I usually subscribe to the Bill Belichick theory of only focusing on the here and now, but let’s take a quick glance toward February and take inventory of which Patriots will be Free Agents this coming offseason.
Logan Mankins – assuming Mankins is the same old mauling Mankins we’re used to he might be the biggest priority Free Agent this coming offseason. I’m not sure if the bridge can be mended between him and the Patriots, but he’s still young and you can’t say that for the rest of the offensive line, save Sebastian Vollmer. It might be too late to sign Mankins long term, but I expect the Patriots will give it one last shot. He’s too good not to.
Matt Light – I know Light is a popular whipping boy when he has a bad game, but I think he’s actually still pretty good and can still give the Pats another solid year or two. A lot of it will depend on how the Pats feel about moving Sebastian Vollmer to LT, and putting Kaczur back at RT. That could very well be the plan given Vollmer’s ceiling. But the decision on Light will be an interesting one as he’s yet another locker room leader who’s been with the Pats since the start of the dynasty.
Fred Taylor – Given the injuries over the past two years it’s probably safe to assume the Patriots will move on from Fred, barring a miraculous rebirth this season.
Kevin Faulk – This one will depend on how Faulk’s rehab from a torn ACL goes. Does he still want to play? I think if he does and the Patriots still think he can contribute he could be back on a one year deal. One thing’s for sure, he’ll either be back with the Pats or he’ll retire.
Sammy Morris – Morris has lost the speed that made him a decent fill in option at halfback. He can still play some fullback and is a solid contributor on special teams, but it’s a safe bet the Pats move on.
Gerard Warren – Warren has been a great addition this season, playing on a one year deal. It would be smart for the Patriots to bring him back as insurance. You can never have enough versatile defensive lineman.
Quinn Ojinnaka – Ojinnaka is a backup player but is versatile. His fate could be tied to Mankins and Light.
Jared Page – Page has been hurt as of late, just as he was starting to come on. Hard to know what the Pats brass think his ceiling is. But from the limited sample size I think they’ll try to lock him up for a couple more seasons. Clearly the Pats have no problem keeping four safeties. Some of his fate could be tied to what they think of Sergio Brown who is younger and cheaper.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis – Law Firm is having a break out season and with the projected losses of Taylor and Morris it seems to make sense that Benny will get a multi-year extension. Expect him to be joined by Danny Woodhead and a high round draft pick.
Tracy White – White has been a special teams monster since coming over after last cuts from the Eagles. He should be back on a 1-2 year deal.
Ryan Wendell – Wendell is a backup guard and his fate, like Ojinnaka’s, is probably tied to Logan Mankins.
Kyle Arrington – After making a name for himself on special teams in 2009, Arrington has taken the starting RCB spot from Darius Butler and not given it up. With Leigh Bodden returning, it could put Arrington in an interesting position. Will he go back to special teams? Can he replace Jonathan “the human target” Wilhite at nickel corner? Personally I think Arrington is a Patriots-type player and should be locked up. You can never have enough physical defensive backs, who are killer special teams players.
PatsPropaganda.com 2011 Internal Free Agent Priority List
- Benjarvus Green-Ellis
- Logan Mankins (Ryan Wendell becomes a priority if Mankins walks)
- Matt Light
- Gerard Warren
- Kyle Arrington
- Jared Page
- Kevin Faulk (depending on rehab/desire)
- Tracy White
