Patriots want to keep Arrington... wait, really?
Yes, really. The New England Patriots have "displayed a desire" to keep cornerback Kyle Arrington on the team, according to the Boston Herald. Arrington will become an unrestricted free agent if the Patriots don't extend his contract, and Arrington has stated he wants to stay too (through his agent Sean Stellato).
The ball is most certainly in New England's court. In my view, Arrington is well down the list of priorities in terms of the free agents on the team. We've got guys like Wes Welker, Aqib Talib, Sebastian Vollmer, Julian Edelman and Danny Woodhead who could potentially enter free agency, and Arrington isn't nearly as important as these players, certainly at the DB position. As we saw from games against the Houston Texans and at the beginning of the Baltimore Ravens championship game, keeping Talib and Alfonzo Dennard together will be integral to the Patriots success.
And I don't mind if Arrington stays. He didn't do awfully in the slot. But I will be furious if Arrington is on the team next year and Talib is not. Arrington is very similar to Devin McCourty. He had a great year, then we saw his true colors. While McCourty has found a new home at Safety, Arrington is excess to requirements at New England. We need a stronger back up for Talib and Dennard, and I'm sure there's better available in the draft/free agency.
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“Our goal is to keep Kyle here through his time,” Stellato said. “Kyle feels comfortable here. He is proud to be part of a high-profile organization with so much prestige and winning football games. His market value is what it is for a reason. He led the league in interceptions last season."Well, it sounds like Arrington's people didn't watch him in this season. And they'll be looking to use his 7 INT season to drive up the price.
“In regard to staying in New England, we’re going to do everything to make it happen, but the ball is in their court. We want to make sure he is treated fairly. We want him to stay here, retire here and make this his second home.”
And I don't mind if Arrington stays. He didn't do awfully in the slot. But I will be furious if Arrington is on the team next year and Talib is not. Arrington is very similar to Devin McCourty. He had a great year, then we saw his true colors. While McCourty has found a new home at Safety, Arrington is excess to requirements at New England. We need a stronger back up for Talib and Dennard, and I'm sure there's better available in the draft/free agency.
Hit me up on Twitter @BrendanAnnely
