A closer look at the Patriots’ 2013 roster: Who’s coming and who’s going
There are a number of free agents in New England this year, and there are many who would love to come to New England. Unfortunately, not everyone can stay here. Here’s a look at what is going on so far with the 2013 Patriots’ roster.
Patriots’ Free Agents:
Aqib Talib: A one-year deal was signed with Talib and the Patriots for $5 million. He was offered a longer-term deal, but he opted not to take it. He had offers from three other teams, but decided to remain in New England.
Kyle Arrington: Good news! Arrington is staying with the Patriots for at least another four years. Arrington has been a strong player for the team, playing in every game since 2009. In 2011, he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions for the season.
Wes Welker: Welker is officially not a Patriot. He is moving to Denver where he will play with Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Welker just couldn’t pass on the money: 2-year, $12 million dollar contract, which also includes $150,000 in incentives each year if he catches 90 passes.
Danny Woodhead: Bye-bye Danny Woodhead! After having a great season with the Patriots, Woodhead jumped ship to the San Diego Chargers. He signed a two-year contract. He had 76 carries for 301 yards and four touchdowns plus 40 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns this season. He is sure to shine in San Diego.
Deion Branch: While we still are not sure what is going on with Branch, it seems likely that he will stay with the Patriots. At 33, He is getting toward the end of his career, but had never mentioned anything along the lines of retiring.
Julian Edelman: While his fate is still unknown, he recently started following the San Francisco 49ers on Twitter. Is he trying to give us a hint, or is it just coincidental timing?
Sebastian Vollmer: Nothing is set in stone yet, but it is rumored that the Philadelphia Eagles are checking out Vollmer for their lineup. He recently had arthroscopic knee surgery, but that shouldn’t impact his next contract, as he will be good-to-go by the beginning of training camp. If he doesn’t resign with the Patriots, it is likely that he will end up with the Cincinnati Bengals or the Chicago Bears, as both teams could use a right tackle and have money to spend.
Who is coming to New England:
Adrian Wilson: Wilson played with the Arizona Cardinals for the last 12 years before being released this year. The safety also visited with the San Francisco 49ers before making his decision to come to New England.
Danny Amendola: Amendola had a rough season last year. He had 12 catches in the first half, which tied the record for most catches in a half set by Reggie Wayne in 2007. Unfortunately in October he suffered from a severely dislocated clavicle and was out for the season. He surprised everyone when he came back after only a few weeks and recorded 11 catches and 102 yards in a tough game against the 49ers. He and Welker have a lot in common, which is why the Patriots should be excited to have him fill Welker’s shoes.
Leon Washington: Washington has spent the last three seasons with Seattle. He thinks the Patriots are the “perfect fit” for him and is excited for the season to begin. He had 1,140 combined kickoff and punt return yards and one touchdown last season with Seattle.
Donald Jones: As if letting Welker go and adding Amendola go wasn’t enough wide receiver action, the Patriots signed another wide receiver. Jones comes to the Patriots from the Buffalo Bills. He caught 41 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns last season.
While this is not a finalized list, this is a look at what is going on with free-agency as of now. We will soon see something happen with Branch, Vollmer, and Edelman. I’m sure there will also be others coming to New England from other teams as well. We will keep you updated.
