Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe reports that a number of sources have informed them the Patriots are “prepared to move on without” free agent offensive linemen Matt Light and Dan Koppen.
Recent reports have mentioned that Light is currently considering retirement but the Globe does mention that he would have to be willing to take a pay cut and a reduced role with the team’s offense. Koppen, on the other hand, will most likely be allowed to leave in the coming weeks.
The Globe also mentions that they expect the Patriots to bring back WR Deion Branch “on the cheap.”
They do, however, admit that Branch could be released depending on how they address the position in free agency and the draft but Branch has said that he would like to stay in New England for the remainder of his career.
The Boston Globe reiterates that the Patriots are expected to use their franchise tag on WR Wes Welker.
No surprise here considering that negotiations have failed to gain traction in recent weeks. New England hasn’t much interest in pursuing a long-term contract with Welker so a one-year contract of $9.4 million makes plenty of sense from their perspective.
The Globe does mention that Welker may hold off on signing the franchise tender much the same way that Logan Mankins did previously.
This idea is purely speculative but it’s a possibility and a way for Welker to gain some much needed leverage. The difference between the Mankins situation and this would be that Welker doesn’t need the extra year to count towards being an unrestricted free agent because he already set to hit the open market.
In contrast to the previous reports, the Boston Globe writes that Ochocinco could be retained despite the fact that he’s coming off of a terrible season with the team.
The report mentions that his $3 million salary is out of the question but a restructured deal that’s “subject to a release” could be an option that they’ll consider.
I still can’t see how they can head into the 2012 season with him on their roster, even if it’s as their #5 wide receiver.
The Globe also adds that DE/OLB Andre Carter will most likely draw plenty of interest from other NFL teams but mentions that he could “see Carter rebuffing those offers to stick with the sure thing in New England.”
Carter went down late into the season with a knee injury but was a very effective player for the team and provided the pass rush that they really need off of the edge. Bedard also mentions that Mark Anderson will most likely be allowed to leave.
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