The Patriots had a busy first day of free agency. The big news, of course, was their signing of Vince Wilfork to a record breaking contract extension. But the Patriots also pursued two players that ended up with other teams, re-signed two more of their own free agents, and are still actively trying to re-sign two others.
Julius Peppers: The Patriots made an aggressive offer to Julius Peppers' agent, but the Chicago Bears showed up at his house at 12:01am last night with a contract worth more money than any contract given to a defensive player. Ever.
Anquan Boldin: Before the Ravens agreed to send a third and fourth round pick to the Cardinals for Boldin and a fifth round pick, the Patriots kicked the tires on the wide receiver. Reports on just how serious the Patriots were in their pursuit of Boldin vary. At one point, multiple media outlets named them the favorites to land the oft-injured wide receiver. In the end, the Patriots likely didn't want to give up any high picks in what they believe is a stacked draft for a guy who hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy for a full NFL season.
Tully Banta-Cain: TBC was the Patriots best pass rusher last season, and as of right now he's still their best pass rusher. The Patriots and TBC agreed on a three-year contract extension. The deal reportedly could be worth as much as $19 million, and comes with a $6 million signing bonus. TBC can't be your best pass rusher if you expect to have a quality NFL defense, but he's a valuable piece that can cause big-time problems opposite a premier pass rusher. Now the Patriots just need to find that premier pass rusher...
Stephen Neal: The Patriots re-signed offensive guard Stephen Neal to a two-year contract extension. The terms were not immediately made available, but it's not likely to be a ton of money. Neal is a quality guard, but has trouble staying on the field. He plans to play two more years, then take a crack at the UFC.
Kevin Faulk: The Patriots and Faulk are reportedly talking, and everyone expects something to get done relatively soon. There are no whispers of any other teams being involved, and Faulk has made it clear he wants to remain with the New England Patriots.
Leigh Bodden: The Patriots and Bodden are staying in touch, but nothing is going to happen until Bodden's agent figures out his value on the open market. The Patriots will have some serious competition, but they can't afford to let their best cornerback go without a fight. They'll make every effort to keep Bodden, and in the end I think he'll end up back with the Patriots.
Other Free Agency Notes:
Ben Watson is planning a visit with the Seattle Seahawks. His time in New England appears to be over.
The Miami Dolphins have agreed to make Karlos Dansby the highest paid linebacker in the NFL. The contract is reportedly worth $43 million over five-years, and comes with $22 million in guarantees. Yikes.
Chad Pennington has agreed to come back to the Miami Dolphins as a backup.
The New York Jets, fresh off landing cornerback Antonio Cromartie, have released running back Thomas Jones. Shonn Greene will be the man in New York in 2010.
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