The Patriots made priority #1 taking care of their own on the first day of free agency.
The team made Vince Wilfork the richest nose tackle in the league with a 5-year $40 million contract that included $25 million in guarantees and an $18 million signing bonus. Just a few weeks ago the Patriots put the franchise tag on Wilfork, giving both sides extra time to hammer out a deal. Big Vince will continue to anchor the middle of the Patriots defense for the foreseeable future and both he and we couldn't be happier about it.
Right after the contract was he agreed to, Vince stated on his Twitter account "we are pleased to say we will be here for MANY more years to come..." Good work by the Patriots to show the players they will reward their best players.
Another key defensive player was locked up yesterday in Tully Banta-Cain, as him and the Patriots agreed to a three year extension. The contract averages $4.5 million per season and could reach as much as $6 million if he reaches certain incentives. The deal also includes $6 million in guarantees.
TBC, who turns 30 right before the season, posted 10 sacks last year (5 of which came in two games versus Buffalo). He proved he could be a three down player this past season and is deserving of the new deal, that being said the team could use another pass rusher lining up opposite of Tully.
In a less expected move the Patriots resigned RG Stephen Neal. After the Wild Card loss to the Ravens, Neal hinted that he may retire but he obviously had a change of heart. The two year pact is just about finalized, but the contract numbers have not been disclosed. He hasn't played a full season since 2005, but he remains a mauler in the run game. The move ensures that all five starters will return.
The Patriots have taken care of three of their own early on in free agency. Kevin Faulk, Leigh Bodden, Ben Watson, and Jarvis Green all remain on the open market. Logan Mankins, Stephen Gostkowski, Pierre Woods, and Gary Guyton are all likely to be back, as teams would be required to give up compensation to to sign those restricted free agents.
Now it's time for the Patriots to hit the open market. With the Dolphins signing LB Karlos Dansby and the Jets trading for CB Antonio Cromartie, the Patriots will continue to look for ways to improve the team. With the likes of Julius Peppers and Anquan Boldin off the market, the team still has needs at wide receiver, tight end, defensive end/outside linebacker, and cornerback.....lets see which needs they address now and which ones they wait to attain via the draft.
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