Patriots Lock Up Seymour with Extension
But, perhaps there is method to their madness.
The Patriots under Bill Belichick have never been free spenders in free agency, and it looks like maybe their frugality in this year's market was an indication of how important they felt inking four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour to a contract extension was. And they did just that Wednesday, with what is being reported by ESPN's Len Pasquareli as a four-year, $30 million deal.
Seymour is a key cog in the Patriots defense, but now that he is locked up until after the 2010 season, the club can turn its attention to concerns in the secondary and at linebacker. A lot of the team's success over the last half-decade has come from finding role players through the second-tier talent still available after the big money dries up.
So those of you out there who are questioning the sanity of Belichick and Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli, have some patience. The draft is still out there, June 1st cuts are approaching, and the Patriots have about four months to round out their roster.
Comments
Yes, signing Seymour was important as if he got to FA next year most likely would have been outbid for him.
However, IMO draft will net two to three impact players and with the increase in the salary cap June 1st cuts could be the weakest quality in years.
Biggest need that you omitted is WR. Draft has two potential stars both of which should be off the board when we pick at #21.
Pats blew it with the WR FA pool and we had to settle for Caldwell who could very well be the offensive Duane Starks of 2006.
Our weak 2005 WR talent will be weaker in 2006. Brady is good, but you need some talent other than Branch. LB might get restocked through the draft but tough for rookie LB’s to step in and contribute right away with Pats complex defensive scheme not to mention a rookie coordinator for the first time. There is some quality secondary help available in the draft.
Bottom line see 5 - 6 holes to fill and only see 3 getting addressed. WR, Kicker, and ILB will be weak spots in 2006.