Bill Belichick and the Patriot front office are shaping their team for the 2010 NFL season.
As the “turk” made his way through the locker room Saturday, new and old players alike were forced to turn in their playbooks. A sad day for many, but the practice squad and other NFL rosters beckon to many.
When outside-linebacker Derrick Burgess re-signed with New England this may, the Patriots assured themselves of a veteran presence to hold down the OLB fort opposite Tully Banta-Cain until rookie Jermaine Cunningham was able to take over the reigns. Or so they thought.
The Patriots have re-signed defensive end / outside linebacker Derrick Burgess to a one-year deal. Burgess, a two-time pro bowl invitee, spent his first year with the Patriots in 2009. He played the previous seven years in Oakland and Philadelphia.
Burgess was widely considered a bust for the Patriots, who gave up valuable 3rd and 5th round picks in the 2010 NFL Draft. However, Coach Bill Belichick praised his performance in 2009, where he totaled 35 tackles and 5 sacks. Other than fellow OLB Tully Banta-Cain, nobody put more pressure on the opposing quarterback late in the season: Burgess notched a sack in the three of the last four games.
Although this signing will be met with groans by many a Patriot fan, we think it was the right call. Signing Burgess gives the Patriots some flexibility in letting Jermaine Cunningham develop in the 3-4 OLB position. Look for the former Gator to get more reps as the season unfolds.
In not so shocking news, (We reported this in May) the Patriots acquired DE/LB Derrick Burgess from the Oakland Raiders for two undisclosed draft picks. Adam Schefter is reporting that the deal is for a 3rd and a 4th round pick. However, if the Patriots acquire a 5th round pick before the 2010 Draft, that will be substituted for the 4th round pick.
Burgess, weighing in at 260 pounds, seems to be a good fit for the spot vacated by Mike Vrabel. Burgess should compete with Shawn Crable and Tully Banta-Cain for the starting job, although if the Patriots were willing to give up two good draft picks, they must think he can start right away.
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Nick Caserio, aka “The New Scott Pioli”, told everyone at his recent draft recap press conference that the Patriots were open to exploring trades for a veteran linebacker. As needed with all things Bill Belichick, everyone downed that nugget with a heavy dose of salt and moved on. This time, however, the rumor has some legs.
John Clayton, aka “The Crypt Keeper”, is reporting that the Patriots and the Raiders have been talking about a trade for Derrick Burgess, who has played defensive end for the Patriots for the past four years. He totaled 38.5 sacks in his tenure with the silver and black, although 26 of those came in the first two years. Burgess has battled injuries the past two seasons.
Burgess, who weighs in at 260, seems to be a natural fit for the outside linebacker position for the 3-4. He will probably command a 2nd or 3rd round pick, although that might be diminished if he demands a new contract. Burgess is due to make $3.5 million in 2009 and wants a new deal. Like What You Read? – Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft!
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