John Abraham would likely provide New England with additional edge pressure in 2013. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
Through free agency, the New England Patriots have attempted to strengthen some of last season’s weaknesses, but much more remains to be done if the Patriots wish to field a championship team in 2013. Read on for a look at the top five needs remaining, as well as some insight into how New England may opt to address them this offseason.
Could West Virginia’s Tavon Austin be joining Cam Newton in Carolina this April? (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
With the first wave of free agent signings complete, it’s time to take another look at what may happen in this April’s 2013 NFL Draft, taking into account the repercussions of what has transpired so far in free agency. Read on to find out how recent events may have reshaped organizational draft strategies.
Despite signing players such as Adrian Wilson, the Patriots may find themselves looking for improvements next season. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
Much has been made of New England’s defensive back signings thus far in the free agent period; the Patriots re-signed slot cornerback Kyle Arrington to a four-year, $16 million contract, left cornerback Aqib Talib to a one-year, $5 million deal, and added former Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson on a three-year pact to solidify the defensive backfield. However, although these three signings do provide the team with a measure of certainty relative to their pre-free agency defensive backfield, their long-term stability at cornerback and safety is still a concern.
Cornerbacks such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have been met with a soft market for defensive backs. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
With two days of free agent movement complete, the New England Patriots’ draft strategy remains muddled at best, owing to the uncertain statuses of starters such as right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and cornerbacks Kyle Arrington and Aqib Talib. However, New England has nonetheless been affected by the signings which have already occurred; after the jump, we’ll take a look at what the free agent market has shown us about New England’s intentions thus far, as well as which positions they could target in the draft this April.
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Can Danny Amendola pick up where Wes Welker left off? (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
Although New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently reiterated his interest in retaining wide receiver Wes Welker in free agency, Welker has officially left the club in favor of a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos worth a fully-guaranteed $12 million. He will join Demariyus Thomas and Eric Decker in Peyton Manning’s intriguing stable of targets.
Not long after Welker departed, the Patriots secured his successor, agreeing to terms with wide receiver Danny Amendola, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, on a five-year, $31 million deal with $10 million in guaranteed money. Read on to find out what this means for the Patriots in 2013 and beyond.
Kaluka Maiava would offer an upgrade in New England’s sub packages. (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
Last season, the New England Patriots avoided many of the top free agent targets, instead locking up the likes of Jonathan Fanene and Steve Gregory via early proposals. With free agency set to begin tomorrow afternoon, here’s a look at a few free agent upgrades New England could secure with an early push should they employ the same strategy in 2013.
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Is Dolphins cornerback Sean Smith worth his free-agent price tag? (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
According to Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports, the Patriots are currently among the suitors reportedly making a push for Miami Dolphins free agent cornerback Sean Smith; other teams Cole reports have shown interest in Smith include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals, while ESPN 980 Washington’s Chris Russell believes that the Redskins are interested as well. All in all, there should be no shortage of teams in pursuit of Smith, a 6’3”, 25 year-old boundary cornerback.
So does the signing make sense for New England? Read on to find out.
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