A Call to Arms: Super Bowl Edition- Denver Broncos
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How will Patriots fans cope with this sobering reality (besides alcohol)? A tunnel vision focus on making next year's team championship worthy certainly helps. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the top free agents playing in the Super Bowl and whether they might be a realistic fit for the Patriots 2014 plans, starting with the AFC representative Denver Broncos
Eric Decker- WR: Decker is on the top of many Patriots fan's wish list, but those fans should probably be a little more realistic with their expectations. Decker is the top wide receiver on the free agent market thanks to back-to-back seasons with 80+ catches, 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns and will likely get a big money, long-term contract. Grantland's Bill Barnwell mentions Victor Cruz's 5 year, $43 million deal as a likely comp.
Considering the Patriots currently will need to cut several veterans just to open up cap space to keep their own free agents, a multi-year offer for Decker simply isn't plausible. It would be nice, especially as revenge for Denver stealing Welker, but it aint happening. Lets move on here.
Shaun Philips- OLB: The Patriots kicked the tires of several aging pass rushers last offseason (John Abraham, Dwight Freeney) but didn't opt to sign either of them. Considering Abraham racked up 11.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles for Arizona for merely $2.1 million, that looks like a mistake in hindsight.
If the Patriots decide to shore up their pass rush with a veteran, they could do worse than Philips. The former Charger was a godsend for the Broncos this year, tallying 10 sacks and picking up the slack with Von Miller missing most of the season. Philips (32) has experience as an edge rusher in both a 3-4 and 4-3 alignment and has been a productive pass rusher throughout his career. Any hope of signing Philips will revolve around Philips' age keeping his price tag down, but his success this year will likely push him out of the Patriots range.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie- CB: DRC enters free agency as one of the top cornerbacks on the market. However, he's joined on that free agent market by the Patriots own Aqib Talib, with both corners looking for the type of long-term contract that has eluded them so far in their careers. Cromartie could conceivably be a back up plan should Talib walk, but that seems highly unlikely. If the Patriots do commit big money to a top-end cornerback, it will be on the guy they are already familiar and comfortable with: Talib.
Knowshon Moreno- RB: A quick look at the depth chart makes running back look like a real position of strength on the Patriots, but a closer look reveals that their strength in numbers might not last for long. Both Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are entering their contract years, with Ridley's fumbling and Vereen's injury history casting doubt on their changes of staying in New England past 2014. Combine that with LeGarrette Blount's hitting free agency this offseason and the idea of New England adding a running back seems less suprising.
If the Patriots do decide to add a back to stabilize their long-term plan at the position, Moreno could fit the bill. While his 2013 stats (1,586 total yards, 13 total TDs) are clearly enhanced by playing in a stacked Denver offense, Moreno's versatile game could sync nicely with the Patriots preference in running backs. Moreno earned his plum role as Denver's top back by earning Peyton Manning's trust in pass protection, an often overlooked aspect of the position that Bill Belichick has always valued. Furthermore, his combination of powerful, between-the-tackles running and natural receiving ability (60 catches, 548 yards, 3 TDs in 2013) make him a virtual swiss-army-knife, capable of playing in every situation.
Considering how much cheap running back talent can be found in the draft, it would surprise me to see the Pats commit free agent money towards a runner. However, the lack of a market for free agent backs could drive Moreno's price tag way down, making him a conceivable option should the Pats look to break ties with Ridley a year early.
Wesley Woodyard- LB: A six year veteran, Woodyard could be an option for a Patriots team likely looking to add some speed and coverage ability to their linebackers. At 6'0" and 233 pounds, Woodyard is quite a bit undersized, but his 4.51 40 time speed makes him asset in coverage. Woodyard's play and snaps have tailed off this year, thanks to a slow recovery from a nasty stinger, but he's proven himself capable of being a productive defender.
With Dane Fletcher and Brandon Spikes both set to hit free agency, the Pats will likely need to address their depth behind starters Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Woodyard could be an affordable option if they're looking for a nickel backer to mercifully reduce Hightower's coverage responsibilities.
Zane Beadles- G: Beadles has brought steady play and some nastiness to Denver's offensive line ever since his getting drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft. Despite making the Pro Bowl in 2012, Beadles might be entering free agency coming off of his finest season. As a 16 game starter for arguably the league's best offensive line, he figures to cash in big this offseason.
The Patriots could have a need in the interior of their offensive line this offseason. Center Ryan Wendell is a free agent, and his inconsistent play in pass protection could leave the Patriots looking for an upgrade. His potential replacement, right guard Dan Connolly, could be a cap casualty thanks to his $4 million salary and age (31). However, Beadles has played himself way out of any realistic price range for the cap-strapped Pats. Again, it would be nice, but lets not waste time dreaming about Beadles in a Pats uniform.
Robert Ayers- DE: Like Moreno, Ayers was largely written off as a first round bust before turning his career around with his recent play. He was a productive member of Denver's defensive line, playing in a rotation with Malik Jackson and Shaun Philips. Despite starting only 3 games, Ayers tallied a solid 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2013. His +8.6 grade for the season made him the 8th ranked edge defender on the open market according to ProFootballFocus.
The Patriots could use some reliable depth at defensive end, where starters Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich were first and second in the league for snaps played by defensive linemen. Ayers could certainly provide that, playing in a similar role to the one he's recently succeeded with in Denver, and he doesn't figure to be in line for a huge payday. He certainly could be a nice, affordable depth option for the Pats.
Other Denver free agents include CB Chris Harris (restricted), S Duke Ihenacho (restricted), KR Trindon Holliday (restricted), WR Andre Caldwell, OL Winston Justice, OL Dan Koppen, OL Steve Vallos, DE Jeremy Mincey, LB Stewart Bradley, LB Paris Lenon, CB Quentin Jammer and S Mike Adams and Micheal Huff.
For a complete list of the Call to Arms series, click here
Let us know in the comment section what you think of these players joining the Pats!
