More news continues to trickle in as the Patriots are in roster trimming mode — the latest is that restricted free agents Brian Tyms and Sealver Siliga will not be tendered and will hit free agency next week. Free Agent Brandon Gibson, who spent last year on IR with New England, also indicated he wouldn’t be returning to New England.
Tyms suffered a knee injury in training camp, killing all hopes that he was the next great deep threat hope. Siliga had a fall from grace in 2015 after a promising 2013 and 2014. He was a good piece of the puzzle to have — a stout two-gapper — but would never be more than a two-down player.
Key stat on Sealver Siliga: Averaged 28.4 snaps per game prior to 10/18 Colts game.. After 10/18, averaged 14 snaps per contest rest of ’15.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 3, 2016
Siliga was the only one I thought would and should be back, but ultimately the Pats didn’t want to pay him $1.671 million to be fourth on the depth chart. Perhaps this is a good sign that the Pats think they can retain Akiem Hicks, but it’s more likely the two are unrelated and they weren’t paying Siliga that much regardless.
Remaining internal free agents and RFA/ERFA. Starred ones are who I want back.
Another factor is that this is a defensive tackle-rich draft with plenty of big two-gappers who could fill that fourth DT role for far less money. Malcom Brown will be back, as will Dominique Easley. Adding Hicks back into the equation would be a big boost, while Alan Branch remains in limbo with an option due next week.
Clearly the Pats first order of business this offseason was to make cuts and open cap space, setting the stage for what will hopefully be a more-active-than-expected free agency period.
First off I would like to thank Mr. Kraft for the opportunity to play in New England. It was a… https://t.co/ISK15073f9
— sealver siliga (@S_Siliga) March 3, 2016