Raiders Release Stanford Routt, Will the Patriots be Interested?

by Greg Knopping on Feb 9, 2012 6:38 PM EST in New England Patriots Rumors

Well, we have the first "surprise" release of the 2012 NFL offseason.

Earlier this afternoon, the Oakland Raiders announced the release of veteran cornerback Stanford Routt. Yes, the same Stanford Routt that the Raiders had signed to a five year contract worth more than $50 million just months ago. The Raiders have a new G.M. in Reggie McKenzie, and likely decided that Routt's contract was too rich.

The Patriots could be heavily involved in the market for defensive backs this offseason. There are a ton of good cornerbacks who should be available via free agency, but it looks like Routt will be the first to hit the market (he will officially be a free agent tomorrow). The question obviously becomes, should the Patriots consider pursuing Routt?

I think Routt could be an interesting name to watch, but it obviously all depends on his asking price. If he is heavily pursued as expected, the Patriots will probably sit back and wait for the second round of top cornerbacks in March. Routt plays the left cornerback position - and the Patriots already have a pretty good left cornerback in Devin McCourty. Of course, the Patriots could move McCourty to safety permanently or play Routt mostly in the slot (he played a lot of slot cornerback in 2010 and 2009).

In 16 games this season, Routt was targeted 94 times, and allowed 48 completions. While he intercepted four passes, he also allowed nine touchdowns. Routt turns 29 in July and certainly has plenty left in the tank. Again, I doubt the Patriots sign him, but he could be an intriguing option.

What do you think?

Poll

Should the Patriots pursue Stanford Routt?

Yes

290 votes

No

306 votes

Neutral

224 votes

820 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I like Routt

But we probably won’t get him because he is the gist real free agent and will get many offers. Plus, I think that the FA cornerback that we could potentially get is more of a reliable vet/good depth player behind Dowling. I think that Ras I Dowling has really good potential especially if we keep McCourty at FS

by iso1512 on Feb 9, 2012 7:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I think

if the Patriots move McCourty to safety full-time getting a veteran CB like Routt is a must. Dowling fair to him or not has a long injury history and let’s face it, the Patriots had a patch-work secondary this year. It was probably one of BB’s better coaching jobs that the Patriots made it as far as we did. That being said…not sure Routt is a legit possibility but someone is a must.

by RichieGrogan on Feb 9, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions

I would check out if McCoutry;s brother is available

wouldnt hurt…when at college they were a top pair, ask there former Coach…might be worth a look-see

by Jack2466 on Feb 9, 2012 8:06 PM EST reply actions

At 5m/year, open the checkbook BB!

by quadruple option on Feb 9, 2012 10:43 PM EST reply actions

Okay, a half Raider fans take on Routt

Okay first of all Routt has a pretty big contract. If we want to sign him, he better restructure his deal. Okay…… now my thoughts:

Routt has probably a top 5 burn percentage in the NFL, HOWEVER:

1) He gets called for a lot of penalties. Particularly a PI or two a game essentially

2) He did give up a few TDs last season.

In any case, Routt can play either side of the field, and would overall be a solid corner. He can also tackle well. However, his experience in the zone scheme is minimal (The raiders have ran primarily a man coverage scheme, and last season they threw in some zone), and he does get some penalties called on him. Should the pats get him? If he restructures his deal (which he didn’t want to do for the Raiders Im guessing, which is why McKenzie booted him), then I think we should take a good look at Routt. If we can get him to minimize some penalty issues, he will be a very solid CB for us, but like I said “little experience in zone.”

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 10:52 PM EST reply actions

Thanks for your thoughts

I’d actually like to see the Patriots playing a little more man next year. I think Dowling is very capable of that.

by Greg Knopping on Feb 10, 2012 1:00 AM EST up reply actions

I can't wait to see Dowling in action.

As for playing more man… if it works than sure. I think we are one good CB away from being set at the position (McCourty still has a chance at playing CB more than safety next year, Dowling has potential, Moore looks good, Arrington has been overall solid, Molden has SOME form of potential). If we get Routt, he better restructure his deal. That’s the first thing that’s an issue on my mind. Everything else can be fixed with some good coaching.

by Jack'sAxe on Feb 10, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

But Dowling has been hurt his entire life /s

Seriously though, how many times will people make that comment. The guy got hurt once in college and once in the pros.

Arrington and Dowling, with Moore as slot. Chung and McCourty as safeties. Seems good to me. But is GOOD enough? Should they go for GREAT? Or try to upgrade other areas?

It's not whether you win or lose.
It's whether you win.
-Trump 'The Game'

by iLikeStuff on Feb 10, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

Depends on value and availability through the draft and free agency.

by Jack'sAxe on Feb 10, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

As another 1/2 Raider Fan

I agree with most of your take. He’s did get a lot of penalties called against him, but at least that means that he’s always near the receiver in bump man coverage. I don’t think this is really the Pats specialty anymore, but with the proper technique he can get those penalties under control.

Also, a lot of the TDs he gave up were really short TDs. He rarely got burned for a TD.

That said, I think he will command quite a bit of money, and didn’t really play well in whatever zone he was asked to play, which could be a problem in NE.

EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!

by dmstorm22 on Feb 11, 2012 1:01 AM EST up reply actions

Yep.

by Jack'sAxe on Feb 11, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions

Is Sterling Moore chop liver?

He could do well at CB is DMC goes to FS

Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"

by freeland1787 on Feb 10, 2012 5:22 PM EST reply actions

>five year contract worth more than $50 million

I wouldn’t spend 10 million on any CB. Not even Asomugha or Revis.

MANAGING THE CAP long term would be highest priority.

I’d concentrate on managing the overall cap and make sure most of the current talent especially the depth can be retained especially when it comes to contract renewal time.

I’d rather have 4 above average CBs at 2.5 million each than 1 elite CB at 10 million. Plus you don’t have all your eggs in one basket.

by prioris on Feb 11, 2012 5:33 PM EST reply actions