It is hard to see a team that went undefeated in the off-season change personnel. That is what Free Agency is all about though.
The first to fly the coop was CB Asante Samuel to the Eagles. He got his big payday: six years, 57 Million Dollars. Well not many expected Samuel to be back as a Patriot anyway.
CB Randall Gay has completed his visit with the Saints today and the sides are expected to exchange contract proposals tonight. He is also scheduled to visit the Buccaneers on Monday. Meanwhile, the Patriots and Jets remain in contact with Gay's representatives, as they are still actively involved in the process.
For all of those that assumed WR Randy Moss was under contract, hence no franchise tag, we were wrong! NFL Network's Adam Schefter writes on Randy Moss, noting, "those who know Moss say he is inching closer to the point of frustration at the lack of progress he has made for a new deal with the Patriots." Here is hoping the Patriots get this one done before Randy starts entertaining calls from the Cowboys or the Packers.
The Patriots have already lost one wide receiver to free agency so far. WR Donte Stallworth has reached an agreement to sign with the Cleveland Browns. Stallworth became a free agent after the Patriots elected not to pick up the $8 million in option bonus payments he was due this off-season. I still wish the Patriots could have worked something out with Stallworth, who is on 27 years old. The Patriots did re-sign WR Kelly Washington, so hopefully he will fill the void left my Stallworth.
The Patriots released TE Kyle Brady. Brady was not a big part of the passing attach catching only nine passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns while playing in 14 games with nine starts for New England. Brady was definitively more of a blocking tight end!
The Patriots have signed back a few of their own though. The Patriots have tendered contracts to four of their exclusive rights free agents -- ILB Eric Alexander, OL Wesley Britt, S Ray Ventrone and OLB Pierre Woods. That means all four players will be back with the club in 2008. Woods figures to compete for playing time at the spot formerly occupied by Rosevelt Colvin.
The Patriots re-signed long snapper Lonie Paxton to a one-year deal. The move was expected as Paxton had made it a priority to stay with the Patriots. He is considered one of the league's top snappers.
Free Agency is definitely not turning out how many Patriots fans would have expected! Nothing short of signing Moss will silence the critics!
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