Patriots & uncapped year

Does it not seem that when the Pats sign a defensive player to a big money contract, that for whatever reason, injuries, complacency, their production goes down, ie Richard Seymor, Ty Warren, Steve Vrabel, A. Thomas? When you have that big fat bank account, most guys, especially defensive players seem to go into cruise control.
Maybe we are better off getting hungry guys, when Tully Benta Can left the Pats to go to the 49ers for a big contract, he showed up fat and out of shape, and was released in his second year. Just wondering because the Boston press takes it easy on its own

Mike, Can you take this a step further and talk about how free agency would work for the Pat in the uncapped year (assuming they make the playoffs)? Isn't there something about how playoff teams can only sign one free agent for every one of their own that they lose?

Also, considering how many big-contract free agents we're going to have, what would the Pats have to be careful about if the NFL somehow negotiated a salary cap for the following year?

I agree Douglas. Seymor was a beast until his fat contract. He's been OK but the last two pro bowls were made on his reputation alone not his season of work. I wonder when Wilfork gets his big pay day, will his production drop off sugnificantly? I could see that happening. Brace may have to be the man.

Nice comments boys. I think its a safe bet that Wilforks production does decline after a monster contract. (I could see 400 pounds in his future). Looking at an old Patriot game in 2002, Seymor was a monster. He beat double teams on a consistant basis. After the big contract he hardly ever gets to the QB. Makes you wonder. I love the Pats but this board sugar coats there problems, and yes I love the super bowl wins but its getting harder to remember. (Same thing we said to the Cowboy and 49 fans a few years back).

Mike - in line with the above comments - can teams put clauses in these "big-money" contracts, that would weigh a players actual production & subsequently have an effect upon them earning everything promised?

I know this would seem to put a damper on a player wanting to sign, but if all 32 teams were doing the same thing - wouldn't it sort of balance out? I mean - if they didn't want to re-sign where they were, how much better off would they be going elsewhere to face the same situation?
Bottom line would be something like an incentive deal - you continue playing as you've shown capable of - or you receive only a % of what was agreed upon.
I realize there are other variables that could effect a players performance, but let's just say a guy averages "x" number of catches for "y" yards 4 years in a row. Yhen he signs for outragous money and his numvers drop significantly...shouldn't he understand that he's not living up to his past performance, which is what his new contract would be based upon - and therefore accept that he's not truly worth the new amount agreed to?

Seymour plays for cash. I love the guy and how he plays when he is actually going 100% but this guy is a bum at times. He wanted a new contract got it and then basically slumped it out.

Knew his contract was coming up again and starting working back out and getting back into shape. Put up a career season and expects another big contract. While a guy like Wilfork makes that line what it is and he works hard all the time.

If Mankins is a restricted FA. You resign Wilfork, Seymour, Bodden (depending on play) in that order but dont break the bank on Seymour or Bodden.

I agree! That Steve Vrable guy was terrible, it's like he wasn't even on the field.

The lists will be thinned down by players who do not make the team

this year.

why are you guys so down on seymour? he wasent good in 2006 and 2007 but last year he was awesome. his best sack total since 2003 with 8.

Mike...I agree with canPF...That it might be helpful ig you could look at scenarios if either there was an uncapped year...OR what may happen if they get negotiations done..so to look at possible options..AS WELL as dates as to when theer really WOULD BE an uncapped year..late Feb 10??? As well as the FA rules that would apply if they got the playoffs etc...as MShea has said..so maybe in light of that..s ee how that fits in with what they did in the draft etc.
I also agree with JKeddy that if it does happen that the FA group of 18 will be thinned to a few MAJOR players...as many may not be as crucial to sign going forward after 09...
As far as Seymour is concerned..he has had injuries and really has still played extremely well. NOT great..but not like a "bum" as many seem to think. Wilfork?? he'll get a fair deal and be good. Not sure his production would go down all that much..if any.

Mike - correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the rules regarding the franchise tag change also? Can't teams franchise 3 players in an uncapped year?

Cheers,

Davo

Douglas Maiko (#1 post)

What games were you watching? A. Thomas was a beast, he had to move to inside LB when Bruschi was injured, just because he didn't have sexy stats doesn't mean he didn't play hard, one can argue he played better in his second year which isn't a contract year so that negates your dumb opinion. Warren is one of the hardest playing people on that defense, you have no clue what you're watching. Go join the Lions fan club, they need a few "expert analysts" like you.

Who is Steve Vrabel? The only Vrabel I know played his butt off every single year he's been with the team whether it was defense or offense.

Seymour got hurt. Warren got hurt. AD got hurt.

Do you guys think these guys get injured on purpose after signing big contracts? Age is probably the bigger factor. One more reason to draft well.

what ever does happen next year,maybe the uncapped year could be a good thing.even with all these guys being free agents.the pats will only be like 5-6 million under the cap in 2010.brady,and a few others are due some big money in 2010.

Anyone know where I can get a Steve Vrabel jersey? I wonder if we could trade Seymore to Carolina for Peppers?

You guys are all bashing Seymour but maybe coaches and players have learned how to contain him better...when he first came into the league he wasn't getting double and sometimes tripled team...not to mention the fact that he has been injured the last 2 of 3 years...when healthly, he comes into camp fit (minus one year after injury)...he doesn't complain...he goes out and does what he is suppose to do...play football and he gets paid to do it...sometimes you have to overpay to retain a player and the Patroits did that...he has made players such as Wilfolk better...do I think he is worth the value of the contract? No...

But Wilfolk and Seymour are one of the dangerous 1-2 front line combos in the NFL...they make our crappy linebackers appear much better then they are...Seymour is a pro bowler multiple times...stop bashing on a guy for being injured and overpaid...

Hi Mike Shea. I'm including a link from an April mailbag on Boston.com in which some of the uncapped year rules are broken down in the fifth question. This should also answer questions from StanJ and David. Hope that helps.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extras/askreiss/04_07_09/?page=full
... In terms of the clauses in the contracts, I think the owners would be charged with collusion. I don't see how that could happen and work toward labor peace.
--Mike

Most of the people who complain about Seymour have no clue what Seymours responsibilities are in a 2 gap 3-4 defense. They think that he can just pin his ears back and rush the passer which is not even his primary job. Not only that but these same people don't even examine his numbers but rely heavily on their memories. His stats last year were comparable to his best year before his "fat contract". Last season Seymour led the team in quarterback hits and sacks; oh wait he's useless the Pats should just cut him.

Great comments. This is why I applaud Belichick for short 1 year contracts to players like Leigh Bodden. Its low risk, high reward. He did it with Asante in his franchaise tag and he put up decent interceptions and helped us get to the superbowl that year.

I'm willing to bet Haynesworth is going to dissapear now. I just hope if they resign Seymour, its on a 2 year max contract from now on.