A collection of great catches by the Patriots’ newest wide-out, Brandon Lloyd. As showcased in this video, Lloyd has an exceptional ability to manipulate his body to put himself in position to make jaw-dropping catches.
The Patriots made a splash in free agency yesterday, finally signing wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. The deal is reported to be $12 million over three years.
With an ability to work outside the numbers, run deep routes, and make tough catches in traffic, Lloyd brings a new fold to the offense. While the Patriots dominate the middle of the field with Welker, Gronk, and Hernandez, Lloyd fills the much needed presence for a deep threat.
Having worked with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for three seasons, Lloyd should be able to contribute early. Considering the relatively low-cost contract, talent, and familiarity with the offense, this looks like a sound signing for the Patriots.
Other Moves:
Anthony Gonzalez – A 2007 first-round pick of the Colts, Gonzalez had a lot of success early in his career, but has suffered from injuries since. If he can stay healthy, Gonzalez brings a lot of talent to the WR core and provides an insurance policy as a potential replacement for Wes Welker. This is a typical low-risk high-reward signing for the Pats.
Trevor Scott – The Patriots have also agreed to terms with DE/LB Trevor Scott, formerly of the Oakland Raiders. A high-motor guy, who has moderate success getting after the quarter back, Scott looks like he’ll provide quality depth, particularly behind Rob Ninkovich.
The Patriots have agreed to a 3-year deal with former Chargers safety, Steve Gregory. The deal is speculated at about $2-3 million per year.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Gregory has played in 85 games over his career with 31 starts. Initially emerging as a special teams talent, Gregory worked his way up to starting on defense at the safety position. Gregory started a career-high 13 games last season.
Additionally, the Patriots have officially come to contract terms with 2011 Pro-Bowl special teams captain, Matthew Slater. Slater was drafted by the Patriots in fifth round of the 2008 draft and has been nothing short of spectacular on special teams and has also played limited snaps at wide receiver and safety. Terms of the deal have not yet been released.
Other moves: The Patriots have also resigned 2008 third-round draft choice of the Bears, DT Marcus Harrison. You may remember him being signed for ONE DAY on October 14th last season. The Patriots cut him on October 15th right before their October 16th match-up against the Cowboys. It reported that the cut was most likely due to injury concerns.
The Patriots have agreed to a 3-year $12 million deal with former defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene. Fanane recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks last season, playing in all 16 games.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Fanene brings some versatility to the Patriots defensive line, having the ability to play both defensive end and tackle. The Bengals preferred to use him primarily as a defensive end in their 4-3 defense but also used him as an inside rusher in passing situations. He projects to fill the Mike Wright role in the Patriots scheme.
This is a smart move. Fanene has had a solid career and is a good start to building quality depth to the defensive line.
Other Moves: The Patriots have also extended LB Tracy White. While mostly contributing on special teams, White saw an increased role on defense toward the end of the season (particularly in Super Bowl XLVI).
In a frenzied free agency, the Patriots have remained quiet, deciding first to take care of their own.
Kyle Love – Defensive tackle Kyle Love has received an exclusive rights free-agent tender from the Patriots today. A deserving extension for the young player who beat out Albert Haynesworth and Ron Brace for the starting spot alongside Vince Wilfork last season.
Brian Hoyer – As expected, restricted free-agent quarterback Brian Hoyer has received a second-round tender from the Patriots. As the Colts showcased in 2011, there is great value in the back-up QB position.
Niko Koutouvides – Special teams ace Koutouvides has been resigned by the Patriots for a one-year deal.
ESPN Insider reports that due to front loaded contracts in 2012 the Redskins and Cowboys will be losing $36 million and $10 million in cap space, respectively, to be spread evenly on 28 teams. The Pats, who are already well under the salary cap, are one of the 28 teams to receive an additional $1.6 million in cap space.
While this isn’t a unique advantage for the Patriots, because 27 other teams are receiving the same gift, it does further their ability to be as aggressive as they want starting tomorrow at 4pm. With the additional cap bonus, the Patriots sit pretty at about $18 million under the cap.
On the Eve of Free Agency, the Patriots are in great position to improve their already first class team.
Despite making the Superbowl, the Patriots had BIG problems in the secondary this past season. The term “revolving door” was often used to describe the rotation of players in and out of the defensive backfield. The Patriots had the good fortune of having to defend passes from Tim Tebow and Joe Flacco on their path to the Superbowl. Next year they might not be so lucky.
Here are a few ways the Patriots’ secondary can get better:
Ras-I Dowling Staying Healthy
The Patriots 2011 2nd round pick had a great rookie preseason last year, and beat out veterans Leigh Bodden and Kyle Arrington for the starting job opposite Devin McCourty before getting hurt in Week 2 of the regular season. Dowling is a huge and physical corner who excels in man coverage. The only knock on this guy is that he is injury prone. Let’s hope a season of rehab and an off-season surgery does the trick.
Devin McCourty Returning to Form
Devin McCourty had a stellar rookie season and earned himself a well-deserved Pro Bowl berth. His second year, however, was horrific at times. He did just enough towards the end of the season to exclude himself from the Darius Butler category. Blame it on no off-season or his shoulder injury, but either way a top priority for this coaching staff coming into the 2012 season should be fixing Devin McCourty.
Free Agency
The free agency market for safeties was very deep up until this week. With Michael Griffin and Dashon Goldston getting the franchise tag, the next best player that comes to mind is Laron Landry, who will probably end up getting paid more than he’s worth.
Cortland Finnegan, Carlos Rogers, and Brandon Carr are the top cornerbacks in free agency. All of whom are exceptional corners and would look great in a Patriots uniform.
The Draft
I’ve seen a few mock drafts that believe that because of his off-the-field issues, Janoris Jenkins could fall to the Pats at the 27th pick. This would be a steal for the Patriots. Jenkins is probably a top 5 talent in the draft at the cornerback position, and brings a hard-nosed attitude that aside from Patrick Chung, this secondary is in dyer need of. He reminds me a little bit of that guy…what’s his name? something Revis? Think it begins with a D.
Mark Barron is the top safety in the draft. The safety class is quite thin this year, so I doubt he will fall to the Pats, but if he does the Pats would be wise to take him. He is a hard-hitting, athletic freak. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets take him with their first pick, as they desperately need safety help as well.
A quick snapshot at some free agent wide receivers that could be a good fit for the Patriots:
B. Lloyd Snags One
Brandon Lloyd
Brandon Lloyd is a guy that really fights to get open. He runs great routes, has good speed, has decent size and most importantly, he thoroughly understand Josh McDaniels’ offensive system. Brandon Lloyd has publicly announce that he would love to play under McDaniels’ again, and most recently added that he might do so on the cheap.
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson is a physical beast and makes NFL CBs look like JV high school CBs (See Devin McCourty Week 2 last season). Unfortunately, Vincent Jackson will be a hot commodity next week. Too rich for the Pats.
Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne is a fantastic receiver and can do a little bit of everything. Wayne is more of a possession receiver than a deep threat outside-the-numbers kind of guy. I think he’d make any team better, but in all likelihood, he will be following Peyton to Miami, Arizona, or wherever he chooses to go.
My Pick: Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Lloyd! This guy THRIVED under McDaniels’ system. Imagine what he’ll accomplish with DBs giving all their attention to Gronk, Hernandez, and Welker. Let’s sign him up boys!
Other Honorable Mentions: Robert Meachem (Saints), Marques Colston (Saints), Donte’ Stallworth (Redskins)
Welcome to the NEW PatsPride.com! The last website was hacked by spammers and unfortunately I lost all my content.
But with free agency about to start, Peyton being cut by the Colts, Welker getting the tag, and Bounty-Gate all the latest hot sports takes, there should be plenty of great content on the way!