PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

aqib talib

Patriots Cut Bennett, Continue Opening Cap Space

by

As expected, the Patriots parted ways with Martellus Bennett yesterday, a move that opened up over $6 million more in cap space. Now, per the reliable Patscap maestro Miguel Benzan, the team is sitting on $24.4 million in cap space. Other moves that opened up space include the retirement of David Harris as well as the decline of Alan Branch’s option.

All of this is of course setting the stage for free agency, which opens next week, and in usual Patriots fashion, there hasn’t been much to get excited about, even as we hope for extensions for Trey Flowers and Shaq Mason, and perhaps a couple other moves that could open up some space.

[Read more…] about Patriots Cut Bennett, Continue Opening Cap Space

Patriots Should Overstock Front Seven, Not Add Costly Corner

by

My takeaway from the 2017 defensive season was that a high-priced secondary isn’t worth much if the front seven stinks, so I was surprised by reports connecting Aqib Talib and Richard Sherman to the Patriots. Yes, the Pats will probably (definitely) lose Malcolm Butler, but with Eric Rowe still there, Jonathan Jones returning and the veteran trio back at safety, maybe it’s best to not make a drastic move at cornerback for a second year in a row?

I know corners like Talib and Sherman are shiny objects, but I’d far prefer my Patriots shiny defensive objects to be defensive end and linebacker types. There was just so much attrition at those spots in 2017, basically losing four veteran edge players who made some of the biggest plays of the last few seasons. The position group needs to be flooded with as much camp competition as possible, to let the next Ninkovich emerge and also find out how good guys like Dietrich Wise, Adam Butler, Derek Rivers and Eric Lee really are.

[Read more…] about Patriots Should Overstock Front Seven, Not Add Costly Corner

by

Talib might be gone, but he hasn’t forgotten what becoming a Patriot did for him.
“It meant a lot, man,” Talib said. “I learned a lot. I learned a lot just about being a professional. Learned from Bill [Belichick], seeing how Bill ran his building. It was a wonderful experience for me.”

No hard feelings, Aqib. Though I’m certainly happier to have Revis. If he can finish an AFC Championship game we just might make it back to the big one.

Aqib Talib appreciates what he gained in New England | Sports – Patriots | providencejournal.com | The Providence Journa

https://www.patspropaganda.com/talib-might-be-gone-but-he-hasnt-forgotten-what/

by

I definitely had an offer from the Patriots. But there was language in there that definitely was a little shaky compared to Denver’s offer. The Patriots are a great organization. I loved my time there. I loved playing for Bill. He’s a great leader. I’ll be able to tell my kids I played for Bill Belichick someday and I was Tom Brady’s teammate.

Aqib Talib: The Cash Is Good to See | The MMQB with Peter King

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-definitely-had-an-offer-from-the-patriots-but/

Aqib Talib signs huge deal with Denver Broncos

by

The unthinkable has happened. The Denver Broncos, fresh off of signing safety TJ Ward earlier in the day, signed Aqib Talib to a six-year, $57 million deal with $26 million guaranteed, the highest guaranteed total ever given to a cornerback.

What can I say? The Patriots were never going to give Talib that kind of money. I don’t think there’s a Patriot fan out there who can honestly say he was worthy of that title, as good as he was.

I don’t want to be the Patriots fan who suddenly turns on a player as soon as they leave town, but the risks with Talib were significant.

Talib was an elite corner at the start of 2013. Then he hurt his hip for the second time in two seasons with the Pats and was not the same player again last season. Giving Talib that kind of contract is extremely risky and puts a lot of faith that the injury problems that have haunted him will not continue to do so… for six more years.

The hip continued to be an issue with him and while he was a model citizen since his arrival in 2013, we’ll see how this kind of money affects him. I still have bad memories of him going off the reservation against Steve Smith and the Panthers.

I viewed Talib as the most important internal free agent this offseason and now that he’s gone the Pats could potentially take a look at Darrelle Revis. Despite some positive reports, I find it a stretch to think the Pats will be willing to pay Revis what he will want to be paid. 

We can hope that that deal can get done, but I’m not holding my breath. I wrote last week that if given the choice I’d prefer Revis to Talib and as a fan of the game in general have always loved watching Revis play the game. He’s special, no question. I’d be ecstatic if the Pats could figure it out with him.

I liked Talib and the trickle-down effect he had on the secondary really improved things, but there are still plenty of front seven names on the market who could improve the defense as well. Let’s not forget, an elite front seven can cover up a lot of problems you may have in your secondary. 

Now we’ll get plenty of love for the Broncos from the national media which should make the rest of the offseason AWESOME. Especially if they sign Demarcus Ware as they’re rumored to. But let’s remember, it’s a long road to the Super Bowl and nothing is won in March. And it’s also refreshing to think of the Broncos in cap hell in a couple years, without Manning, trying to rebuild while cutting guys and having to watch players like Von Miller walk because they can’t afford to re-sign them. 

That will be for another season. For now, WOW THE BRONCOS LOOK AMAZING ON PAPER! YAY!

The Patriots will move on and continue to do what they’ve always done. Build a complete team, not just try to collect talent, and be ready to withstand the injuries and issues that are bound to pop up in one form or another between now and February.

by

The Patriots have been negotiating with Talib’s people, but they don’t like to shell out big bucks to veterans with long injury histories and lingering character concerns. During this weekend’s speed-dating period, Talib’s name started popping up in the usual places. You see, this is Old Patriots thinking at work. The New Patriots reality is that they need a Pro Bowl caliber cornerback, in his prime, right now, even if they have to spend a little more than they would like to keep him.

The Patriots must take advantage of the final years of the Brady/Belichick partnership. | SportsonEarth.com : Mike Tanier Article

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-have-been-negotiating-with-talibs/