Walter released
Andrew Walter's time in New England was brief. (Jonathan Wiggs / Globe Staff)
The Patriots have released backup quarterback Andrew Walter. The move was confirmed via email by Walter's agent, Jeff Sperbeck.
Walter's release leaves the Patriots with just Tom Brady and rookie Brian Hoyer at quarterback and could be a precursor to the acquisition of a veteran backup QB.
Walter was clearly agitated in the locker room following the Patriots' 38-27 victory over the New York Giants, a game in which he didn't play a snap as Hoyer went the distance.
"I'm ready every week," said a red-faced Walter, following the game. "As far as any other questions I think the guys who played should be the ones to answer the questions."
Walter then tried to end the interview and was asked one more question -- Do you feel with the time you've gotten you would be prepared to play in the regular season?
"It's my job to be a pro, so I'm going to leave it at that," said Walter before walking away.
The Patriots picked up Walter on Aug. 3 after he was released by the Oakland Raiders on July 30.
He played in two preseason games for New England, the opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, and last Friday against the Washington Redskins, when he came on for one series.
Walter was 5 of 9 for 62 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in exhibition game action for the Patriots.
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Careful what you say, Andrew! You don't want to be on the wrong side of big, bad Bill Bilicheater. As any DOPE here would tell you, he is GOD.
Wow...
Trade in the works possibly, need a veteran option.
Vick was officially reinstated, possibly TE for AJ Feely...?
by those remarks, he was never patriot material
We should have known. Last night must have been a test for Hoyer. I think if he didn't perform to Bill's liking he will be the next man out.
The grumpy old man (Belichick) just got grumpier. No one is safe. He must want a 6th SB ring around his finger and a 4 for New England badly.
And the intrigue begins...
I WONDER WHO WE'RE TRADING FOR
Either BB thinks Hoyer is the second coming of Brady or he's lost his mind.
being down to Brady and Hoyer is more shocking than Walter not making the cut. He didn't do anything more than Guttierrez or O'Connell. Hoyer though--looks like a keeper.
Boy, they'd better be sure that they can get a veteran QB. Is there any way to tell if Feeley or anyone else has already taken a physical, etc., in preparation for a trade to NE? Did they necessarily need to release Walter to make room? Cut-down day is tomorrow, not today.
so what move are the Patriots making for a backup QB? Any ideas beyond A.J. Freely?
The guy never really got a shot on the field, must have been the way he practiced.
They must have a deal done somewhere. Too bad, I wanted to see more of Walter, but curious to see if they are getting feeley for Watson or Alex Smith?
WOW - interesting, but actually quite understandable. There are many fringe players who can contribute to this team at other positions. It looks like Bill is quite happy with Hoyer going into the season. It occurs to me that only the media has talked about bringing in another veteran backup. Maybe Bill is planning on only keeping 2 quarterbacks, and keeping more insurance or another game day contributor at some other position.
Next post will be about the trade of A Smith for a QB
AJ Feely on the way-- hopefullly trade for TE Smith--
AJ Feely on the way-- hopefullly trade for TE Smith--
Nine passes in the preseason. I'd be miffed a bit too.
Well, that certainly answers a lot of questions about roster moves heading into the season - I guess we can expect a transaction or two in the coming days.
Well that went from yesterday, Walter could be a surprise they don't want him to get hurt in pre-season. To bye-bye very quickly.
The Pats should bring back veteran "Drew Bledsoe" ahahahah.
Got some skill but his "huddle demeanor" was messed up. Distant. Aloof. Whatever. The dude was not really a "Patriot personality" more than anything. Hoyer must be hall bound. One game. Expect Feeley.
Stinks for Walter, but that's the business. It all makes perfect sense though. Get a proven vet to back up Brady and groom/test Hoyer as the heir apparent.
Looks like we might be keeping four tight ends on the roster until week three. Looking forward to your next 53 men Mike.
my $$$$$ is on Damond Huard is coming back.......
2md plan: 1 of Tampa Bay or Vikes back ups are a comin'
I think Huard's as likely as Feeley. After all, he knows the system. I can't see anyone else who could be ready if Brady were to go down 8 minutes into the season, like last year. I can't imagine we'd go with Hoyer as our No. 2 QB, though he does like he could grow into that role.
watson for Farve - LOL
Whatever move thats needs to be made is most likely done. That don't release him without a plan. He didn't play last night because he was already "released." His replacement must be close.
Maybe they will just have Julian Edelman around and an emergency 3rd string.
I like that they're not keeping Walter just because they need another body on the depth chart. It'll be interesting to see if anybody else claims him. If I were Walter, I'd be pissed at my agent for not lining me up with a more secure alternative before I spent my preseason with the Pats, who everyone knows have a very complicated offense that takes a long time to absorb.
Let's not forget that Edelman was a QB at Kent. And after the inevitable trade that will actually leave us 4 possible QBs on the roster.
Should be some exciting stuff coming from that kid this season.
Plus, Bills just fired O-Coord...I really can't wait for Monday the 14th...
My guess is that he told the coaching staff he would not settle for being a third-string backup, so they called his bluff.
is this the NY times??
i lost my way crossing the troll bridge
Hoyer is not the next Tom Brady, but he can be like a Matt Cassel.
I wonder if the official decision to release him was made AFTER his locker room responses.
Mike, Love your work and thank you. Question here: given the mysterious revolving door at QB, any reason why Edelman is not regularly listed as a possible QB option? I understand that he is a WR and would only be a short term answer, but given all the QB uncertainty, we may actually need him before all is said and done. If I were in Edelman's shoes and heard fans talking about how there is no 3rd emergency QB right this second, I might chuckle.
Did nobody pick up on the factthat Damon Huard got released. no trade just pick him up for safety sake . nothing needed to trade..Hoyer will be groomed for the back up position
bye bye B Watson...good luck in Phily
Speaking of released...where is Mike?
"Nine passes in the preseason. I'd be miffed a bit too."
Yeah, not much of an opportunity. They drag him over here,
let him sit around, and then release him at the worst possible
time. Very little chance of catching on with someone else at
this point.
If it's Brady or bust, then why waste the money on a #2 QB? If Brady gets hurt, then tank the season and trade the high draft picks for a bunch of 2nd day picks! What a good strategy!
cg = just another Patriots hater. Another hater in a world of haters. All irrational. Bill is doing what is necessary for the good of the team. Wasn't Walter released by the Raiders? The Raiders???. Yikes.
Wow, some shocking stuff going on with the Patriots and the QB position. With a guy coming off major knee surgery all that's left behind him is an undrafted rookie free agent. Mind boggling. Feely or Huard or SOMEONE must be on the way here by opening day. But even then, you're talking about the backups having a combined total of 3 months training in the 'highly complex and complicated' patriots system (unless its huard). Hoyer has either made it look easy or we better hope that Brady takes every snap for the foreseeable future.
cg = just another Patriots hater. Another hater in a world of haters. All irrational. Bill is doing what is necessary for the good of the team. Wasn't Walter released by the Raiders? The Raiders???. Yikes.
Walter is (was) a liability in area BB hates most - he loses the ball. He muffed exchange from center in his limited game action here. BB ALWAYS notices fumbles!
Walter looked terrible and deserved to be cut
Must be going to trade Leigh Bodden for Kevin O'Connell. Wow, full circle dude.
At least this proves Thomas' shoulder is just fine
If Jeff Garcia gets cut (which ESPN is say could happen) we could go after him or we could tryand get Tarvaris Jackson.
For what it is worth Adam Schefter just reported the following :
'Hoyer was impressive in the Patriots' regular-season finale against the Giants, and the Patriots are not expected to trade for or sign another veteran QB.'
NOT expected to sign or trade for another QB. That seems crazy.
“I had four different head coaches in four years, three different offenses, five different offensive coordinators, and six or seven different play-callers. For a quarterback, when continuity is so important on the offensive side of the ball, we had none of that,’’ he said. “Needless to say, it was a very rough time, a time of adversity, for sure.’’
so much for stability. time to add a +1 to all those numbers.
So does this mean that AJ Feely is coming to the Pats? Tell the Eagles they can have Baloney and Watson as part of the deal.
Heard Favre plans to retire again.....so he can come back as a Patriot!
One more reason to not cut the preseason. Last nights game was a huge deal for Hoyer and a huge deal toward our rostor cut down. The stars don't need 4 games, but you need 4 games to build a team.
Huard is a free agent and knows the system. They may as well keep Watson in case Baker goes down.
Daunte Culpepper
Don't be surprised when Galloway gets cut in favor of Nunn. How can the Pat's cut Nunn based on his performance in camp and last night. He's been making plays all summer long and can play special teams. He has far greater value than Galloway right now. Am i wrong???
The Bears wanted Walter to back up Cutler, but Walter signed with the Pats instead. Maybe he now will wind up with the Bears.
Walter had every right to be frustrated. He was brought in, he thought, to compete for a position and he never really got that opportunity.
One can only assume that veteran help is on the way. Although, by playing Hoyer so much he may not make it to the practice squad anymore.
Hang in there, Ken.
There's never a GREAT time to be released... On the other hand, if he's got any potential at all, then someone will give him a chance during the year. By Week 6, the usual quarterbacks-dropping-like-flies dance will be in full swing. There's often room for another QB by then.
I would keep a close eye on Minny..Travaris Jackson is headed your way..He will help out with wild cat formations
Leftwich?
Leftwich?
Stop messing around the sign Vick!!!!!
I really like AJ Feely. He gave us quite the scare in that regular season game in 2007, filling in for McNabb. Seems like a guy who is capable of starting on a team. Guy like that should not be lower on the depth chart than Kolb.
I really like AJ Feely. He gave us quite the scare in that regular season game in 2007, filling in for McNabb. Seems like a guy who is capable of starting on a team. Guy like that should not be lower on the depth chart than Kolb.
Stop messing around the sign Vick!!!!!
ALL OF YOU CAN KISS MY BUTT!!!
The guy sucked, if he was god he would still be here. All you haters out envy us, thats why you hate.
We are the greatest of all time, EVA.
I vote for going with the greatest QB of all time and Hoyer, who based on yesterday can back up the GOAT and do a fine job. Probably better than most NFL backups. He only knows our system, does'nt have bad habits like others from inferior programs that are'nt run by our other GOAT.
Law Firm, Steven Williams or many other guys will contribute more than another backup QB.
So I'm guessing Tom's shoulder is okay
no mention of Cleo Lemon?
Thing about Edelman at QB is that I don't recall Mike or anybody else saying he took even a single snap at the position in practice. He's probably not a realistic option to be the "3rd QB". An emergency in a game maybe, but they'd really still be only going in with two QBs. And if they plan on actually using him as a punt returner or wide receiver in a game, they can't list him as the "emergency QB" either.
BRING BACK DREW BLEDSOE! HE STILL HAS GAS IN THE TANK!
His nine passes in preseason games were only a small fraction of what staff looked at before cutting him. There is much more involved, most of which most posted will never comprehend. Including myself. Maybe he couldn't remember playbook in QB meetings? Maybe he fumbled 20 snaps in closed practice? Maybe he just plain sucks. We'll never know with GOD running the show, right cg!! One more thing, book your hotel rooms now!! FLA lovely in Feb.!
I posted this in the comments of Bob Ryans story prior to Walter's release this afternoon:
"The 49ers released Damon Huard 2 days ago. I'd be pretty comfortable bringing him in to replace Walter and keeping Hoyer as a developmental prospect. We're still running Charlie Weis' offense for the most part, so Huard would still be way ahead of Walter in terms of learning curve. In fact, I will predict now that this will happen!
The Butcher has spoken."
Phase 1 of my plan is complete. Damon Huard should be in town this evening and will be signed by Sunday.
The Butcher has spoken.
This is as much about keeping Nunn as it is about letting Walter go. He was great last night. He would never make it on to the PS and BB knew it. And with Slater's injury they needed a 4th safety (McGowan) which leaves a hole on Special Teams, hence the decision to keep Nunn and cut Walter. Oh yeah, Hoyer looked great too, making that decision much easier.
Maybe we will see a reemergence of Vinny Testaverde again
ESSay, you are right! If he was GOD he could have ask BB for a second change!
My money is on the dissatisfaction of Walter, not his play. I would not be surprised if he went to BB and expressed his displeasure beyond those comments after the game last night, which resulted in his release, whether by his own request or BB's belief that he would end up causing a distraction in the Clubhouse, which is unacceptable to BB. Don't expect BB to divulge anything. We'll just have to wait and see what the final roster is & if he picks up another QB with experience. I think BB made the right choice last night to keep Hoyer in there & see how Hoyer would respond. I don't think it was in the original game plan though, & Walter had not played his way out, but, rather, let his mouth make the decision.
Walter shouldn't have a hard time catching on. He's already better than any of the Bucs' QBs.
Drug-induced QB trade prediction: Alex Smith to the Saints for Joey Harrington.
Could be that BB thinks Lloyd Carr was pretty good at developing QB's. The Huard scenario makes sense if BB thinks he's still got enough gas in his tank.
I like Feeley too, but is Kolb really ready to step in for a couple of weeks if McNabb goes down early in game one? I'm staying tuned to this one as the plot has just thickened.
I don't believe O'Connell and Matt Guttierez have signed on with anybody yet. Either one may be an emergency signing. I don't think there will be a move made for a little while though, at least not until all other cuts and roster moves are made this weekend.
AJ Feely? Really? Come on...Feely? A year ago the very idea would have been laughed at. Feely is just yet another scrub backup. New England is not so desperate that we have to start looking at washed up guys. Remember last year everyone was begging for Simms and Ratay? I like the idea of having just two quarterbacks with Edelman sitting in on all the QB meetings. It reminds me of the days when Tom Tupa was our punter/3rd string quarterback.
Tavaris Jackson?
I don't know why Walter didn't get much game action but he was probably not as good as Hoyer in practice. If you watched the game last night you know that Hoyer was excellent in the 2nd half after he shook off the nerves. We've gone with only 2 QBs before and Edelman could step in in an emergency. Plus we also need room to keep guys like Benjarvus Green-Ellis. He was amazing last night and we are deep at the RB position. Go Pats! Should be a great year.
wow "Adrew Walter" that's DEFINITELY not Patriots talk there. haha
I say keep two QB's. Give the extra spot to BJGE and or Nunn.
2 things. 1st, Everyone's missing the big picture. Going with 2 QB's allows 1 more roster spot for one of the guys on the bubble. If you trust Hoyer and trust Edelman to handle an emergency, there's more value in holding on to one of Nunn or O'Callaghan or McGowan or Sammy Morris. Players 54-57 or so are probably still going to get picked up by other teams.
2nd, Wake Up, Walter is not very good. career 3 TD and 16 INT. No big loss.
It only took 52 comments to state the obvious...Huard will be brought in to at least be given a look. He knows the system... It's a Coach B trademark to lean towards that aspect...
The Pats will go into the season with only two QBs, Brady and Hoyer. This will free up room for another person.
No veteran QB necessary - if Tom can't go the distance, it won't matter.
Guys, did anyone see HOW WELL Hoyer played last night? He looked MUCH better than Andrew "3 and out" Walter and Kevin "pick off" O'Connell. He even looked better than Matt Cassel did most of last season. It may be scary to think about it, but Brian Hoyer looked like the Patriots best backup QB since... TOM BRADY HIMSELF.
Brian Hoyer may only be a rookie right now, but he is everything Bill Belichick probably HOPED Kevin O'Connell would be when the Pats selected him last year. I could easily see him backing up Brady when the season starts, and if Brady is sidelined for a few games we may even get a chance to see if Hoyer is indeed THE REAL DEAL. I'd even go with Hoyer over a washed up veteran (another Andrew Walter?) as Brady's primary backup, even though it would be a good idea for Belichick to add a 3rd emergency QB to the roster.
Check This. Bill is going to frustrate the league by flaunting the "emergency quarterback rule." He's going to put one of the running backs in the emergency quarterback hole. Then pull them out for fresh legs in the 4th quarter. Edelman will be the real emergency backup, but he'll be activated and contributing like Tommy Tupa used to do. The league rules commision is going to get all worked up in a fit over Bill flaunting the rules again. This is great.
Check This. Bill is going to frustrate the league by flaunting the "emergency quarterback rule." He's going to put one of the running backs in the emergency quarterback hole. Then pull them out for fresh legs in the 4th quarter. Edelman will be the real emergency backup, but he'll be activated and contributing like Tommy Tupa used to do. The league rules commision is going to get all worked up in a fit over Bill flaunting the rules again. This is great.
Check This. Bill is going to frustrate the league by flaunting the "emergency quarterback rule." He's going to put one of the running backs in the emergency quarterback hole. Then pull them out for fresh legs in the 4th quarter. Edelman will be the real emergency backup, but he'll be activated and contributing like Tommy Tupa used to do. The league rules commision is going to get all worked up in a fit over Bill flaunting the rules again. This is great.
Who is the goat dissing Galloway. A very good 3rd receiving option. As for Nunn, he will most likely make the squad now that Slater (if you watched the game or highlights) is out for the season. So Nunn will take that Spec. Team spot and the 4th or 5th receiving option
Nunn's hands looked really good, but he needs more experience running routes before he climbs the receiving ladder!
Check This. Bill is going to frustrate the league by flaunting the "emergency quarterback rule." He's going to put one of the running backs in the emergency quarterback hole. Then pull them out for fresh legs in the 4th quarter. Edelman will be the real emergency backup, but he'll be activated and contributing like Tommy Tupa used to do. The league rules commision is going to get all worked up in a fit over Bill flaunting the rules again. This is great.
We went into last season with Cassel and O'Connell...we all thought Cassel sucked and Gutz would stick over him, but ultimately it was Cassel and O'Connell, and neither looked good in the preseason, and at times both looked down right terrible. My point is there is often more to the situation than we realize...BB was confident in Cassel and O'Connell and if he tells us this year that Hoyer is a better option than O'Connell or Walter, we should take his word for it.
They can sign Huard now. He is available and is already familiar with the system so he could transition pretty quickly. Eagles might want to keep Feeley until Vick's suspension ends. At that point, I wouldn't be surprised if they released him.
My read all along was that Walter, like Galloway, just didn't get the "Patriots Way". Belicheck grades his players on the mental aspects of the game as much if not more so the physical part. Guess there were no takers on a low draft choice trade so BB gave the guy his release ASAP so other teams could possibly grab him. Would not be surprised if Endelman was not given a condensed version of the QB playbook to learn so Pats can keep more WR's and O-Linemen.
How did Hoyer do in the first quarter against the Giants first and second string D? He looked like a guy plucked out of the stands...after slingin' back his third BL.
He came to life in the second half when he was playing against a bunch of guys that are currently looking for work.
Trade Watson to Philly (throw in Morris, he'll be cut anyway) and get Feeley. That's two birds with one stone...we get Feeley and they rely on Vick if Mcflabby's leg falls off in week 4
The issue isnt whether Walter got cut and now they dont have a serviceable backup. Hoyer proved he can take a snap w/o dropping it. He can call signals, hand off the ball and throw accurate short passes. That's all they need for a backup. The real issue is who is going to throw all those passes in practice? 33% more wear and tear on Lord Brady's Haynesworthed shoulder will be a big negative as the season wears on. So clearly they will trade for AJF or pick someone up off the scrap heap like Huard,
A lot of teams will start a season with only 2 QB's on the roster, they seek to have depth in other positions... If Brady falls to injury then Hoyer is the next in line and the Pat's can look into a FA QB to fill the role of backup.
Let's not forget there are others on the roster who can fill an emergancy role if 2 QB's fall in one game.
Walter just showed why the Raiders are a p*ss-poor organization, being led by a delusional owner and a roid-rage veteran for a head coach. Nice way to talk yourself out of the NFL, Andrew.
BB and Brady continue to show how self-confidence and class can overcome anything in the NFL. Go Pats!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Gragan can back up Brady.
Steve Grogan can back up Brady.
To me, Hoyer has the "it" factor that keeps the whole offense calm and focused. They know he can get the job done if needed. Hoyer, BJGE, and Nunn were stars last night. I hope they all stick around.
Hoyer is clearly the best rook QB to show up since Brady. If you actually watched him play, you'd know that. And let's not hear about him being 6'2". That's as big or bigger than Brees, Favre, McNabb, Warner, Rodgers...to name a few.
They will bring in a vet as #2 or #3. Hoyer's a keeper.
Please take Tyler Thigpen from us, and we will gladly take one of your back up tight ends. If you don't, we are sending Bernard Pollard to Gillette.
I think that a Hoyer-Edelman combination can be an acceptable backup strategy to Brady. Without Brady, unless Hoyer develops like Brady did, a Super Bowl is unlikely. IF the worst were to actually happen, why not take a few losses, get a better draft position for next year, and continue the rebuilding that has already begun? On the up side, Hoyer and Edelman can make the team, learn behind the master, and we can keep some key people at other positions.
Having AJ Feeley as one possibility (probably involving a tight end trade) or Damion Huard, someone previously familiar with our system, might be backup strategies, but should we even pursue them? $$$ are probably less with Hoyer and Edelman, and this gives us a chance to sign some of the players (Wilfork, for instance) that they will still want to sign.
Walter isnt even a has been, hes a never was. This guy is a legend in his own mind, and carried himself like a total diva when he was in Oakland despite throwing a whopping 3 touchdown passes in 4 seasons. 2 years ago he was 4th on the Raiders depth chart behind the legendary Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper with his bad knees, and Jamarcus Russell who sat out training camp in a contract dispute. Problem with Walter is that he thinks of himself as an NFL starting QB, and clearly he is not. As a Raider fan I can tell you the Pats are better off without this guy and his diva antics.
Anyone been tracking Flutie??? LOL!
cg do you have something to say or you going to continue to exhibit your ignorance.
Just to add something not yet mentioned: besides Law firm, Nunn and Hoyer making a solid case for themselves Rob Ninkovich made several strong plays at outside LB. Early in the game (against solid competition) he set the edge a few times very impressivley. He also made a coupe of other plays that could put him on the practice squad if he doesn't make the cut.
TheFacts
The idea is to win the Super Bowl! No Brady - No Super Bowl Win Period. A veteren #2 gets us to the playoffs but not a Super Bowl win. Ain't happening.
The idea is to win the Super Bowl! No Brady - No Super Bowl Win Period. A veteren #2 gets us to the playoffs but not a Super Bowl win. Ain't happening.
"by those remarks, he was never patriot material"
Agreed. That doesn't sound like a team player to me. He looked lost out there any and so did O'Connell. These were the right moves. Hoyer looked better as the game went on and gained some poise as well. He must be showing BB something in practice, as well, for this to happen. In Bill We Trust.
Maybe Favre could be talked into retiring AGAIN, then unretiring, to sign with the Patriots as a back up QB, AND a fill in 'crack back' blocking back.
Sign Jim Dineen, former QB for Gardiner High School. Under Jim's leadership the team went undefeated, untied and became the 1955 Maine state champs.He is a current Patriots physician, a genius, cool headed and a natural leader.
I'd place him just below Brady and ahead of Brian Hoyer.
off topic...but would ben watson make a hell of a safety or what!
Let me guess... Walter's going to Kansas City.
walter stunk in pre season, stunk when he was with the raiders. its pre season but hoyer played very well, even when he didn't have protection he stood in there and made plays, something walter couldn't do. belichick has a pretty good idea on who to keep as a quarterback.
Randy Moss throws a nice spiral.
Walters never really seemed to fit in. Hoyer played a great game last night and he seems to have more upside to build with. He has the poise of developing into a good QB in time. Pats must have something in the works because they need a back up QB to address this season. Possibly Jeff Garcia or A.J. Feeley. I also am impressed with the Law Firm. They have to find a way to give him carries. He makes things happen. Over all Pats look good heading into season and I have that excited feeling like in 2007. Get that 4th ring!!!