Seymour Sent To Raiders

In an unforeseen move by the Pats, Richard Seymour was dealt to the Oakland Raiders for a first round draft pick in 2011. I'm surprised, but the more I think about it, the more I understand the reasoning behind it. The only holdovers from the starting defense two seasons ago are defensive linemen Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork, linebacker Adalius Thomas, and safety James Sanders. This move continues a youth movement on defense for the Patriots, having now lost Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, and Seymour.

In his eight seasons, Seymour had 39 sacks and made five Pro Bowls at defensive line. He was one of only five players left on the roster who was a part of all three Super Bowl teams (including Brady, Light, Neal, and Faulk). Toward the end of his tenure here, he was constantly facing double teams, but remained very solid against the run. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Patriots attempted to acquire value for a player they expected would be gone after this season. The Raiders hope that Seymour will provide a veteran presence and leadership on defense this season, while the Patriots expect good value for the draft pick considering the Raiders' poor records the past five years. With both Seymour and Wilfork eligible for free agency after this season, this trade is the first step in that solution by freeing up cap room to resign Wilfork. Immediately, the Patriots must fill the void left opposite Ty Warren. With depth at defensive tackle with Ron Brace and Myron Pryor behind Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork, the Patriots are left with a combination of veterans Jarvis Green, Derrick Burgess, and Mike Wright for Seymour's vacant spot. The biggest defensive problem last season was creating enough pressure on the quarterback, so we'll see if this group without Seymour will be able to out-do last year's squad. After Bruschi's retirement and yesterday's cuts (Paris Lenon), the front seven is showing somewhat of a lack of depth so the Patriots will have to hope that the remaining guys can stay healthy, unless another move is in the works. Seymour will forever be remembered as a champion in New England, but moving forward, let's hope the Pats can stay strong this year without him and get even better in 2011 with the addition of that draft pick.

MORE:

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-Isaiah Stanback, former Dallas Cowboy quarterback/converted wide receiver, out of the University for Washington was signed to the Patriots practice squad. Stanback was reportedly signed as a full time quarterback on a team without much depth behind Brady.

-Wide receiver Terrence Nunn and defensive lineman Darryl Richard, and cornerback DeAngelo Willingham were all also signed to the Patriots practice squad. The practice squad is a list of seven players for each team that practice with the team but can be signed by any other team at any time. Nunn and Richard were in camp were in camp with the Patriots and Willingham was claimed off waivers after spending parts of camp with Dallas and Tampa Bay.

-Patriots back up quarter remains undrafted free agent Brian Hoyer out of Michigan State. Do you feel confident with just Hoyer as the back up to Brady?