The New England Patriots have sent a conditional draft pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for disgruntled safety Jarrad Page. Page takes the roster spot of Brandon McGowan, who was put on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.
Page is a big hitting, play making safety who fell out of favor in Kansas City last season. He was a restricted free agent this season, but hadn’t signed his tender until Friday.
Page will likely play a big role in the Patriots defense. The Patriots will use the six-foot, 225 pound safety in their big-nickel defense. He also might see time at safety while Brandon Meriweather helps fill some of the void at cornerback (remember, Meriweather played some cornerback in his rookie season).
Page had a great season in 2008. He registered 85 tackles, 12 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions. He was thought to be one of the bright spots on a bad Chiefs team.
But when the new administration took over, Page fell out of favor.
Page originally signed a three year contract with the Chiefs. Last season, as a restricted free agent, he signed a $1.545 million tender to remain with the team. This season, once again a restricted free agent thanks to the NFL’s new uncapped season rules, he had no interest in signing the Chiefs one year tender of $1.759 million.
Things got ugly between the player and the team, with his agent at one point calling the Chiefs vindictive.
Things got contentious between the player and the team after the third preseason game of the 2009 season. Page was apparently injured, and Todd Haley, his new head coach, decided to try to brow-beat him into playing in front of the entire team.
Page believed Haley tried to intimidate him into playing hurt. According to his agent, the experience was disheartening enough that he demanded a trade.
Page was never able to get healthy in 2009 and eventually ended up on the injured reserve list, something he blames on the Chiefs organization.
So, back in June, Page asked the Chiefs to trade him again.
It was a surprise when he signed his tender on Friday, but it was no surprise that he was quickly traded once he did sign the tender. The relationship had been irreparably damaged.
Page had this to say via his Twitter account @jarradpage44 after the trade was announced:
“Jus wanted to say to the kc fans that stood by me, this was never personal I love kc for giving me a great first 4yrs of my NFL career”
“Now to all the Pat fans I look forward to achieving great things with the team and I'm extremely excited to b a patriot. Thanks for the love”
Page should be a fantastic addition to the Patriots’ defense.
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