Pats Cap, Causalties, and Cash!

Pats Cap Numbers: when accounting for the top 51 Patriots players under contract for 2008, the Patriots have $8.365 million in space under the $116 million cap. That currently ranks 25th out of the league's 32 teams.

The Patriots have 13 players scheduled for unrestricted free agency. Teams have until Feb. 21 to name franchise and transition players. Since Samuels cannot not be tagged, the Patriots will most likely name Moss their franchise player, then take their chances working out a multiyear deal. This option protects the Patriots from losing Moss without compensation, while buying time for negotiations. Moss caught 98 passes for 1,493 yards and 23 touchdowns in his debut Patriots season. After paying $7.79 million to cornerback Asante Samuel at the franchise rate for his position, the Patriots could easily justify $7.84 million for Moss and the type of production he could offer the Patriots offense.

Moss is already on record stating: "If I am in a New England Patriot uniform next year, I would love to be in one. If I am not, you know, the show must go on."

Asante Samuel, on the other hand is destined not to be a New England Patriot in 2008. Although recent comments from him would make you think otherwise.

Samuel said "it's gonna take a lot" to keep him a Patriot. The 27-year-old unrestricted free agent cornerback, who has spent his five-year career in New England, added that on a scale of 1 to 10, he'd probably rate his chances of coming back a 10. "The fans love me and I love them back," he said. "The organization loves me and, hopefully, we can work it out."

Samuel had six interceptions during the regular season and has 22 in his career. He's returned three for touchdowns. "It's gonna take a lot to make me happy and my family happy."

Asked how much he thinks he's worth, Samuel threw the question back at his interviewer: "You take a guess and see if you can hit it. It's no secret I'm looking for a big, huge, blockbuster deal."

Samuel or Moss? I think the smart money for 2008 is on Moss! (plus the last time I checked, Brady does not pass the ball to Samuels!)


NOTE: Tag figures for each position:
Cornerback: $9.46 million
Defensive end: $8.8m
Defensive tackle: $6.3m
Linebacker: $8.06m
Offensive line: $7.45m
Kicker: $2.51m
Quarterback: $10.7m
Running back: $6.53m
Safety: $4.39m
Tight end: $4.52m
Wide receiver: $7.84m