New England Patriots not interested in bringing back Willie McGinest

July 4, 1:53 AMNew England Patriots ExaminerSean Crowe

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(AP Photo/Robert E. Klein)

According to multiple sources, and much to the chagrin of Patriots fans who were hoping for the return of one of their Super Bowl heroes, the Patriots have very little interest in signing free agent linebacker Willie McGinest.

McGinest has made public his desire to play one more season, and he'd prefer to do it where his career began in New England. Unfortunately, the Patriots are in the middle of a "get younger and faster" rebuilding process on the defensive side of the ball that Big Willie just doesn't fit into.

I will always have a soft spot for McGinest, but the Patriots are right on this one. McGinest isn't the player he was the last time he suited up for the Patriots. If he's the same level player that the kids they already have on their roster, it makes no sense to bring him in and take playing time away from Woods and Crable, who still have undiscovered upside.

If McGinest doesn't catch on anywhere else and the Patriots decide the young guys can't do it, they may take another look. But as things stand today, as much as some Patriots fans would like to see him return, Willie McGinest will not be wearing a Patriots uniform in 2009.

Recent reports have the Jets showing some interest in McGinest. They need an outside linebacker to fill in for Calvin Pace, who took some "stupid pills" and ended up with a four game suspension.

It's unclear whether McGinest would be interested in joining a team where he would only be guaranteed significant playing time through week four.

If he doesn't end up with the Jets, maybe a team switching to the 3/4 looking for a veteran presence to add depth and knowledge of the defense, like the Green Bay Packers, could be a potential destination.

Or perhaps a reunion with Scott Pioli in Kansas City.

While we're not exactly sure where McGinest will end his career (or if, in fact, his career is already over), one thing is for sure. Once his career is officially over there will be a spot in The Hall at Patriot Place for Willie McGinest.

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Questions? Comments? Insults? You can email them to Sean Crowe at scrowe@gmail.com.

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