matt's pats blog

While we wait and see who will re-sign, retire, or cash-in elsewhere, all we can do is speculate as to how the Patriots will handle their expiring contracts. Here are some predictions (in alphabetical order):

• WR Troy Brown – Leaving. UPDATE: The Pats have informed Brown that he is not in their 2008 plans.
  I wish he would stay, but injuries may have finally caught up to this Patriots great. He played only a few downs this year, and was left on the sideline for the playoffs. The competitor in him will make sure he stays in shape until at least next season, but whether or not his body can withstand the daily grind of the NFL is the question. Unfortunately, I don't think he'll be back, though I do think he deserves a statue outside of Gillette Stadium.
• MLB Tedy Bruschi – Staying. UPDATE: It's Official
  Although he's getting older and his health has been an issue in the past, I expect this fan favorite linebacker to return for another year. If not, I still expect him to be part of the Patriots organization.
• WR Jabar Gaffney – Staying. UPDATE: It's Official
  Gaffney was expected to be a roster casualty before the 2007 season started. After a pre-season of a lifetime, he beat Reche Caldwell for the final WR spot. It turned out to be a great move for the Pats, as Gaffney performed well as a 3rd/4th string receiver. Gaffney was given up on by many teams before joining the Pats, so I don't see him wanting to leave. He should be relatively cheap, and with Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington likely to leave, he will get even more playing time than he did this year.
• CB Randall Gay – Staying. UPDATE: Left for the Saints
  I've highlighted why Randall Gay will be back in this piece. Gay is a quality nickelback who shouldn't demand much money from the team.
• ILB Larry Izzo – Staying. UPDATE: It's Official
  Izzo has carved himself a nice niche on the Patriots special teams crew. He's consistently named special teams captain and regularly leads the team in special teams tackles. Considering how high the Pats value special teams and team players, it's safe to assume Izzo will be back.
• S Mel Mitchell – Leaving.
  Mitchell's career in New England was plagued by consistent injuries. However, since he did contribute on special teams, the Pats may make him a small offer. The team will most likely pass on him until late in free agency to get a sweetheart deal.
• WR Randy Moss – Staying. UPDATE: It's Official.
  After 2 sub-par years in Oakland, Moss shocked the world by catching an NFL record 23 touchdowns in 2007. Don't expect the Pats to let this guy slip through their fingers. It also helps that Tom Brady said "Randy and I are a package deal … I'm going where Randy's going. If he goes, I go. I'd like to play with him for as long as he wants to continue playing."
• LS Lonnie Paxton – Staying. UPDATE: It's Official.
  Paxton has been the team's long-snapper for several years and he won't be leaving. He's found his niche in New England, and the team loves him.
• CB Asante Samuel – Leaving. UPDATE: Samuel is officially an Eagle
  Samuel is the most likely player to depart. Most expected him to leave last year before he was tagged as the franchise player. Samuel then held out to prevent the team from franchising him again. Don't expect the Pats to pay up the $80 million he could easily demand from the open market.
• CB Chad Scott – Staying.
  Chad Scott has shown the ability to play as a nickelback, and even a #2 CB in certain situations. His skills are slowly diminishing with age, but he's still an above-average CB. Expect the Pats to keep him around for at least one more year, especially since they need CBs.
• OLB Junior Seau – Staying for one more.
  Don't expect Junior Seau to retire just yet. The 39 year old still has some tough decisions to make, but was quoted as saying the outcome of the Super Bowl would dictate whether or not he retires. He desperately wants a ring. Surprisingly, I expect Seau to return more than I expect younger Bruschi to return. Seau didn't officially commit to return until May 21st last year, so don't expect him to make the decision anytime soon.
• S Eugene Wilson – Leaving. UPDATE: Wilson has signed with Tampa Bay and will play CB
  Wilson won't be re-signed by the team unless they expect it to be extremely difficult to fill the current void at the CB position. Wilson played CB in college and made the transition to safety when he entered the NFL. His performance degraded significantly over the past two seasons (he fell to third on the FS depth chart), meaning the Pats will let him go unless they get a sweet hometown deal.
• DT Mike Wright – Staying. UPDATE: He's been tendered.
  Wright has been an anchor behind Vince Wilfork as the only depth at DT. As a restricted free agent, the Pats will have an easy time re-signing him. If he leaves, the Pats will be compensated with draft choices.