarily handcuff the Patriots, but a salary payout of $665,000 is still significant.
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This is simply bad luck, you yourself said in the offseason that the Patriots were set on the O-line for the forseeable future with most players young vets and tied up for 2-3 yrs contract wise. But it is good practice to always select an O-lineman every yr in the draft.
I'm wondering where they're finding the space to sign these new guys like Lamont Jordan and Lynch
I guess they leave as much buffer as they can
I'm wondering if Robert Kraft can insure against this kind of thing. Lloyds of London seems willing to insure against anything for a premium.
Patriot Paul - that's one of the dumbest things I've read on this board. Let me guess - you're about 6 years old and daddy let you play on his computer?
Well, Jp, I certainly applaud your financial acumen. If paying two aging linemen $665,000 for a couple of days work in training camp wouldn't cause you any worry I say congratulations to you. However, I think it more likely that Robert Kraft would run circles around you, financially speaking. You can go back to sleep now.
In my mind the only way you are going to get a quality lineman is :
1) you wait till the final cut before regular season play and grab one that falls through the cracks because of roster restrictions .......
2) trade
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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