Patriots Sign Nine To Reserve/Futures Contracts
Patriots coach Bill Belichick started a “no days off!” chant during today’s victory parade, and that sentiment was confirmed hours later when the team announced that they had signed the majority of their practice squad to reserve/futures contracts (via Patriots.com):
- OL Chris Barker
- OL Jamil Douglas
- OL Chase Farris
- RB Tyler Gaffney
- WR Devin Lucien
- LB Trevor Bates
- DT Darius Kilgo
- DT Woodrow Hamilton
The team also inked tight end Rob Housler to a contract. The team didn’t sign fullback Glenn Gronkowski or wideout DeAndrew White, although that could change in the coming days or weeks.
Housler is probably the most notable name on the list, as the tight end has five NFL seasons under his belt. The former third-round pick was actually a staple in the Cardinals lineup from 2011 through 2014, averaging nearly 14 games a season. The tight end was especially productive in 2012 and 2013, combining for 84 receptions, 871 yards, and one touchdown in 28 games. Since then, the tight end bounced between the Bears and Browns before sitting out the entire 2016 campaign.
Otherwise, Kilgo has the most experience having played in 18 games for the Broncos between 2015 and 2016. Douglas (16 games, six starts), Barker (five games), Hamilton (three games), and Bates (one game) have also seen the field for at least one NFL game. Both Gaffney and Lucien proved to be intriguing prospects for the Patriots during this past preseason.
Poll: Should The Patriots Trade Jimmy Garoppolo?
The Patriots have drafted a number of quarterbacks over the past 15 or so years to back up Tom Brady, including Matt Cassel, Ryan Mallett, and (my personal favorite) Rohan Davey. However, none of these signal-callers held as much intrigue as current second-string quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Patriots hadn’t drafted a quarterback in the first two rounds since Drew Bledsoe in 1993, which added plenty of hype around the team’s second-round selection of Garoppolo during the 2014 draft. While many declared him the heir apparent to Brady, the Eastern Illinois product didn’t have much of a chance to showcase his skills during his first two years in the league. Excluding brief cameos during the 2014 season, Garoppolo served mostly as coach Bill Belichick’s victory cigar.
That was until this past season, when the third-year player had an opportunity to start the first four games of the season while Brady served his four-game suspension. The 25-year-old showed plenty of poise during his first two starts, completing 71-percent of his passes for 496 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Unfortunately, Garoppolo injured his AC joint during that Week 2 victory, and rookie Jacoby Brissett ultimately took over as the starter until Brady’s return.
Brady was dynamic following his suspension, throwing a career-low two interceptions while completing 67.4-percent of his passes (his highest completion percentage since his record-breaking 2007 campaign). Of course, the former MVP also led his team to the biggest Super Bowl comeback of all-time, giving him a record fifth ring.
Despite being 39-years-old, Brady hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, and this has predictably led to trade speculation regarding his back-up. These whispers have now been lingering for months, but the logic goes beyond the fact that Garoppolo is more than a decade younger than Brady. The quarterback is set to become an unrestricted free agent following next season. The Texans dished out $37MM in guaranteed money to Brock Osweiler following seven starts, so there’s no doubt that some desperate team would commit long-term money to Garoppolo.
Would the Patriots be willing to spend the money to retain him? The organization could re-sign the quarterback, or they could even opt to franchise him following the 2017 season. However, Brady has continually restructured his contract, and the current iteration of his deal lasts through the 2019 season. Even then, reports from this weekend indicated that the team was looking to extend Brady again next offseason. Plus, the Patriots still have Brissett signed to his rookie contract, and reports indicate that the organization is intrigued by the young signal-caller.
There certainly would be a number of teams willing to give up some assets for Garoppolo. Recent reports have connected the Bears, Browns, and 49ers to the quarterback, and more teams will surely pop up as the offseason continues. For what it’s worth, recent reports indicated that the Patriots would be willing to move their young quarterback, and the team is apparently seeking a first- and fourth-round pick in return.
The downside is all based on hypotheticals. Brady could realistically fall off a cliff suddenly, similar to what happened to Peyton Manning in 2015. Brady could also suffer a devastating injury, leaving the team with no options besides Brissett. Of course, Brady will have to retire eventually, and having a replacement ready to go has typically worked out for franchises.
That leads to my question: should the Patriots trade Jimmy Garoppolo? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Should the Patriots Trade Jimmy Garoppolo?
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Yes 72% (2,579)
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No 28% (980)
Total votes: 3,559
Martellus Bennett Eyeing Free Agency
Shortly after New England’s stunning Super Bowl LI victory over Atlanta on Sunday, Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett made it clear that he’s eyeing a significant raise this offseason.
“I’m going into free agency as a Super Bowl champion,” he told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News (Twitter link). “You know they overpay Super Bowl champions!”
The Patriots’ acquisition of Bennett last offseason proved to be a fruitful move for both sides in 2016. Despite dealing with an ankle injury that will likely require surgery, Bennett emerged as a key part of a Patriots offense that mostly went without superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Bennett hauled in 55 receptions, seven touchdowns and 701 yards on 73 targets during the regular season and was a notable part of their triumph over the Falcons. In what could go down as his final game with the Patriots, Bennett nabbed five catches for 62 yards. Moreover, the overtime pass interference penalty he drew on linebacker De’Vondre Campbell on Atlanta’s 2-yard line set up running back James White‘s championship-winning touchdown plunge two plays later.
Now, having helped the Patriots to their fifth title, the soon-to-be 30-year-old Bennett could join his fifth franchise when free agency opens in March. The Patriots are clearly interested in preventing that from happening, though, as they and the nine-year veteran held extension talks during the season and are likely to continue discussing a new deal over the next month. If no agreement comes to fruition, Bennett will take his 403-catch, 30-score, championship-winning resume to the open market.
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Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
2017 NFL Draft Order Set
With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, the offseason is officially underway for all 32 teams. We now have the complete draft order for the entire first round, with one exception which is noted below.
The Patriots, of course, will have the honor of having the last pick. The Falcons, after losing in heartbreaking fashion, will have the penultimate selection in the first round.
Here is the complete order, via ESPN.com’s Field Yates (Twitter links):
1. Browns
2. 49ers
3. Bears
4. Jaguars
5. Titans
6. Jets
7. Chargers
8. Panthers
9. Bengals
10. Bills
11. Saints
12. Browns
13. Cardinals
T-14. Eagles (via the Vikings)
T-14. Colts (Note: The Vikings and Colts have identical records and the same strength of schedule. The tie will be broke by coin flip with the winner getting pick No. 14 and the other team getting the No. 15 pick.)
16. Ravens
17. Redskins
18. Titans
19. Buccaneers
20. Broncos
21. Lions
22. Dolphins
23. Giants
24. Raiders
25. Texans
26. Seahawks
27. Chiefs
28. Cowboys
29. Packers
30. Steelers
31. Falcons
32. Patriots
Patriots Win Super Bowl 51
On Sunday night, the Patriots pulled off an incredible comeback win to defeat the Falcons by a score of 34-28 in overtime. This is the Patriots’ fifth Super Bowl victory and it is unquestionably their most thrilling. 
At one point, the Falcons held a 28-3 lead, but the Pats went on to score 25 points to force the game into OT. The Pats, of course, have Tom Brady to thank for leading the offensive charge. The legendary QB now has more Super Bowl rings than Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana (four) and finds himself tied with defensive end Charles Haley for the most championships in the Super Bowl era. A misread by Brady led to a costly pick six in the first half, but he went on to redeem himself in a major way. All in all, he completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns.
We here at PFR congratulate the Patriots on their remarkable win.
Patriots Interested In Re-Signing Michael Floyd
The Patriots are interested in re-signing wide receiver Michael Floyd this offseason, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com tweets. Floyd was made a healthy scratch for the Super Bowl, leaving many to wonder about his future with the team beyond Sunday night. Last week, Floyd expressed a desire to re-sign with New England, so the interest now appears to be mutual. 
“I hope to be back in Foxborough,” Floyd said. “I love it here. I hope that I can make that happen, for sure.”
Reportedly, the Patriots tried to fit Floyd on the active roster for SB51, but they ultimately decided against it as they did not want to thin out their special teams or goal line offense. Without him, the Pats left themselves with four available receivers: Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and Danny Amendola.
The Cardinals cut ties with Floyd when he was arrested for a DUI in December. Floyd’s blood alcohol content level was remarkably high, meaning that he was charged with Arizona’s “Super Extreme DUI” designation. As a result, Floyd could face a mandatory 180 days in jail. At minimum, he can expect punishment from the NFL in the 2017 season.
Patriots Tried To Trade Collins For Hopkins
The Patriots ultimately traded linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns in late October for a third-round pick, but the Pats initially had their sights set much higher. We learned back in December that New England tried to deal Collins to New Orleans for receiver Brandin Cooks, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com wrote today that the Patriots also tried to trade Collins to the Texans for DeAndre Hopkins. Unsurprisingly, Houston was unwilling to entertain that offer, but New England also attempted to pry Johnathan Joseph from the Texans in exchange for Collins. Houston was more intrigued by that proposal but valued Joseph too highly to pull the trigger.
- In an expansive breakdown of today’s Super Bowl teams’ financial distribution, CBSSports.com’s Joel Corry writes the Patriots using the franchise tag on Martellus Bennett isn’t out of the question due to Rob Gronkowski‘s inability to stay healthy. Corry projects the tight end tag number to come in at $9.894MM. The Patriots have Dont’a Hightower as their apparent top tag candidate, but the linebacker’s tag is slated to be $14.754MM, which could lead the Patriots to proceed with caution despite having already traded Collins and Chandler Jones.
Latest On 49ers’ DC Search
Now that the 49ers have settled, or are about to settle, their vacancies at GM and head coach, the team will move on to filling its coordinator positions. Two names have surfaced to potentially head up Kyle Shanahan‘s first San Francisco defense, Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores and likely Chargers hire Robert Saleh, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (Twitter link, via Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com) and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter).
Glazer reports Shanahan “will want” to talk to Flores about the DC vacancy. The two will coach against each other today, with Shanahan leading the Falcons’ offense for the final time. Rapoport notes Saleh is a candidate as well despite serving in a lower-profile capacity with the Jaguars the past three seasons.
[RELATED: 2017 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Tracker]
Flores has not surfaced for any previous coordinator jobs this offseason and has spent one season as the Patriots’ linebackers instructor. However, the 35-year-old Flores has worked with the organization for 12 years — the past six as a defensive assistant. Previously, Flores coached New England’s safeties for four seasons before Steve Belichick took over that job, with Bill Belichick relocating Flores to the linebackers’ meetings. He does not have a connection to Shanahan since he’s spent his entire coaching career with the Patriots, but Saleh does.
The 38-year-old Saleh would make for an interesting candidate since he’s the likely choice to become the Chargers’ linebackers coach and follow Gus Bradley for a third time. He accompanied Bradley from Jacksonville to Los Angeles. The Bolts remain likely to hire Saleh as their linebackers coach, but he may have another higher-profile option. Saleh followed Bradley from Seattle to Jacksonville as well, but the duo initially worked together with the Texans during Shanahan’s time in Houston.
San Francisco previously targeted Bradley for this job, only he joined up with Anthony Lynn in Los Angeles after much consideration. The duo is vying to replace Jim O’Neil, who oversaw the league’s worst defense in 2016.
Patriots To Seek Tom Brady Extension Next Offseason
The Patriots will look to capture their fifth Super Bowl championship today, and next offseason, they plan to seek an extension for quarterback Tom Brady, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). They believe Brady will play another three to five years, which is why they are currently willing to trade promising backup Jimmy Garoppolo (Twitter link).
Brady is currently under contract through 2019, his age-41 season, so a new deal would likely take him through the end of his playing career. He is set to earn a total of $14MM next year, $22MM in 2018, and another $22MM in 2019. Andrew Luck is currently at the top of the quarterback heap in terms of average annual value ($24.59MM), although Matthew Stafford may will surpass him in that regard this offseason. Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile, is the current pacesetter with respect to total guarantees ($54MM).
An extension after the 2017 campaign would allow the Patriots to spread out Brady’s subsequent $22MM cap hits, which are still pretty reasonable for a quarterback of his caliber. Indeed, Brady’s 2016 campaign was one of his best, as he threw 28 touchdowns to just two interceptions en route to yet another AFC Championship, the seventh of his career. He has captured four Super Bowl titles, a slew of AFC East titles, three Super Bowl MVPs, and two league MVPs.
Plus, he has been durable. He missed almost all of the 2008 campaign due to injury, but otherwise has not missed a game for injury reasons since he captured the starting quarterback job in 2001. Of course, his prodigious offensive lines and the offensive system in which he plays have been a big part of that, but since neither of those things figure to change anytime soon, there is no reason to think that Brady will be more susceptible to injury moving forward than he has been in the past.
Garoppolo, meanwhile, is expected to receive significant interest in the trade market this offseason, and while the Patriots may be hesitant to have Jacoby Brissett serve as their primary backup, the haul for Garoppolo could be too good to pass up.
La Canfora: Garoppolo Trade Means New Deal
- A Jimmy Garoppolo trade would involve the passer agreeing to a new contract, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora tweets in an effort to remind that the backup has some leverage here. The Browns and Bears have been pondering Garoppolo pursuits. The Patriots‘ backup quarterback has one season remaining on his deal.