Patriots Sign Former Chiefs Guard Brian Waters

by Greg Knopping on Sep 4, 2011 4:02 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

Yesterday, the Patriots held visits with two high-profile free agent interior lineman, former Cowboys center/guard Andre Gurode and former Chiefs guard Brian Waters. The Patriots ended up signing the later of the two, with the team announcing the signing of the four time Pro Bowler earlier this afternoon.

This signing looks like a solid move from a Patriots standpoint. The Patriots have some uncertainty at the right guard position, with Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell both nursing injuries. Waters is an experience vet, hungry for a title that can step in and immediately be a starter at right guard. When Dan Connolly gets healthy, he then becomes the top interior back-up at all three interior line positions.

Although he is getting ripe in age at 34 years old, Waters is still a very solid player capable of being a plus-player at the right guard position. As many have pointed out, Waters is a vested veteran and the Patriots opted to sign him before week one, which means that his entire base salary will be guaranteed after next Monday's game. The Patriots aren't signing Waters for him to sit on the bench - he will be playing a significant role for the Patriots in 2011.

It's had to say how much Waters has left in the tank. However, Waters is a tough, reliable, smart player and I think the timing of his signing is indicative that the Patriots think the 34-year-old guard can still can compete at a high level.

To make room for Waters, the Patriots released tackle Steve Maneri and long snapper James Dearth. The team also claimed rookie free agent long snapper Danny Aiken from the Buffalo Bills.

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This guy has been very good...

…especially in pass protection. If he’s still got enough fuel in the tank, then this is a great signing. Also, for what it’s worth, he’s a stand up citizen(Walter Payton award winner).
Has there been any Crumpler news? Has he visited any other teams?

by furiousd on Sep 4, 2011 4:08 PM EDT reply actions

Can't say Belicheck isn't throughly scouting for who's out there

Since some people apparently think the possibility of Brady getting clocked here and there doesn’t concern Belicheck.

by Tai on Sep 4, 2011 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

I'M POOPED WITH ALL THESE ROSTER MOVES

by prioris on Sep 4, 2011 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

So I guess you can say now that James Dearth is gone...

The Patriots have a dearth of talent at long snapper?

It matters not how strait the gate, nor charged with punishments the scroll:
I am the Master of my fate. I am the Captain of my soul.

by BigRussNovak on Sep 4, 2011 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)

by Chris Kole on Sep 4, 2011 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Your day job

Don’t quit it. : )

by Tai on Sep 4, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually it should be the opposite

They no longer have a Dearth of talent at long snapper.

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 4, 2011 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

even though its a good pun

there hasnt really been a “dearth of talent” at LS since Paxton left in 2009

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

forgot puts on sunglasses

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 4, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I am more confident in waters than connely.

especially when it comes to helping out koppen.

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Sep 4, 2011 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Plus we need Conelly fresh.

He can be our best kick return guy::)

by frogfromthemud on Sep 4, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

lol

Will never forget that night. : )

by Tai on Sep 4, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

You mean this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufkHymQEuqc

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

+1

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 5, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions

On nationally televised game too, lol

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Sep 6, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Gurode signs with Ravens

by paul7410 on Sep 4, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

not a concern until the postseason

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Schefter says 2 years, up to 5.5 mil

by U. S. Grant on Sep 4, 2011 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

Gonna assume that's for Waters, yes?

by Tai on Sep 4, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions

yup

by U. S. Grant on Sep 4, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

thats cheap for a guy of his talent

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone know

how much cap room we got left?

Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)

by Chris Kole on Sep 4, 2011 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

I think we've got plenty.

Brady > Mallett > Hoyer > Sanchez

- beantownboy171

by B.H.Talbot on Sep 4, 2011 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions

we had 12 mil before this started.

can’t find an updated list yet

by U. S. Grant on Sep 4, 2011 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

enough to make emergency moves

for when someone goes on IR

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions

try

patscap.com

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 4, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

tate

Arizona and Jets also put in waiver claims for former Patriots WR Brandon Tate, who was awarded to Cincinnati.

by sweetjesusihatethejets on Sep 4, 2011 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

You think if we traded

Sanders, Merriweather, and Tate all in the same deal you think we could get a 2nd round pick in 2013 or at a decent CB?

Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)

by Chris Kole on Sep 4, 2011 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

no. The team would have to get rid of two extra players.

by Jack'sAxe on Sep 4, 2011 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

No

The Pats would probably have to offer up a draft pick just to make someone take them.

Sanders was due $4m, Meriweather $2m, Tate is a kick returner in a league that doesn’t do kick returns (and would cost a roster spot).

Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit

by Comedic.Sans on Sep 5, 2011 6:50 AM EDT up reply actions

if the Cardinals really wanted Tate- they could have traded a draft pick for him

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 5, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Hoping Waters still has something in the tank. Connolly seemed spotty this preseason.

And for all the talk I dont think Solder has the body type for guard. Seems he might lack bulk and strength at this point in his career.

by McGarry on Sep 4, 2011 7:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

He seems to have a pretty good amount of strength judging by how well he did at OT this preeason, and at LG in the 4th preseason game.

I think his strength is fine. not great, but its fine.

by Jack'sAxe on Sep 4, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah, I don't think strength would be a concern, but a low CG is helpful at guard

because it helps against the bull rush. Solder’s length helps him move, which is important against speed rushing ends. But picture him against a bull rushing Vince Wilfork on the inside and you mentally can construct the problem.

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 5, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions

anyone facing vince wilfork will have problems though.

by Jack'sAxe on Sep 5, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

PFF

Rated Waters as the 12th best guard last year, and Connoly 34th. Waters will be the starter as he should and Connoly will return to being a very good backup.

by Crizzle12 on Sep 4, 2011 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

hes a backup G/C/FB/KR

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 4, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

He's not a backup KR

I say put him back there on kickoffs, see if the new rule can contain him. I doubt it.

"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West

by ISN on Sep 4, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Heck, forget KR

This guy is a playmaker. You get him the ball in the open field, and this guy will make something happen.

by Chari on Sep 4, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions

We need to start running screens to Connoly

Should be a guaranteed first down every time

by indy pats fan on Sep 4, 2011 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

would _you_ want to tackle him?

Actually, I’m thinking we should turn Albert into a FB …

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 5, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Food for thought :

B.J. Raji was used as a fullback during one snap last year for the Packers, and some fans think he may play the 2nd FB in their “wishbone” formation in short yardage situation one or two times a game.

by Lythos on Sep 5, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

If I were a d-lineman who could LEGALLY blow Raji’s knee out while someone hits him high …
I’d be pretty damn happy

by quadruple option on Sep 6, 2011 4:38 AM EDT up reply actions

dont forget the blocking

which is the most underrated thing valued

Trevor Bauer: 14-4, 2.00 ERA, 162 IP, 246 K in UCLA, Visalia (Hi-A), and Mobile (AA)

by freeland1787 on Sep 5, 2011 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Chiefs Fan here...

Waters is a VERY nice signing. Letting him go upset a LOT of AP fans as he is good not only good at blocking for the pass, but can block for the run too (Chiefs did have the #1 rushing team last season and Waters had a large roll in that)!

Add to that, Waters is a stand up guy OFF the field and you will find out soon just how good of a signing this was. I am not sure how much he has ‘left in the tank’, but you can bet your ass(ets) he will give you EVERYTHING he has on every play!

Congratz, here is hoping your team wins 15 out of 16 this season (with your only loss being the Monday night game against my Chiefs).

by DivineGrace on Sep 5, 2011 5:38 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the good words!

As mentioned many times, a lot of Patriots fans have a soft spot for KC because of all the ex-patriots there. Good luck to your own team – except, of course, on a certain MNF …

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Sep 5, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Thank you, great to hear

Hard not to be optimistic about Waters, given everything great that people are saying about him. We could use the leadership as well, given we lost Alge Crumpler and Sammy Morris this offseason.

Good luck to you guys too, definitely looking forward to our MNF game.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Sep 5, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions