On Monday evening the NFL released a complete list of the players who are free agents. Here is the breakdown of New England Patriots free agents:
Unrestricted
RB Kevin Faulk
K Shayne Graham
OL Matt Light
DB Brandon McGowan
RB Sammy Morris
OL Quinn Ojinnaka
DB Jarrad Page
RB Fred Taylor
DE Gerard Warren
LB Tracy White
Restricted
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Franchised
OL Logan Mankins
According to Yahoo! Sports those players they feel are likely to stay with New England are: Mankins, McGowan, Page, Warren and White. Those they think are likely to look elsewhere include: Light, Morris, Taylor and Graham. While they think Faulk and Ojinnaka could go either way depending what the Patriots are willing to pay and what another team may offer them. Faulk is going to need to prove to whoever is interested that he is fully recovered from his AL injury that ended his 2010 season.
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According to Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe, the team may have an interest in LB Matt Roth (Browns); DE/LB Mathias Kiwanuka (Giants); LB Manny Lawson (49ers); WR Braylon Edwards (Jets); DE Marcus Spears (Cowboys); DE Shaun Ellis (Jets) and RB Ricky Williams (Dolphins).
To me, the Patriots seem to be very silent, which isn’t unusual, right now they are only allowed to negotiate with the player’s agent. I think Belichick wants to be able to get to end of the week when teams can actually talk to the players and get a feel for them personally. This will allow them to see how they fit into this puzzle that he has created and continues to tweak on a yearly basis. The one thing about this franchise, they never do anything in haste. Everything is always well thought out and I’m sure in some case several options are explored before decisions are made.
Just a reminder that the Patriots practices on Thursday and Friday are open to the public. This is from the teams website:
Thursday
Practices – 9:30-11:30am and 3:30-5:30pm
Patriots Experience 11:00am – 4:00pm
Both sessions are unpadded practices
Friday
Practices – 9:30-11:30am and 3:30-5:30pm
Patriots Experience 11:00am – 4:00pm
Both sessions are unpadded practices
For more information on Patriots Training Camp visit http://www.patriots.com/trainingcamp/ or call the Training Camp hot line at 508-549-0001.
Keep with Sox & Dawgs all through the free agency blitz and training camp as we will keep you up-to-date with all the latest happenings.
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