Albert Breer updates the status of the Patriots free agent situation as of 2am this morning:
[The] Patriots have been talking contract with a slew of their unrestricted free agents over the last 24 hours. But one player has been more in demand than all the others, and that player is Leigh Bodden.
I'm told Bodden got strong, immediate interest right at midnight, and that the Patriots were negotiating with him to and through the deadline. Something still could get done. I couldn't nail down the teams, specifically, but our pal Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times did a nice job gathering that info, identifying Seattle, Houston and Pittsburgh as potential landing spots.
Outside of that, I'm pretty sure the door is still open with all their restricted free agents, although it has to be considered an upset that Kevin Faulk -- whose contract talks have been ongoing for a few weeks -- remains unsigned.
Mike Reiss offers a Patriots free agent snapshot.
Tully Banta-Cain -- This is a case where the team and player is a good match and the sides have been building momentum toward a deal.
Leigh Bodden -- The market will ultimately dictate the final outcome, but the eight-year veteran will continue to talk to the Patriots.
Derrick Burgess -- Veteran nickel rusher could return based on the uncertainty at the position, but it wouldn't be a big deal.
Kevin Faulk -- It's hard to imagine the veteran running back playing elsewhere, although he might want to see his market value before signing a deal.
Jarvis Green -- Defensive lineman plans to test the free-agent market and it looks like both sides are eyeing a fresh start.
Chris Hanson -- Patriots seem to be exploring other options at the position at this time.
Stephen Neal -- Starting right guard has gotten lost in the shuffle a bit. While his agent said he planned to test the market, Neal is happy in New England and that makes his return a strong possibility.
Benjamin Watson -- Tight end should draw interest around the league. The crop of free-agent tight ends is not strong.
Vince Wilfork -- The sides have been close to a deal and perhaps the start of the 2010 league year, without a salary cap, is what pushes them through the finish line.
TEAM TALK
- PFW staff Free Agent Previews: Specialists.
- Patriots offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer visits Vincent M. Igo Elementary School in Foxboro to speak with students, answer questions, and share his experience as a native of Germany coming to the United States to play football.
- Scott Barboza reports wheelchair-bound Steven Bradley's visit to Gillette Stadium offered a lifetime of memories and a chance to escape the rigors of everyday life.
LOCAL LINKS
- The Herald says a source told them that the Patriots have an offer on the table for Julius Peppers.
- Ian Rapoport notes eight contributing free agents will hit the open market with Faulk and Neal wanting to return. Green, Hanson and Watson won't likely be back.
- Shalise Manza Young reports the NFL without a salary cap brings a world of possibilities for the Patriots, who have the right currency to make some deals.
- Christopher Price analyzes the Patriots' tenders of Logan Mankins, Stephen Gostkowski and Pierre Woods.
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Mike Reiss says Thursday's surprising release of veteran tight end Chris Baker highlights how 2009 was a rough year for the Patriots when it came to pro scouting.
- Albert Breer talks about how to replace Chris Baker, after he was unexpectedly cut.
- Jeff Howe notes the Patriots will have to take advantage of the deep tight end draft pool.
- Albert Breer looks at which unrestricted free agents the Patriots might consider.
- Jeff Howe feels the Patriots are likely to focus on their own free agents instead of the high-priced Peppers or Dansby.
- Albert Breer discusses the unchartered waters of the NFL's 'final league year'. He answers some frequently asked questions about what's ahead for the NFL.
- Albert Breer reports the Jets screw the NFL rules by signing CB Antonio Cromartie an hour before the start of free agency.
- Mike Reiss notes the Jets' trade for Cromartie has a trickle-down effect.
- Tom E. Curran offers his Patriots free agent outlook: Defensive Line, Outside Linebackers, Inside Linebackers, and CBs and Safeties.
- Christopher Price lists Belichick's five best free-agent decisions. Hard to argue with Anthony Pleasant, Antowaine Smith, Rosevelt Colvin, Mike Vrabel, and Rodney Harrison.
- Albert Breer notes the Bears' quick action in free agency, with Lovie Smith flying to Charlotte to bring Julius Peppers back to Chicago.
- DJ Bean looks at pass-rush specialist Ricky Sapp (Clemson) as a possible fit for the Patriots with the number 22 pick.
- Jeff Howe's NFL Mock Draft III has the Patriots picking DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida).
NATIONAL NEWS
- NFL free-agency blog (Fox Sports) NFL Buzz: Latest free-agency updates.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Neal, Mangold offer inside pass protection.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) The flipside of Cromartie's upside.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) Pats losing benefit of doubt on FA pickups.
- Len Pasquarelli (ESPN) There are some alternative pass-rushers who won't cost a franchise nearly as much money as Julius Peppers.
- Scout.com (Fox Sports) 2010 Mock Draft Muncher: Views the most popular selections for each team.
- Don Banks (SI) Top NFL free agents: Where they will sign versus where they should.
- John Clayton (ESPN) Free agency: Be passive, or aggressive?
- Clifton Brown, Dennis Dillon & Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Free agent roundtable: Tackling five key questions.
- Paul Kuharsky (ESPN) How to court a free agent.
- KCChiefs.com Chiefs sign LB Mike Vrabel to contract extension.
- Jeffri Chadiha (ESPN) Restricted FAs bear brunt of labor pact.
- Robert Boland (Nat'l Football Post) What if there is no lockout?