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The Patriots have acquired 25-year old linebacker Prescott Burgess from the Ravens for a conditional 7th round pick. Burgess played in both games for the Ravens this season making 2 tackles. He has now played in 10 games in his 3-year NFL career and he has six whopping tackles. The Patriots are hoping that Burgess steps up because they need the help.
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.
In a surprising move, five time Pro Bowler Richard Seymour was traded to the Oakland Raiders for a 2011 first round pick. This move is said to be a financial decision for the Patriots, which would be the only logical reason for the deal to be executed. Seymour is going to turn 30 and is in the final year of his contract, so the Patriots are looking to get young and cheaper. The Raiders are fortunate to get one of the best defensive linemen in the league to improve a struggling defense.
Seymour greatly improves this team and, even though they lose a future first rounder, should be worth it in making this team better. What’s so great about Seymour is that he helps improve the pass defense with his ability to get to the quarterback as well as the run defense. The pass defense is already impressive, finishing tenth in yards allowed and interceptions and thirteenth is sacks last season. However, the run defense really hurt them, allowing the second most rushing yards in the league. The Raiders still won’t be in the playoff hunt this year, but their future is looking brighter.
The real question is how this will affect the Patriots. This Patriots defense looks a lot different than the one that won three Super Bowls. Outside linebacker Mike Vrabel was traded to Kansas City this summer while inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi and strong safety Rodney Harrison retired. But knowing the Patriots, they will still be a great defense and should still be one of the top teams in the league.
The Patriots have traded 31-year old C/G Ross Hochstein to the Broncos for a 7th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Hochstein played in 15 games (2 starts) for the Patriots last season. In 7 years with the Patriots, Hochstein appeared in 91 games (20 starts). It appears that the Patriots love trading with ex-executives and coaches which has given them quite a few extra draft picks for next year. This was a good trade for both teams.
The Patriots have traded 27-year old DT LeKevin Smith and a 7th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Broncos for a fifth round pick in the 2010 Draft. Smith played in 15 games (0 starts) for the Patriots last season and he made 14 tackles. In three seasons with the Patriots, Smith played in 41 games (0 starts) and he made 18 tackles. This was a good move for the Patriots as Smith isn’t much of a player.