Ellis Hobbs traded

Huh... I don't get it....

Dang. Hollies gonna be pissed.

OUCH! -- I seriously did not think Hobbs was that bad!

glad to see they got rid of him. too confident for his marginal skill

......what? Seriously? Come on. I know a lot of people will love this move, but Hobbs was a good player who was asked to play great. He isn't great...but he was good. Better than two 5ths

WHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTT????????????

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!

I don't know what else to say.

For two five? :/ Okay, he not great but his cheap. I dont like the trade!

NICE!!!

That, by my calculations, is exactly 2 5th Rounders more than he's worth!

That was said with LOVE, Ellis! Hasta la Vista, baby!

What!!??? Hobbs is our strongest CB, and we're trading him for draft picks that we already had? Is someone pointing a gun to BB's head? This makes no sense whatsoever.

Wait, so now the Eagles have BOTH are '06 and '07 starters? Come on. (Hobbs started 9 games in '06, all in '07)

Wow.. I guess the secondary has filled up.. looks like they are going to throw darius butler in there right off the bat.

???? What am I missing? How could this possibly make sense???

I am not happy about that trade. I don't think it represents good value.

Recent Pats history has shown that you can never have enough depth at CB. Not sure 2 5th rounders are worth what Hobbs could bring - even for the last year of his contract.

That should make some of the lunatics here very happy.

I was wondering how they were going to make room for Butler, Bodden, Springs, and Wheatley.

I like the move

good riddance

his mouth and celebrations didn't jive with his level play

They traded those 2 fifth rounders to get an OL for pick 123 from Baltimore

Cap Move???

maybe it's because he can't guard anyone over five foot eight?

I hear they had to throw in the football that Plaxico caught in the Super Bowl for the Eagles to pull the trigger...

i hope the patriots have depth.He will me missed

As much as I did not like him as a Cornerback, he was our best Kick Returner. Mike, who do you think will be the primary returner now that Hobbs is gone?

Well they also saved $2.25 mil in cap space, according to Miguel (patscap.com).....could this be space for Jason Taylor? Seems too small to be Peppers, but a couple of other restructurings or a cut or two could make enough room.

Holly's...?

that was a horrible trade. they should of gotten a 3rd round pick for him atleast

Mike we need your analysis. Two 5th rounders are worth basically nothing. This guy was their starting CB and a good kick returner. Is it possible there is more to this deal?

Bill is really high on butler... They have springs and bodden, wheat and wil to fill out 3 and 4. and butler could easily play 5, if he doesnt impress enough to move all the way to 3.

WTF? Why? Salary cap? Bodden and Springs had better be healthy.

I guess slater will be returning kicks.....hold on to them.

Ellis your not the best corner but you were great in returning and were fun to watch.

he was always more bark than bite

What? That seems like a poor choice. They should atleast get a second or third rounder for 2010 I would think.

Where is the update? They traded 137 and 141 to Baltimore for 123 and 198 and picked up Rich Ohrnberger, OL from Penn State.

ellis hobbs wasnt a a bad player but for some reason patriot nation really didnt have love for him. he gave up some notable plays that may or may not have been his fault. i think he played as good as he ever will because of our system. im not going to miss him but i wish him the best

I don't get it!!!

I am surprised, there goes our best Returner, but now we are taller at CB by default now. I thought that Hobbs would be our Nickle back this year, where he'd be good, but oh well, Bill knows what he's doing.

Well, they've added 4 DBs since the end of the season and have Wheatley coming back.

Mike, any idea how much cap space this clears up?

haha that's the first thing i thought of too Mike. Holley ain't gonna appreciate this.

I don't get it, but they must really love Butler, and feel Springs has enough juice left.

Good. The worst CB in NFL history is off of the Pats!!!

Is it just me, or does this seem like not getting fair value for Hobbs?

It also frees us $2.25M in cap space

It's about time...he was the CB who was constantly burned by opposing QB's last year. This is a clear indication that BB has high expectations for Butler & last year's 2 CB's Wheatley and whilhite. This has been an awesome draft so far for the Pats!!!

Did not see that coming! Two fifth rounders doesn't seem like a fair trade. I thought he was better then that. I guess not. Good luck Hobbs at your new home.

You got that right...Holly's going to throw a fit.

Meh, Hobbs is a nickel back and great return guy but whose contract is up after this year. Hobbs it not a starting corner (or should not be). Better to get something for him now. Not a bad move presuming there is value the Patriots want in the early 5th round.

By opening up cap space, they must to entertaining the thought of acquiring a big name free agent like Taylor.

Trading the best of a bad lot of cornerbacks isn't a big loss. Losing a great returner hurts more.

his deal is up at the end of the year and we werent going to pay him anyway. we pick up some picks and move on really boys we have the horses to replace and improve from Hobbs.

Tough guy and we thank you Ellis for your service good fortune to you son!

Mike what are our picks next year with all that we have picked up in this draft? Please give a rundown when you get a chance

He is only signed for one more year, so, in a way, New England got something for nothing. That being said, I feel like Hobbs was worth more than that, and I'm dying to know what prospect could possibly exist in the 5th round that is better than Hobbs.

Mike I think this proves a couple of things:

1. The Patriots feel Terrence Wheatley, Jon Wilhite and Darius Butler are all better than Ellis Hobbs, or will be in a few years.
2. The acquisition of Patrick Chung adds flexibility in the secondary with Branden Meriweather who can line up at corner if needed.
3. They are comfortable with some other kick returners, possibly Brandon Tate.

See ya shortie...costed us one superball and can't read routes!!

He is only signed for one more year, so, in a way, New England got something for nothing. That being said, I feel like Hobbs was worth more than that, and I'm dying to know what prospect could possibly exist in the 5th round that is better than Hobbs.

picks already traded to baltimore

Anyone know the cap implication for this trade?

how you trade a starter for two people you don't have roster spots for.???????????????????? WTH?

i guess they are trying to get butler and chung run returns....

Does he need a ride? If he thinks we boo, boy is he in for a rude awakening.

oft injured and undersized. they only better time to have cut bait with this guy would have been after super bowl 42

Oh, this was a VERY good move: With the accession of Bodden, Springs, and Butler, he was our 4th best CB...and quite arguably our 6th best, once Wheatley and Wihlite get comfortable!

I like Hobbs, but he's limited: Getting value out of him was a VERY good move!

he was a starting DB here because he had to be. He was a 3rd corner at best. His real value to the team was in the return game. Glad to see them cut their losses with him. He did everything they asked of him but it was time to go. I'm excited about the defensive purge this offseason. They recognize what a lot of us have seen; that the defense was stout against the run but could not stop a good passing attack. They have bolstered the defensive backfield with their offseason moves and are adding some depth to the front 7. The clear need now is an OLB that can provide passrush and set the edge. Not sure if that guy is on the roster atm.

Glad the little runt is gone! He cost us the Super Bowl against Plax/Giants

Jason Taylor is too old, he's ancient. Might as well stand King Tutt up out there... Terrible move if Taylor came to this team of already old players on the defense, gonna need Brady, Moss and company to put up 40-50 every week.

Don't forget folks, he was due to become a free agent after this year. Clearly they felt two fifths (parlayed into a 4th and 6th) were worth more than one year from a CB they didn't need and letting him walk for nothing

I liked Hobbs, but he can't match up with the elite WRs out there. Last year of his contract. Springs and Bodden look like starters, with some good competition between Wheatley, Wilhite and Butler.

Also, we picked up Tate who is a WR, but he was a freaking beast of a kick returner. Given the rule changes with the wedge, I'm wondering if they saw Hobb's productivity as a kick returner being less and wanted to go younger and faster.

I think this is a great move, and shows the confidence BB has with our current roster and with the young crew coming in.

We still have how many picks left in this draft, 5? 6? 7? 8? Let us see how many we package up and get a second or 3rd rounder next year. Definitely moves coming. Everyone bitched about Hobbs getting beat every game. Cannot believe we have so many Hobbs lovers all of a sudden.

This is a very surprising move. Hobbs was a decent cornerback, good locker room guy and played well on special teams and didn't cost too much against the cap. He's like the perfect Bellichick player doesn't it sound like. Its obvious the Pats a counting hard on the new free agents. Robert Carl Parisien Natick. MA and the young guys from last year to really step up to the plate this year. Hopefully their gamble pays off.

Not too happy about this one. I know that Hobbs will be a free agent after this season, but to only get two 5th rounders for Ellis's talent is ridiculous.

BOOO!!

Hobbs was a mutt. Anything beyond the safety on Hobbs's side was easy picking for average receivers. Too short, got burned deep constantly. See ya.

And I'm sure BB got sick of the kid's lip. Put your money where your mouth is - unless you ain't got no money, honey.

And you mooks who don't "understand" this move, well then, leave it to the guys in the draft room and the personnel people. Surely they know just a little bit more than you do.

P.S. - If this isn't the best indication of whose team the post-Pioli Patriots are, well I be dadgummed.

Haven't you guys learned already not to question Bellicheck? The man is a genious. I stopped second guessing years ago, and the results have been great.

First of all, whoever thinks that Hobbs is CURRENTLY our best back is probably wrong. Springs is definitely better, Bodden is likely better (and has never dealt with severe health issues, contrary to what some seem to think) , and we drafted a highly touted CB in Darius Butler who carried a first round grade. While it is too early to say whether or not he is better, I think he very well could be. Second, we drafted John Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley just last year and they too are promising prospects! We have Spann and Richardson in case of injury. And, as far as a kick returner goes, we drafted one last year in Slater and this year in Tate.

Huh? Two 5th rounders? neither will probably make the team when the roster is cut down for the regular season. Earlier in the offseason, the Pats gave the eagles a 5th rounder for Greg Lewis, who only caught 19 passes in 2008. Basically, Belichick swapped Ellis Hobbs (a starting CB and one of the best kick returners in the league) for a bench warmer receiver and a 5th rounder. Did Pioli leave Kansas City and become GM of the Eagles? Belichick is doing favors for more than one team this offseason!

Todd, that's a little bit of a "doomsday" scenario. Taylor was DPOY in '06. In '07, he had 11 sacks and went to the probowl. He had a freak injury (by all reports) in '08 and still managed to get 3.5 sacks in 8 starts, which averages out to more than Vrabel. The guy may not be an all-pro anymore, but especially with a dramatically improved secondary, he should be able to get some sacks and provide some pressure. Also, with a good (dare I say borderline great) secondary, even a little pressure can lead to a marked increase in INTs.

If you thought Hobbs was anything more than an avg nickle back, then we are watching very different football games. The fact that he was our top CB last season is not an indication that he is a top CB. I hated Ellis Hobbs for anything more than covering kicks and defending the slot receiver. I was still shocked that we "only" got 2 5ths, but turning around and getting an OG was a good move.

If the ball goes in the end zone.....touchdown!!!!!

What the...this makes no sense. What a waste.

My name says it all. Good move.

Good! He won't be missed. Brilliant draft so far!!!! This draft sucked anyway. It's next year that's gonna bring in some great talent. And Bill up to his old trading tricks. I love it!

I believe that the Pats brass probably was going to release Ellis Hobbs during training camp or potentially putting him on the trade block. However, if teams know that he's just going to be released, they won't trade with him. Getting 2 5th Round picks is about even for Hobbs. The only thing that I don't understand is if he had a decent 2009 season and the Pats didn't retain him, they might have been able to get a 3rd or 4th round Comp Pick for him. I think this is BB's safe way of doing business...just like the trade of Matt Cassel (when he might have gotten a higher value instead of the safe move to the Chiefs).

I'm guessing this was mostly done for cap relief (now gives them $2.25mil more to work with which would have been a lot less if they just plain out released him) and to add one more position to the roster to add a future player who gets cut or potentially for a trade for a linebacker or potentially a free agent.

All and all I really like the move because Hobbs height seems to get him in trouble covering taller crecievers (Plex, TO, etc) his value on the return game is expendible now as the draft of Tate and the trade for Greg Lewis. Ellis Hobbs still has raw talent that will fit in nicely with the Eagles as he will be used as a returner as well in nickle and dime packages. I also believe his antics were not to BB's liklings. Good luck in Philly Mr. Hobbs.

Finally a mention of Mike Richardson too... along with Wheatley and Wilhite.
Thanks Ellis Hobbs, for the time you were here.

Finally a mention of Mike Richardson too... along with Wheatley and Wilhite.
Thanks Ellis Hobbs, for the time you were here.

Hey Mike - how possible would it be to find out just how many of these "why did we trade Hobbs" complainers - are the same "we gotta get rid of Hobbs" complainers, that repeatedly insisted he be kicked to the curb the past few years?

Get real people...you've been crying that he suct forever & now that he's gone you act like he was your hero.

I never really thought he was that bad at all, like most of you - but the fact he was FORCED into being our #1 CB because we had no other wasn't his fault. He did his job OK, based on the player he was & the tremendous tasks that were placed upon him. I'm kinda sorry to see him go (mostly as our main returner) but he was probably not going to see much CB time this year anyway - except as nickle, and we were fortunate to get ANYTHING AT ALL for him. After getting limited playing time this year - he was going to be gone anyway & we'd have gotten zero for him.

PLUS - we just saved 2-1/2 million in space to sign rookies that might pan out, or to go after some form of Peppers, J., Taylor, etc.
If you think BB is done working his magic with this trade already, you didn't see how fast he dumped 2 fifth's for a 4th & 6th that already landed possible O-Line help.

P.S. Mike - just kidding about the opening question...I already suspect it was probably all of them - LOL

Good. The worst CB in NFL history is off of the Pats!!!
Posted by HobbsCostUsTheSB

It's about time...he was the CB who was constantly burned by opposing QB's last year.
Posted by Claude M.
--------
First the Giants scored 17 points on us in the super bowl and you are blaming them on Hobbs? He's not that good, for sure but to blame him for the loss is delusional. I seem to remember Assante Samuel letting an easy, sure pick get away while we were leading and time short.

Second, did you even watch any games last year Claude? Do you remember Deltha O'neil because that guy was getting beaten like a cheap drum every time he took the field.

Finally I realize that now that he's no longer on the Patriots it's time to pile on him because "we didn't really want him anyway" just like it will be time to pile on whoever the Pats release next time. Too predictible.

Everyone knew Hobbes was getting cut, that brought down his trade value alot

This is the greatest day of my life

This is insane. Trading the best player in the NFL for 2 5TH!!!!! round picks?

What is Bill thinking? After all of the time I spent with Bill, I thought I knew him. But this is nuts.

why is that glick, are you outside planting pansies?

im so upset!

My Hobbs jersey, will still be worn iin your honor. You were my facorite player on the pats. Best kick returner since deion. More potential than any other player. The pats will regret this.

What..dha!!???? Hobbzs!? For..2..5th..roundder'zs!??..nahhh=(

Clearly BB had lost confidence in Hobbs, and it's hard to differ from that judgment. Personally, I did not feel confident with him covering any quality WRs in crunch time. Plaxico wasn't the only WR who could burn him at will, but he did so on the biggest stage.
(And yes, Sammuel missed a pick, but at least _his_ WRs were never wide open.)
And no, he wasn't as bad as Deltha O'Neal. But that's saying nothing at all. O'Neal was the worst CB in the league last season. As for being a kick returner - there are plenty of people who can do that. You can't use that kind of cap room for a kick returner. Frankly, I wonder why the Eagles wanted him at all.

#60 Rodney is the only comment that mentions Bodden and Springs. Thanks Ellis for the great returns and The San Diego Psycho Chicken dance!