Patriots agree to terms with Leigh Bodden

Nice! He did well in C town...wasn't a good fit for the Cover 2 in Rock City...I was hoping the Springs signing wouldn't preclude us from still getting him...although it is interesting the move came so close after Buffalo's signing of the problem child...oh well, I like the move nonetheless.

great signing!

Nice pickup.

good pick up, no we just need Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers and we will have a complete defense!!! (plus the draft picks)

From the National Football Post:
Leigh Bodden (Lions) – Bodden might have the best value of all the defensive players left on the market. He is physical enough to jam receivers in Cover 2 and can make plays on the football in man-to-man situations. If you need a corner, this is your guy. Can’t find this kind of athleticism and experience in the draft.

Question: What worse than signing a cornerback released by the Cincinnati Bengals (a la Delta O'Neal)

Answer: Signing a cornerback released by the Detroit Lions :(

YIPPPEEEE!!!! Another good size CB. Way to go Pats. Now get Vince a new contract and get some help for my man Tedy B.

I like this a lot. The addition of Bodden and Springs gives me more confidence in the secondary. Bodden has a lot of good years in him with experience to boot.

Take that T.O.!

I was hoping this deal would get done. good job!

Good pick up........ Our secondary is going to be amazing........ Good one year deal to re prove himself and then lock him up long term............ Peppers anyone?????

Love what they've done with the secondary this offseason.

A good signing. They can't have enough defensive backs and safeies in camp. Defense must get younger and more aggresive.

Don't matter one iotta who's at defensive back if the Patriots don't dramatically improve their pass rush.

nice pick up, played well for romeo, should do well for bill.makes me wonder what they will do with all the draft picks or are those for a big trade, like julius peppers perhaps.

Sweeet - it's about time that they bring in someone who is young and experienced instead of old and experienced. Now we don't have to see Hobbs covering the receiver 10 yards down field

Pressure is on Mr Hobbs!!!!

HAVE NO FEAR BILL IS AT WORK!

Bodden Springs, Hobbs...
seems better than what we had, but I wish we'd have grabbed Lito from the Eagles last year - to replace Samuel...I think he's gonna be big for Jets this year - especially with T.O going to Buffalo.

he will fit very good in pats backfield, just watch.

Good pick up Pats.. He and Springs should provide leadership for Wilhite and the other your CB.

Nice signing, especially if the Pats improve their pass rush.

Bill's in Florida - he had dinner with Tony LaRussa and Jim Leyland last night, per freep.com. Maybe (I hope) he's meeting with Jason Taylor.

“A big thrill for me,” Leyland said. “I really enjoyed that. I had a nice, long talk with him. We compared notes about what we do, how we do it, how many meetings we have. He’s a brilliant guy, so down-to-earth.

“He seems to have that star -- like (Tom) Brady -- but he seems to have some dirtballs that really play the game right. They’re winners, you know? He seems to know how to get those guys. I thought that was very interesting.

“We were talking about the closer being like the field-goal kicker. With five seconds remaining, you’ve got your kicker. Most of the time, they make them, if you’ve got a real good one. The closer, you’re holding your (breath) for three outs in the ninth inning.”

This is a great signing, finally some size at corner. I am hopefull they start Springs and Bodden and put Hobbs on the slot reciever where he should be. He is not a number 1 and is a questionable number 2. Boddin a couple years ago was a shutdown corner, and is stil only 27. Nice

For all the people, however many there may be, who went "man, why did they sign Springs when Bodden was available???"... this one's for you. =D

Good signing.

The Defense is starting to form!
This is a great signing. I am skeptical about Springs, but Bodden is younger and bigger.

Now lets go get a Pass Rusher in the draft!

Great signing. He is a big upgrade over the 5'9" Ellis Hobbs, and will DEFINATELY play a huge role in defending TO when we play the Bills twice a year. He'll also be a great 2-3 season stop-gap while rookies like Whilite grow and mature.

Well last year, they tried bringing in the dregs of the NFL in an attempt to put two guys on the field that could play. It failed. This year, at least they're aiming a little higher, bringing in guys who are quite a bit higher than the dregs. Don't get me wrong. Leigh Bodden is no Champ Bailey....and either is Shawn Springs at this point in his career (even when healthy)...but with those two guys back there, Hobbs still around, Wheatley, Wilhite, and 4 picks in the first two rounds, I have a lot of faith in their ability to get two starting-quality CBs and a damn good nickel guy out of that crop.

It's not like they're going to have 10 guys who could start on any team, but given the fact that they have 3 regular starters on the team now (Hobbs, Springs, Bodden), plus two high round rookies from '08, plus 4 more shots at grabbing a guy who could come in and contribute right away (plus possibly two 3rd rounders, although the odds of finding an immediate contributor go down a little there)....the odds of them not being able to get two good corners on the field at the same time for at least some portion of the season is unlikely.

"he flourished in Cleveland"

He flourished, but was immediately traded?? That doesn't seem right....

Signing Bodden and Springs were must moves if the Patriots want to contend for another championship title. Bring on Jason Taylor and we are ready to roll!!!!!!!

Wow, a DB who's under 30 and over 6 feet tall. See, Bill, they do exist!

I like it. With Springs and Bodden, you have a drastic upgrade at CB. Hopefully Wheatley comes along this year, and in the draft we now only have to concentrate on LB, WR, FS, O and D lines, and TE

So does this now mean that the Patriots do NOT have to worry about improving the secondary in this years draft?

Meriweather, James Sanders, Hobbs, Wheatley, Whilhite, Springs, Bodden??

Concentrate on OLB/DE, OT, WR, TE??

So, the 34-year old Springs gets a 3-year deal and the 24-year old gets a 1-year deal? I guess Bill REALLY likes Springs...as much as he liked Rodney. I hope we get the same production.

Exactly what they need. A big, young corner coming out of a losing situation, hungry to win. Mark my words, this guy will make more of an impact that Springs.

I like this move better than the Springs one, but all in all it smells of trying to patch up the backfield with other teams' rejects, which didn't work last year. They need an impact player back there, and I'm not sure we can bank on Merriweather, Harrison (is he returning? i don't even know), or any of the new people. Hopefully the draft will yield something, in terms of an immediate impact player, or a draft day trade for a more solid veteran.

YES!! Great news, this makes my day.

YES! Thank you god. I didn't think they were gonna sign Bodden after the signed Springs! This is awesome.

definitely another good pickup. springs/bodden combo already makes us a better team. i enjoyed the tough crennel defense - and think bodden will be a good fit in foxboro. interesting to see what happens next with the safety and linebacker issues. roy williams? JT? peppers? some very interesting developments could take place. i like how the team is shaping up.

I LOVE, L-O-V-E, THIS SIGNING

I only wish it were for like 4 years.

he's a Lions castoff!! MIKE what are they doing down there!!

Good move. Need the help at DB.

Two CBs That are over 5'10"? I am amazed, now if we can get CB Sean Smith Utah in the draft, we'll be able to move Hobbs to Nickel next year, where he'll thrive.

Rotoworld's Entry:

Patriots agreed to terms with CB Leigh Bodden on a one-year contract. NFL.com's Vic Carucci reports that the deal is worth $750,000.

After dealing Matt Cassel, the Pats' top priority was upgrading the secondary and they've executed. Bodden returns to a mostly man-to-man scheme after failing to adjust to Detroit's heavy zone. He flashed shutdown ability early in his career with Cleveland and is only 27. Bodden brings needed size (6'1/192) to New England and will compete to start. With Shawn Springs, Ellis Hobbs, and Bodden at corner, the Pats' pass defense looks much improved.

I'd like to see the salary and cap hit. On the surface, Bodden could flourish under Belichick. I like his size considering we have to face T.O. twice a year.

This is a great signing. I also like the fact that it is a 1 yr deal. We drafted 2 corners last year and I still believe they have the potential to be good. This signing will allow for us to decide between Bodden and hobbs as far as which one to bring back with the 2 that we already have. Now, we have the secondary fix in my mind. I say this draft should be about retooling the DL and OL. We have strength at LB . All that we need is for the young players to come into there own. I thin the post Pioli days are going along rather smoothly.
Stop doubting the hooded one!

I remember listening to a NY radio station a few years ago. Well the big cheese(Mike) of the station was describing how his friend(Tuna) was an expert on grading the talent of LB's. He then went on to describe Belichick as an expert on grading the talent of DB's.

Well, I don't see the comparison. Belichick clearly has limitations as far as grading DB's. Despite what the media has to say, Springs is not a 27 year-old Mike Haynes. And Bodden isn't even going to make the team.

I love it. We're getting raw materials and building it into a championship. Once the defense is re-worked, Bill will be able to focus on the offense. I think there is a great chance that we package a few picks together and move up to draft Matthew Stafford too. In a year, he'll be able to help lead the offense while our defense's raw tools will be molded to championship caliber material. My prediction: 2011 Super Bowl title is coming back home to where it belongs!

NFL.com's Vic Carucci reports that the one year deal is worth $750,000.

Good move. If Belichick lost ten genius points by trading Cassel and Vrabel for a second rounder, then he gained a couple by adding Fred Taylor, a couple by adding Chris Baker, a couple by adding Shawn Springs, and a couple by adding Leigh Bodden.

If somehow they can draft Mauluaga, deal for Julius Peppers, and re-sign Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour then BB will ascend to super genius status.

Leigh Bodden is a BAD MAN!

I have been PRAYING for PRECISELY this move! We have been missing an Alpha Cornerback ever since Emperor Tyraneous left town! 4 years of midget Corners and slogging LineBackers is coming to an end!

2 prayers have been answered, though I'll always worship Mike Vrabel! Now if we can complete the process by drafting 2 monster LB's and one monster Safety ~ ILB Jim Laurentis, OLB Larry English, and FS Rashad Johnson, dare I pray??? ~ we will be set up for a MONSTER 4 year run at multiple Golds!

now this is GREAT news!

Good pickup. We should add another vet corner for good measure though. Maybe Chris McAllister? I think if he stays healthy and helps out our young guys he could be real nice to have around. He's a winner.

Good pickup. Him and Springs will be a nice addition to the secondary. We are really stacking up with a nice versitile defense. Im really looking forward to seeing Crable (2nd yr Mich) in there playing with everybody. Any word on what Rodney is up to? Or any other defensive Free Agents the Pats are looking at (J. Taylor, Peppers)?

i am excited. this could be a great pick up. wish it was longer than 1 year

Good pickup. Bodden was miscast in Detroit. One year deal limits the risks. With Springs and Bodden tossed in with Hobbs and a healthy Wheatly and Wilhite, Secondary looks better.

Real solid pickup for Pats system...will force good competition for 2nd and 3rd corner spots.

Good signing. In theory are secodary has definitely improved already. Lets hope they are not gimps.

This signing will fly under the radar but I think will turn out to be a very good one. Remember, Bodden played very well under Romeo Crennel in Cleveland before he signed with Detroit last year in what turned out to be of course a disaster of a season for everyone on that team. He should be able to fit in well with the Pats defense since it is so similar to what Romeo had in Cleveland. The only question is durability since he has had a few injuries in his career.

I love the signing. Young corner with great size! Takes the presure off from having to look for untested corners in the draft, although they will still pick one in the 2nd~4th round. They can now focus on DL, DE, OL depth in the draft.

One quick question,have the Patriots actually confirmed the signing of Springs to the reported 3 year deal or Bodden to a one year deal.If,in fact ,both have been signed this would dramatically improve their the corner back position and would surely alter what they intend to do in the draft.

One step closer to being rid of Ellis Hobbs.

this is pretty good news..springs and bodden, i figured one of them, but not both

Love this signing. I expect Bodden to be the #1 corner by the start of the season. Now the Pats need to work on that pass rush.

Finally, just like everyone expected. Now we can be pretty sure they're going to draft a lb or Pettigrew if he falls into their laps.

Great!
Now who's going to play OLB....

Does Bodden's arrival have anything to do with TO's arrival in the division? If so, Bodden may have wanted this just as much as the Patriots. Nice!

Sayonara Ellis Hobbs as a NFL cornerback. Most over rated CB in the NFL. Hopefully the Pats finally saw it and now might move him inside to nickel, where he belongs, and get him off the corner where he has been a major weakness for the team.

Great deal. He's Familiar with Patriots schemes after working under Romeo in CLE and has the incentive to work his butt off due to becoming a free agent next year. It wasn't long ago he was traded for Shaun Rogers, an elite DT which do not come cheap in today's NFL. Typical Pats' under the radar signing, low risk with high upside.

This is good now we all need is an linebacker like Terell Suggs who is still an free agent and another reciever like Holt or Harrison because Welker is really better at playing slot reciever and it will be better on Moss and Welker now because you now have 2 deep threats Moss (Holt or Harrison) so now you cant be double team and now Flash Welker can now get the ball more.

see ya in Miami

Finally after all the blood-letting a signing that looks really good. I rather see the Patriots plug holes with veterans than trying to do everything in the draft.

Well, you better get a freaking pass rush, because receivers always get open eventually, no matter who's covering them. I don't want to see any draft pick or leftover veteran at Vrable's vacant spot. Sign PEPPERS or TAYLOR already and let's call it a day until September. Everybody's getting tired of this waiting game.

this is good, bodden is better than anyone who played corner last season, about four inches taller too.

Nice pick up! Now we just need to add Louis Dalmas or Alphonso Smith with #23 or #34 overall pick!

Bodden and Springs... I like this, gives the Pats more flexibility in the draft. They already have young corners in Wheatley and Wilhite. Pats are making solid moves this offseason. Only the Vrabel's one is questionable. Now we still need some studs from the draft esp a pass rusher.

If you're unaware, this is BIG.

A must needed acquisition!! For me he will be an excellent fit @ NE, a 6'1" 190 pounds presence. I was hoping it would be a multi-year deal. Anyway great deal!!

Depth at the CB position should only help this team. plus anyone is better then ellis hobes and hank poteat

Ah, some CBs with some reasonable size. Anyone know if he and Springs can hit someone in the open field? I still expect a CB pick but the first 2 picks are likely to be LB and S.

I think the D is going to be MUCH improved this year.

Great pick up! Bodden is one of the more underrated corners in the league. We have pretty solid depth at corner and do not really need to address early in the draft this year.

I'd like to see Bodden or Springs step up during training camp and TAKE one of the starting jobs from Wheatley, Hobbs, or Whilite. We need a veteran presence in the secondary, especially if Rodney is questionable to play. i dont trust Sanders being the "leader" of the secondary. And who knows is Meriweather will ever warrant the 1st round pick and guaranteed money.

This signing makes the patriots have a good core at CB:
Hobbs, Springs, Bodden, L. Sander, Wilhite, Wheatley
i wouldn't mind another safety.

A good pick-up. He did well at Browns and I'm sure he's happy to get out of Detroit.

another good signing, but I have to wonder how Ellis Hobbs feels right about now.

Now that's a GREAT addition, he's not on the down side of his career like some of the secondary additions of recent years.

Hard to tell how good a player is when they come from the Lions. Hopefully he will be an upgrade over O'neal.

certainly should be an upgrade over what we had last year. I am not sure why they signed him for only one year though. If he is good, then we'll ended up with another Asante Samuel situation!

I think this move will help solidfy the Pat s D if they pick a LB and DBack with one of there early draft picks they should be back in the hunt 12-4 maybe 13-3 SB here we come Brady is back.

Homer Central............What ever , I like being a Homer

Lets see if he returns to playing like he did for Cleveland,one more hole just got closed. LS was closed after that...

PUTTING THE PEICES TOGETHER
BB CAN MAKE THIS KID WORK FOR THEM
TOMMY'S HEALTHY...
THE PATS WILL BE BACK

Solid pick up. All the team needs in the secondary now is a Safety. Look for OLB, S, DE, ILB to be the apprximate order for defense. Unless Chris Wells is still there at 23. Don't be surprised if the NEP flip a second for a 2010 first rounder either.

First of all, I think this is a great move. I am still disappointed they didn't trade for Sheppard considering the Jets gave up a 5th rounder and a conditional (limit of 2nd rounder I think) which is not a bad deal really. Sheppard could be very good.

Why do people keep refering to Leigh Bodden as a stop-gap and a castaway from a crap team? Bodden is 27, which is still rather young and should be entering his prime. If he plays well, he could definitely sign a long-term deal. He was quite good for the Browns, then was not cast away from the Browns, he was TRADED to the Lions so the Browns could pick up Shaun Rogers. Then, the Lions released him due to his cap number and he simply did not fit in their system, which is something he is not used to. Sure, he could be bad here too, but why not take a chance? Their secondary was absolutely horrible last year, so they had to do something. I think this is good and a nice was to shore up their DB problems. Now they've got Springs and Bodden compared to Deltha O'Neal last year who is HORRID. Ellis Hobbs should not be a starting corner. He is simply not good enogh and I'm sick of watching him sit 10+ yards off the line and either get flagged for PI or get burnt all the time. He should play nickel-back and return kicks, that is it. Long story short... I like this move and I think it is a good signing for the Pats. Hopefully Bodden works out and they can sign him long-term for cheap money.

It seems like they'll be running the CB position the same way they run the running game - different players in different situations. And compared to last year and their options going into the offseason, I think this is the best way to play it. By the middle of the season they should know who their starting two are, and which guy is best as the third corner in nickel packages.

It seems like they'll be running the CB position the same way they run the running game - different players in different situations. And compared to last year and their options going into the offseason, I think this is the best way to play it. By the middle of the season they should know who their starting two are, and which guy is best as the third corner in nickel packages.

WE CAN BUILD ON THIS.

Bodden got the only INT the Lion secondary made all season, but don't forget the 3 FORCED FUMBLES and 70 plus solo tackles ( that's with big backs runnig full speed because Detroit had NO LINEBACKERS; he's lucky to be alive). He played in a defensive skeem that opposing coaches must have prayed to play against! He has a nose for the football and he competes! You win this all the way!

Bodden got the only INT the Lion secondary made all season, but don't forget the 3 FORCED FUMBLES and 70 plus solo tackles ( that's with big backs runnig full speed because Detroit had NO LINEBACKERS; he's lucky to be alive). He played in a defensive skeem that opposing coaches must have prayed to play against! He has a nose for the football and he competes! You win this all the way!

For those that are asleep on Leigh right now... Do your research. Watch some film. Opposing teams hardly threw to his side while he was with the Lions but yet he was a leader in defensive stats on the team..... hhhmmmm. And besides, when was the last time the Lions made a smart move in releasing a player?? They needed money and I think did Leigh a favor. My man was a monster in Cleveland. With him and Springs (if anything to bring the rookies up) it will be an interesting season. And I'm not even a Pats fan LOL

The only thing that bothers me about this signing is that they didn't manage to put together a multiyear contract for him. He'll be the #1 CB by the end of the season and as a UFA will be an expensive resigning.