Re: Thomas coming to NE

<john.vampatella@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1172851629.768600.126290@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<snip>

Well, you know what I feel about Thomas in terms of the price he commands,
so there's no need to rehash that.

Porter is an intriguing possibility. That could be a smart move. But keep
in mind that would probably mean Vrabel at ILB more often -- not necessarily
a bad thing, but just another thing to think about. Edwards and Fletcher
are still out there too. Fletcher, IMO, is a better player than everyone
else on the market (except for Thomas, but I think he's actually close).
Really, I don't think people understand just how good Fletcher is. Not only
that, but I think his skills are ideally suited for the 3-4. But if the
reports are true that Dan Snyder wants him, then so much for that.

Of the options you presented in your post, I think a mixture of them might
be a good strategy. A player like Corey Mays or Don Davis or Tully
Banta-Cain (if he's not resigned) can be replaced by a first day draft pick.
And at the same time you can bring in a vet to take over Junior's starting
role for the next couple years. In addition, you can bring in the low-price
free agent for depth (Jets fans are saying Eric Barton is due a bonus and
could be cut -- I think he did really well as a Vrabel type ILB who can also
slide outside). The roster space is certainly there. And as long as they
stay away from throwing tons of money at a player like Thomas, the cap space
is there too.

But, as I pointed out in another post, I think they absolutely MUST get a
proven vet for WR. They can't rely on the draft or rely on no-name free
agents to step in. Otherwise we'll have the same trouble as last year.


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