HOT TAKE ALERT: I think Hightower is the only guy that they end up signing long-term
I would love to see that. Pay him more that you would have in 2017 in order to keep him through (edit: most of) his 20s at under-market prices, then let another team overpay him during his 30s.
He's too good. I think the more likely path is first round tender in 2017 (like 4 million bucks), than one year of franchise tag in 2018 (a shitload but he's at a poistion he's worth it) and then, hey, look, our corner is 29 years old so let someone else play for his decline phase.
I'd be surprised. Butler is a good corner but they've never shelled out big deals for that position. The defensive scheme is a little different than it was when Ty Law and Asante Samuel were let go, but I think he's likely to get his big pay-day elsewhere.
Don't forget Bennett. I think his value has skyrocketed from "possible upgrade on Scott Chandler" to "upgrade on Aaron Hernandez" (in the good way).
I don't think Bennet will be anywhere in the neighborhood of contract size as the defensive guys. The Pats will have plenty of cap room next year, it's just a matter of how many big money deals they can carry to tie up big chunks.
Miguel @ Patscap did a nice write on this yesterday:
People often forget that Butler's already 26. I wouldn't object to the Patriots restricting him next year, give him the franchise tag for a year and then part ways when he's going to be 29 if he doesn't want an extension at a team friendly rate.
Good question. I think Jones was a goner no matter what. I don't think BB values pure pass rushers as much as strong LB and safety play. Their whole scheme is predicated on not giving up the big play. Consequently, they rarely ask linemen to get up the field after the QB. I think Lombardi mentioned it a few weeks back--BB doesn't want anyone overrunning (i.e. behind) the ball whether it's the QB or RB.
I think I saw Butler blitz late in the Bills game, but he was no factor in that play.
That wasn't really big money though. $12 MM for one season, essentially. That's a heavy price tag but short commitment, and less than Revis got paid before or after. It's less than the CB franchise tag. And he didn't cost them a comp pick, and they got a 3rd as a comp pick when he left.
They didn't pay a ton for Revis. 12 million for one year of play (spread out over two years) isn't bad especially since it is for a short term deal.
True, but $7 million for the one year he did play here is still big money. I can't find a cap breakdown for 2014, but this year 7 mill would be a top 5 salary cap hit.
