New England Patriots Links 3/20/14 - Wilfork, Pats Week-Long Standoff Continues

TEAM TALK

• Patriots 2014 Free Agent Tracker.
• Erik Scalavino believes the Patriots must stay aggressive in free agency.
• Erik Scalavino hears Brandon LaFell introduce himself to the local media, and say how he's prepared to sacrifice and work hard to win games.
• Andy Hart talks about the four NFL rule changes proposed by the Patriots.
• The Patriots signed LS Charley Hughlett.
• Conference Call Transcript - Brandon LaFell.

LOCAL LINKS

• Tom E. Curran wonders how far Wilfork and the Pats can take their standoff.
• Ben Volin fills out the team to-do list: A hole to plug at center, depth to build at several positions, a messy contract negotiation with Wilfork and the NFL Draft.
• Mark Farinella was forced to admit that he was "impressed with how the Patriots responded to a crisis in free agency with some bold, decisive moves." Then he talks about what still needs to be addressed.
• Tom E. Curran notes Brandon LaFell chose New England to play with Tom Brady.
• Tom E. Curran writes LaFell was warned by Stevan Ridley ahead of his visit to New England that if he wants to play here, he has to be prepared to sacrifice.
• Mark Farinella reports Brandon LaFell will wear No. 19 this season.
• Doug Kyed resets the WR depth chart, noting Brandon LaFell will be competing with Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins.
• Tom E. Curran dismisses the claims by Spikes and Talib about falsified injury reports. Spikes blew off the entire Friday before the Colts playoff game, not just practice.
• Mike Reiss offers an emphatic "Come on, man!" to Spikes' and Talib's jab at their former team about injury reporting procedures.
• Arnie Stapleton mentions how AFC rivals Patriots and Broncos are still competing hard with each other in free agency.
• Nick Underhill reports the Patriots are $6.4 M under the salary cap.
• Mike Reiss identifies a few areas where the Patriots might seek cap relief.
• Mike Reiss takes a closer look at how Julian Edelman's contract breaks down per year.
• Mike Reiss serves up a few leftovers from his Patriots Mailbag: Acquiring Revis was more capitalizing on an unexpected opportunity than a philosophical change in approach.
• Jeff Howe Patriots Notebook: Brandon LaFell's versatility should lead to plenty of field time next season; LaFell believes he's got what it takes to make the right reads; Julian Edelman's contract was officially filed with the league, with affordable cap hits each year; Pats proposed four rules changes to the Competition Committee yesterday.
• Doug Kyed posts a pic of Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski on the set of the new "Entourage" movie.
• WEEI profiles potential Patriots in this year's draft: WR Kelvin Benjamin (Florida State), RB Ka'Deem Carey (Arizona) and DE Scott Chrichton (Oregon State).

NATIONAL NEWS

• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Brandon LaFell: I wanted to play with HOF quarterback, Cam isn't there now.
• Peter King (The MMQB) 3 Questions with Aqib Talib: Money talks -- and walks.
• Chris Burke (SI) Cover Two: Best, worst free agent signings, more early awards.
• Total Access (NFL.com) Which teams won free agency? (1.48 min.video)
• Elliot Harrison (NFL.com) NFL Power Rankings: Who can dethrone the Seattle Seahawks? Pats 4th.
• Eliot Shorr-Parks (Star-Ledger) DeSean Jackson trade rumors: What could the Patriots or 49ers give the Eagles?
• Jonathan Jones (Charlotte Observer) Brandon LaFell off Twitter for a month after perceived slight of Cam Newton.
• Dom Cosentino (Star-Ledger) Jets linebacker Calvin Pace never expected Darrelle Revis to land with Patriots.
• Andy Benoit (The MMQB) The safety dance: How safety became the most significant position
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• A.J. Perez (Star-Ledger) NFL free agency 2014: Top 10 NFL free agents still on the market.
• Tony Villiotti (Nat'l Football Post) The draft: When 13=1. Thinking about moving up a few spots in the draft? Think again.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Eric Winston: No 18-game season on my watch.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Competition Committee announces new rule, bylaw proposals.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Competition Committee supports expansion of playoffs.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Competition Committee proposes adjustment to the replay function.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Competition Committee proposes to keep clock running after a sack.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL owners will vote on moving kickoffs to the 40.
• Staff Report (TMZ) Tom Brady and Gisele selling mega-estate in L.A.