Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 3/02/09

by Marima on Mar 2, 2009 9:08 AM EST in New England Patriots News

LOCAL SHOTS

Chris Gasper notes safety James Sanders drew significant interest from other teams, but took less money to remain a Patriot. Sanders feels this will give him a chance to grow and become a playmaker.
Mike Reiss reports the Patriots currently have around $15-16 million in cap space, and reports safety James Sanders agreed to a 3-yr deal.
John Tomase would spend the Patriots cap space by locking in Wilfork and Mankins, and picking up free agent LB Julius Peppers.
Chris Price says there was no conspiracy and no favors. Pats and Chiefs both acted in the best interests of their teams and if the Pats spend wisely, it'll all be good.
Jim Donaldson takes stock of what Cassel won't have in Kansas City.
Michael Felger figures the Bucs and Broncos bungled this one badly, waiting until the Cassel-to-KC story broke before submitting thier own offers.

LONG SHOTS

Dan Wetzel (Yahoo! Sports) Belichick hasn't lost his mind.
Tim Graham (ESPN) Why would Pats turn down 12th pick for Cassel?
Jason Whitlock (Kansas City Star) Trade for Cassel, like Pioli and Haley, looks good on paper.
Adam Schefter (NFL.com) Patriots' trade with Chiefs is a money-saver.
Clifton Brown (Sporting News) Early returns: Free agency winners and losers.
Adam Schefter (NFL.com) Cutlers agent: No meeting yet between QB, Broncos.
Mike Klis (Denver Post) Can Cutler and the Broncos get along?

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Comments

Oh John Tomase

Owner of little knowledge. Peppers would be a terrible signing for the Patriots at this point, especially with the people they need to re-up next year. That guy really needs to just give it up.

by noro on Mar 2, 2009 11:16 AM EST reply actions

I think you're right

Locking up Wilfork, Mankins and shoring up the DBs is, IMO, the priority. I don’t think we need any more help at DE, especially with the pricetag Peppers will probably have.

Blogger at SBNation's New England Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Mar 2, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

Not to mention that Carolina franchised him

He’s just not worth two first round picks, especially given the almost $17M of his franchise tender.

by RSNexile on Mar 2, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

A good point about Peppers

Mike Florio makes several comments regarding John Tomase’s Julius Peppers plug, one being:

Belichick rarely gets worked up about players from other teams unless those guys have given Belichick fits. In two career games against the Patriots (including a Super Bowl), Peppers has a grand total of 0.0 sacks.

Personally I think he’d be too expensive a proposition for the Patriots to entertain seriously, but ya never know.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Mar 2, 2009 12:54 PM EST reply actions