Who Is Free Anyway?

By TOM

The free-agency period has begun, so what does that mean for the Patriots? They have a chance to fill a few gaps in the team before the draft. I believe there are several players out there who they will be seeking. The history of this administration has been one or two million dollar plus free agents each year, but predominately keeping to the mid-level veterans.

Two years ago they signed a staggering 26 free agents, 22 of which made the team and contributed to the Super Bowl victory. Players like: Marc Edwards, David Patton, Mike Compton, Joe Andruzzi, Damon Huard, Antowain Smith, Bobby Hamilton, Anthony Pleasant, Mike Vrabel, Larry Izzo, Otis (my man) Smith, Terrell Buckley, Lonnie Paxton, Matt Chatham, and Ken Walter. The most incredible thing about these signings was that Belichick or Poli were never mentioned for GM or Front Office of the year, even though that years Draft also yielded Seymour and Light. In the history of professional sports no team as ever signed so many players who played so well for a Championship team (except for, maybe, a team in the first year of its leagues’ existence).

So here are a few players out there who may be able to help the Pats along the way.

Not a chance, but would be nice:

Rosevelt Colvin- LB Chicago. Pats’ coaches raved about him the week we played the Bears, but he’s had 10+ sacks each of the past 2 seasons. A lot of teams have him on their short list so the price will soar to maybe 4 million a year? If the Patriots are serious about moving to 3-4 they may have to make a big bid, but it will cost a lot of dollars.

Vonnie Holliday- DE/DT Green Bay. Injured 6 games last season, and he is solid against the run while still be able to rush the QB. He will cost a lot of money to sign and I think will be out of their range. But he is an injury risk, and he’s another player who fits their system. I think he would make a perfect 3-4 end and would be a great signing for this team for the right price.

Chris Claibourne- LB Detroit. Big, strong, fast Linebacker who will be in big demand. I would be ecstatic if Belichick signed him. Again price becomes the issue. He will cost 3 million plus a year. That’s a heavy tag and I’m sure how that would effect the cap. But is would be nice to see him playing in Foxboro next season.

Randy Thomas- O-Guard Jets. Would be nice to hurt the Jets, but he will have a huge price tag, and word is Washington is offering him a nice contract.

Interesting players who could be bargains:

Terry Fair: CB Carolina. Was injured most of last season, but was a could player for a few years before that. He’s undersized, but if he still has his speed he could be a good player. Injury and loss of season could make him a bargain.

Dainon Sidney: CB Tennessee. Similar to Tom Knight, very good player who can’t stay health. Would be a good risk at the right price, but may price himself out of market, and may never be able to stay healthy.

Ken Irvin: CB New Orleans. A veteran Nickel back who is just the type of player they signed two years ago. Solid, dependable, doesn’t let up a big play, but it’s a big name and might not get offered a lot of money.

Doug Brzezinski- O-Guard Philadelphia. This is the exact kind of player they signed two years ago: tough, dependable, and smart. He didn’t start last season so he could be a real bargain. He has played well when he was in the game, and is a developing player who may have slipped below the radar so there may not be another team to start a bidding war. He is a solid run-stuffer who whiffs sometimes in pass-protection, similar to Andruzzi. Compton is aging, Andruzzi has a that bizarre knee issue going on, he played next to Woody at Boston College, and he may come cheap. He may also want to come back to Boston. He could be a solid cheap addition to this team.

Richie Anderson- FB Jets. Marc Edwards is a free agent who may be asking to much, he would a huge loss. Anderson is familiar with Weis’ offense and he wasn’t used much the past couple season so his price should be right.

Ryan Young- OT Houston. Good run-blocker who was injured last season and may not cost a lot. However, he is young and consistently move defenders backwards so he could get a big offer somewhere.

Tyrone Poole- CB Denver. Another undersized corner who may slip under the radar. Another solid veteran (31 years old) who would make a solid nickel back, and maybe even start if Otis loses his last step. Is suppose to visit with Pats Sunday (3/2). If the Chiefs don't offer him a lot of money he could be a Patriots before the draft.