New Long Snapper Signed

The New England Patriots signed one more player to the team just a few days before the draft.  The team is set as far as the starting line is considered for the next few years, but building depth and reliable replacements for players’ whose contracts will be ending in the next two to three seasons is the priority over the next few days.

In the spring of 2004 long snapper Tony Case was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills.  Two months later he was released by the team and has continued the sport as coach for the offensive line and long snappers of Chadron State College in Nebraska.  His resume includes the National Indoor Football League, three years as an offensive line starter for Adams State with simultaneous obligation to long snapping.

Case will be falling in line after seven season veteran Lonie Paxton.  Watch the draft this weekend on ESPN and get your 2007 NFL season tickets through StubHub.com.

Draft Decisions

The New England Patriots may want to consider depth control for this year’s draft.  Many teams have seen their demise once a few injuries happen during the regular season.  After a hole opens up without a satisfactory substitute everyone can just sit back and watch the team go downhill.   Right now the Patriot’s have two first round picks, but we’ll see if they use that to trade up to a second round pick.

The Patriots’ three starters on the defensive end will remain unchanged for the next few seasons, but a little depth would help.  A couple long time contracts like Adam Carriker or Jamaal Anderson would add security if the Patriots couldn’t find the funds to keep their starting line once the contracts ran out.  Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, and Vince Wilfork make up the Patriots’ leading defensive line.

The Patriots might find a defensive tackle like Ohio State’s David Patterson or Michigan State’s Cliff Ryan worth a look on Sunday’s four through seven rounds.  Whatever the turnout the Patriots strong starting lineup goes unaffected making this 2007 NFL season a promising one.  Get tickets to this winning team’s games through StubHub.com.

Brady to Wear Stetson This Year

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will not only be seen as a very eligible bachelor this year, but his image will now be spattered all over advertisements as the new face of Stetson.  Stetson and Brady agreed on a a two and a half year ad campaign that will include television spots as well as print ads which will begin this September.  Stetson’s father company, Coty, reports annual net sales of approximately $2.9 billion and although the financials of the ad campaign have not been disclosed we have a hunch they offered Brady a hefty sum.

Stetson is Coty’s flagship fragrance for men.  Coty chose Brady because as a “California-native, Brady defines the passion, pride and masculine spirit of the Stetson man.”  Coty Chief Executive Officer Bernd Beetz added, “His allure extends off the football field and he is widely known for his distinctive masculinity and irresistible character.”  Brady will be representing all of the Stetson line which includes Stetson Cologne, Black, Sierra, and Untamed.

Do not be surprised this NFL season if the ladies are caught reading up on sports news.  If your Sports Illustrated or GQ go missing it is most likely going to be found in the hands of a female admirer of Tom Brady.  Either way this won’t effect his well known throwing arm.  The Patriots have a good lineup for 2007 that should get them to the playoffs and past.  Cheer them on at the games by getting your tickets through StubHub.com.

Sauerbrun Goes to The Broncos

The New England Patriots will be letting go of playoff punter Todd Sauerbrun who, now a free agent, has accepted a one year deal from the Denver Broncos, perks included, said to be worth more than $1.4 million.  The 13 year veteran began his 2006 season in Denver and lost his position on the team during a suspension.  His record is strong with three Pro Bowls on his resume, and both teams were vying for him under the free agent label

When this deal was first put on the table the Patriots contested the Broncos using a clause in Sauerbrun’s contract that allowed them to deny any offer within seven days, matching it in order to keep a free agent.  Sauerbrun employed the weight of the NFL Players Association to challenge the clause as it did not meet requirements of right-to-match deals.  Stay tuned for more offers, trades and draft picks, and get your 2007 NFL tickets from StubHub.com.   

Sauerbrun Offer Matched

Last week free agent and punter Todd Sauerbrun accepted a deal from the Denver Broncos that is said to be worth $1.4 million, leaving the New England Patriots at the end of a seven day period that allowed them the first right of refusal.  Sauerbrun has already voiced his desire to return to the Broncos and is backed up by three other punters on the Patriots roster. 

Today the Patriots announced they plan to match the contract offered by the Broncos’, incentives, year length and all.  The 34-year-old Sauerbrun only signed on to the Patriots last December, his season stopped short due to a shoulder injury.  His two-game record averaged a 30.7 yard net and 40.8 yards per punt.  His playoff record was even better with a 38.5 yard net and 45.7 yards per punt.  See him and the Patriots this coming NFL season by getting your tickets through StubHub.com. 

Another Unhappy Franchised Player

New England Patriots’ corner back Asante Samuel, 22, recently voiced his difference of opinion with his team concerning his franchise player tag, “This is to let everybody know that I’m not happy anymore and thing are not going well.”  

Samuel has been with the Patriots since the 2003 draft and has been on the starting line since the 2004 season and including Super Bowl XXXIX.  In 2006 he intercepted 10 passes which was a career high tying him with Champ Bailey’s record with the Denver Broncos.  He tied for most interceptions in a Patriot game by picking off three passes that same year and has been selected as a 2007 Pro Bowl alternate. 

So what is the issue?  After paying considerable dues to a team that refuses to offer a long term contract a player is bound to look elsewhere.  A positive working relationship consists of a fairly valued player and a team that shows that player support.  Some say negative key factors with the franchise label are pay, or the player’s ability (or lack of) to market themselves to other teams.  Samuel was very clear in stating, “They think I’m worth one price and the other teams think I’m worth a lot more.  If a long-term deal can’t be done at fair numbers for me and New England, then I want to be traded.” 

All things in consideration if Samuel stays with the Pats it will be to the tune of nearly $8 million this next season with a very good chance of getting to the Super Bowl again.  See the Patriots play the 2007 NFL season by getting your tickets on StubHub.com.