Interesting free agents

by BJA on Feb 9, 2012 5:08 AM EST

Let's make this a series of interesting free agents for the Patriots to look at.

Without knowing the definite specifics I would say the team will have cap space to make a few splashes if they need to.

So I'm going to start off with...

Michael Griffin, S, Tennessee Titans

Griffin is a Pro-Bowl safety likely to enter his prime years (27 years). It's also not unthinkable that he'll test the market.

Griffin is a player that is versatile given that he can play the run good enough and has good coverage skills. In my opinion he would fit well together with Patrick Chung and take care of a huge need for this franchise. IF we were to acquire Griffin we have the option of moving McCourty to cornerback and he could be very solid when given safety help.

In my eyes such a move would make an enormous amount of sense since it opens up a lot of options for us in the draft. We could then use more picks towards building a stronger front 7 (mainly OLB and DE) and also would free up the possibility at looking for a bigger wideout and even offensive linemen.

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C'mon now community

let’s help me out here…

by BJA on Feb 9, 2012 12:36 PM EST reply actions

It's an interesting suggestion

Especially if the Pats aren’t high on Mark Barron, who seems to be far and away the strongest safety in this year’s draft class—and there’s a significant drop-off after that.

Of course, it all comes down to how much money he would command. I haven’t done a ton of research on this offseason’s free agents in the secondary, but there could be a high demand for not a huge pool of talent given the ailing secondaries of the entire 2011 season.

Can I Scream?

by Adam Fox on Feb 9, 2012 4:19 PM EST reply actions

I'd prefer Harrison Smith or Markel Martin in the 2nd round

than Barron in the 1st round. Martin and Smith aren’t bad prospects and can, unlike Barron, do man-coverage.

With that said, been thinking about it lately. I like picking up a S in FA given the youth in our secondary. Griffin or Goldston are the best choices. I actually like Griffin more, and he comes with previous experiene of working with a McCourty twin. Plus we play the Titans next season. Would be great if Pats add some talent through the later-draft-picks as well but I’m thinking they go for a vet WR and FS..

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Feb 9, 2012 9:43 PM EST up reply actions

They might have a better chance at FS in FA than the draft.

It depends on whether the dollars make sense.

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Feb 9, 2012 4:52 PM EST reply actions

Pats are extremely well-positioned as it pertains to cap space.

If Pats resign/tag Welker/, resign Anderson, then get Lloyd and Griffin to upgrade the skill positions? That’s a huge score right there. Pats could probably still play make some FA moves even after that and that’s before we talk about all picks the Pats have for the draft.

Pats could use a little more age in that secondary. It’s a young group.

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Feb 9, 2012 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Griffin tweeted before the season finale that it'd be

his last game with Tennessee.

He comes with experience working with a McCourty. I think he could be a great addition to the team and should be pursued. If we can pay over 4 million for Shaun Ellis, we can
afford Griffin.

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Feb 9, 2012 9:48 PM EST reply actions

Would love to have Griffen.

The safety class in the draft is weak. but no doubt a lot of teams will be pursuing him.

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 Feb 9, 2012 10:55 PM EST reply actions

Do you guys see the Pats going after any of the Raiders castoffs?

It looks like McKenzie is going to be cleaning house and getting rid of some of the crazier contracts.

by dudebro on Feb 10, 2012 11:49 AM EST reply actions

Stanford Routt is a distant possibility

but I for one think he’ll command way too much money considering what he’d be worth

Apart from that I guess Tyvon Branch is also a potential free agent but I believe the Raiders will lock him up and re-sign him.

by BJA on Feb 10, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

I'd sign Griffin as long as the money isnt stupid.

I thought he was a potential Pats draft pick when he came out. Even if the Pats sign a FA safety (something they’re certain to do) i’d still like them to draft a safety. Someone will get injured and even if everyone is healthy, BB could employ a 3 safety package.

by The Qwan on Feb 11, 2012 1:35 PM EST reply actions

Would rather grab a good value somewhere in the late-2nd or 3rd.

Pats got to upgrade DT/DE and WR for the long term by getting young talent. I might change my mind after the Combine, so we’ll see. I expect the Safeties draft stocks to fluctuate a lot.

It is what it is

by Middlesex on Feb 12, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions