There has been a confusing twist to the recent news that New England Patriots defensive lineman, Richard Seymour, was traded to the Oakland Raiders; he has yet to show up in Oakland.  Raiders coach Tom Cable told reporters Monday that Seymour wants to play in Oakland but still has to work things out with the Patriots. 

What is confusing is what exactly could Seymour be trying to work out with the Patriots?  Usually the only things that hold these types of trades up is if the player fails a physical, or something of that nature.  If something like that occurs, either team can ask for the trade to be reversed but neither the Raiders or Patriots have done that.  So, it seems like Seymour just doesn’t want to go to Oakland… but who can blame him? He is going from the most successful franchise of the last decade to one of the worst. 

When (and if) the trade is finalized the Patriots will get Oakland’s 2011 first round draft pick which will most likely be a top 10 pick judging by the Raiders’ dismal records of recent years.  Seymour is a five time Pro Bowler and is still a Pro Bowl caliber defender, but his contract is up after this year and he probably won’t want to stay in the Raiders’ organization.  So, it looks like the Patriots will end up at the better end of this deal.  It wouldn’t be suprising if the Patriots resign Seymour when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.