Tag: patriots news

Report: Bucs make strong offer to QB Tom Brady

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gone all in on their offer to quarterback Tom Brady, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

The Tom Brady era is officially over in New England, as the six-time Super Bowl champion took to his Instagram account today to thank Patriots fans everywhere for the 20 years of memories.

Now a free agent for the first time in his career, Brady will now likely wind up in either Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers or Los Angeles with the Chargers. And, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports, the Bucs have gone ahead and made a strong offer to the Golden Boy.

Take a look.

If we are just talking football, then Tampa Bay is a no-brainer in terms of where Brady should go. A two-time NFL Coach of the Year in Bruce Arians would give Brady a veteran leader on the sideline, plus, he’d get to throw to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

However, as many have pointed out, in Brady’s Instagram post he referred to himself as a “California kid,” leading some to speculate he is LA-bound, especially when you consider the glitz and glamour Hollywood provides him and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bündchen.

Time will tell.

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The market for QB Tom Brady is down to these three teams

See which three teams are currently in the market for the services of six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the market for Tom Brady, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

The news should come as no surprise given that the Golden Boy’s name has been linked to Tampa Bay for weeks now. The Bucs can offer Brady the chance to pair up with an experienced head coach in Bruce Arians and two of the game’s best receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Plus, there’s tight end O.J. Howard, who the Patriots inquired about at the trade deadline in October before being told “no” by Tampa Bay.

The Chargers, of course, can provide Brady with the glitz and glamour of playing in Los Angeles, but let’s face it, it’s the Chargers. They aren’t exactly the most exciting team around. Also, Florida has no state income tax, so if Brady wants to get the most bang for his buck, Tampa Bay is the way to go.

Don’t forget, too, that Dianna Russini of ESPN reported last week that any team looking to sign Brady would have to give him a say in the roster and play-calling decisions. Tampa Bay is apparently willing to do both to sign him.

Stay tuned…

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7 Georgia Bulldogs taken in CBSSports’ full NFL mock draft

CBS Sports released a full NFL mock draft that included 7 Georgia football players being taken.

Most NFL mock drafts that we’ve seen over the past couple of months have had 2-3 Georgia football players going in the first round.

However, in CBS Sports’ most recent 7-round mock draft, the outlet has just one Dawg taken in the first round, and that’s left tackle Andrew Thomas.

Analyst Chris Trapasso projects the New York Jets to take Thomas with the No. 11 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which is currently scheduled for April 23 in Las Vegas.

On Thomas, Trapasso wrote:

Jets GM Joe Douglas knows how vital an offensive line is after his time in Philadelphia. Thomas was outstanding the two seasons at Georgia and has length for days.

Trapasso has Thomas ranked as the 15th overall player in the draft class and 4th ranked offensive tackle.

In total, Trapasso has seven Georgia players going in the draft.

Round 2:

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Buccaneers willing to ‘give Tom Brady the things he needs’ to sign him

When it comes to QB Tom Brady, it appears the Buccaneers are ready to pull out all the stops to sign the six-time Super Bowl champ.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t been to the postseason since 2007, and haven’t won a playoff game since their victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season. But this offseason could change all that.

The Bucs have lots of cap room to make a splash in free agency, and the big fish out there right now is quarterback Tom Brady, who has been linked to Tampa Bay thanks to their high-powered offense and veteran head coach. While picturing Brady in a Bucs uniform may be hard for some, Bucs fans are dreaming of seeing him don their new threads in 2020.

While Brady will have plenty of suitors once free agency starts next week, Dianna Russini of ESPN reported last week on “Get Up!” that the Golden Boy has two big “wants” that he’ll be looking for in his new team — control over the roster and making decisions on play-calling. And, according to Russini, the Bucs seem more than willing to comply.

Per Russini:

“I talked to Tampa Bay. They would love to have Tom Brady. They are willing to give Tom Brady the things he needs, he wants.”

John Breech over at CBS Sports points out the fact, too, that next year’s Super Bowl will be played in Tampa Bay, meaning Brady, if he signs with the Bucs, would have a chance at being the first quarterback ever to play a Super Bowl in his home stadium.

While the Super Bowl may be a bit of a reach, if Brady were to get the Bucs back to the postseason that would be a huge victory for the franchise and only add to Brady’s legacy. If you are Tampa Bay, you pull out all the stops to get a guy like Brady.

And, apparently, it seems they are going to do just that.

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ESPN looks at what a Bucs offer to QB Tom Brady might look like

See what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could wind up offering QB Tom Brady in free agency.

March 18, 2020 marks the new league year for the NFL and the start of free agency. This year’s class of free agents will include future Hall of Fame QBs Philip Rivers and Tom Brady, something most people probably thought they’d never see happen.

Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion, has been linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and for good reason. A pair of young 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin offers Brady a chance at an elite passing attack. Plus, the Bucs’ young defense is making major strides under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, so the postseason is more than realistic for this team in 2020.

ESPN put together four hypothetical offers from teams Brady could easily end up signing with, and Tampa Bay was one of the four teams on the list.

Courtesy of ESPN

Here’s what Jenna Laine had to say about the Bucs and Brady.

Per Laine:

“Winning isn’t what’s going to lure Brady to Tampa — it’s the idea of a challenge. The Bucs haven’t been to the postseason since 2007 and have put together two winning seasons in the past decade. But they have something Brady hasn’t enjoyed since 2011 (or 2009, if you’re talking strictly receivers not including Rob Gronkowski): two 1,100-yard Pro Bowl receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs have more than $81 million in cap space — fourth most in the NFL — to improve a roster that just went 7-9 with Jameis Winston throwing 30 interceptions. And there’s no state income tax, so it’s an ideal retirement destination.”

Again, I don’t think we talk about that no-state-income-tax benefit enough. Plus, Laine points out the appeal Bruce Arians offers as a head coach, especially when you consider his personality compared to that of Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

“Brady has also never had a head coach like Bruce Arians, who wants to drink beers in the parking lot after games (he’s still looking for a spot to do this). There might not be a more fun coach to play for than Arians.”

If Brady does come to the NFC South, the NFL would be in ratings heaven  next season.

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ESPN says QB Tom Brady is the one free agent the Bucs ‘must sign’ this offseason

See why ESPN thinks quarterback Tom Brady could very well end up in Tampa Bay this offseason if he decides to leave the Patriots.

At this time last year, quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were on top of the NFL world as Super Bowl champions (again). After defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a less-than-thrilling Super Bowl LIII, Brady further cemented his legacy as the best quarterback to ever play the game by capturing his sixth Lombardi Trophy.

But, oh, what a difference a year makes.

With the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski and Brady starting to show his age, the Patriots’ 2019 season ended with a stunning home loss in the divisional round to the Tennessee Titans. Now, the unthinkable could be upon us, as Brady is set to hit free agency and it’s beginning to look more and more likely that he could be playing elsewhere next year.

So, where could he wind up?

Well, according to ESPN, the Buccaneers look like an intriguing destination for the future Hall of Famer. In their latest article listing one “must sign” free agent for each NFL team this offseason, ESPN had Brady pegged as the can’t-miss quarterback for the Bucs.

“Brady wasn’t the same Brady last season as the one we have all grown used to seeing, but his 79.0 overall grade still ranked 12th at quarterback. The big problem was the Patriots’ lack of playmakers on offense. A one-two punch of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans has to sound pretty intriguing to Brady as he considers where his career will end, as both guys were top-10 wide receivers by PFF grade during the 2019 season. The Buccaneers have the cap space to make it work, and a much-improved defense with Brady orchestrating a talented offense could have the Bucs as legitimate contenders in 2020.”

Not only would Brady benefit from playing with Evans and Godwin, but he could easily help revive the career of tight end O.J. Howard. Remember, the Patriots inquired about Howard at the trade deadline but were told “no” by the Bucs. Imagine bringing Brady to Tampa Bay and teaming him with this offense?

Be still, my heart…

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Solomon Kindley has advice for former Georgia football teammates

Georgia football offensive guard Solomon Kindley has advice for his former UGA teammates while at the NFL Combine.

Georgia offensive guard Solomon Kindley is in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Combine.

Viewed anywhere from a first to third round draft pick, Kindley is meeting with teams, undergoing body measurements and eventually will partake in on-field drills.

Related: Solomon Kindley a classic NFL guard

Kindley said he has already met with the Packers and Patriots and has plans to meet with the Falcons and the Chiefs.

Since 2017, he started 10 games at right guard and 26 at left guard. He left Georgia with one year of eligibility remaining, and during an interview at the combine he mentioned that he misses Athens and his teammates back in Georgia.

“I’m not going to lie, I miss my teammates,” Kindley said. “I miss my little brothers. I miss them UGA Dawgs.”

When asked what he missed most about Kirby Smart, Kindley noted that it was Kirby’s drive and constant motivation that he has missed the most.

He also went on to give advice to the younger Bulldogs in Athens.

“Take it all in. Just soak it all up because it feels like I had just got there and now I’m here already. Don’t waste no time. The time is short at Georgia. Everything you do, you gotta pay attention to.”

“Do everything the right way.”

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Busy week for Solomon Kindley, including possible meeting with Falcons

Former Georgia football OT Solomon Kindley says he has meetings with multiple NFL teams, including a potential one with the Atlanta Falcons.

Could the Atlanta Falcons finally snap the streak of refusing to select former Georgia payers in the NFL Draft?

This year could be the year, especially with the high volume of Georgia players in the draft. Is it possible that the Falcons will be left no choice but to draft a former Bulldog?

Solomon Kindley, Georgia’s offensive guard who is viewed as a 1-3 round draft pick, said that he believes he has a formal interview with the Falcons this week.

He also added that he has met with the Packers and Patriots, and also thinks he has a meeting with the Chiefs coming up.

Kindley to the Falcons would excite Georgia fans, and it would surely excite Kindley, who would stay close to home. Kindley grew up in Jacksonville, Florida.

And then there’s the Chiefs, who Kindley also said he believes he has a meeting with this week. Kindley, if taken by Kansas City, would pair up with speedster Mecole Hardman on the Super Bowl champs.

But the possibility that excites me the most is Kindley to the Patriots. The two parties have already met at the NFL Combine, and it’s a known fact that Pats head coach Bill Belichick is a big fan of drafting Dawgs.

If Kindley does wind up in New England, he would join an offensive line that already features two Georgia guys — David Andrews and Isaiah Wynn. Additionally, he would join his fellow Dawgs in blocking for another Georgia boy, running back Sony Michel.

In Indy, Kindley measured in at 6-foot-3 and 1/4 inches tall and weighed in at 337 pounds.

Since 2017, Kindley started 10 games at right guard and 26 at left guard.

Kindley left Georgia with one year of eligibility remaining.

New England Patriots should target former Georgia football WR this offseason

Why the New England Patriots should target former Georgia football WR AJ Green this offseason.

The New England Patriots are in big need of an elite wide receiver, and a former Bulldog could be the answer to their problems.

The Patriots at one point had Julian Edelman, Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon on the roster. However, Gordon and Brown did not work out, leaving Edelman as the only elite receiver on the depth chart. Edelman was his usual reliable self until injuries slowed him down and forced him to undergo shoulder surgery at the end of the season.

With that in mind, former Georgia wide receiver AJ Green would be a great fit in New England’s offense if he is not franchise tagged by the Cincinnati Bengals. On the topic of being franchise tagged, that is not what Green wants. He will take the money and play if tagged, but he thinks it sends the wrong message.

“The franchise tag is not the best thing,” Green told Elise Jesse of WLWT in Cincinnati. “But like I said, I’m not turning down $18 million.”

Green wants to remain with the Bengals, but a one year tag does not excite him like a multi-year contract would.

Green has spent his entire career with the Bengals, and the 31 year old has earned a spot in the Pro Bowl seven times. There is risk involved with Green, though – he’s played in just 35 of a possible 64 games since 2015.

But when he’s healthy, there’s no denying he is one of the league’s top talents at the receiver position.

Green and the Patriots would be a match made in heaven. Bill Belichick runs a tight shift, likes his players to remain out of the spotlight and enjoys keeping a low profile. That describes Green – one of the most humble players in the league, someone who is rather inactive on social media and a guy who performs at a high level without added drama.

After what the Patriots went through with Gordon and Brown, they’d be thrilled to add a no-drama player like Green.

Tom Brady is a free agent for the first time in nearly two decades, and in order to keep him around owner Robert Kraft will be more inclined to make a move to get more playmakers around his aging quarterback.

New England currently has $42m in cap space, and a large chunk of that would go to Brady. But Kraft knows that if he wants to get Brady another Super Bowl, he will have to make some moves to add an elite wide receiver.

AJ Green, David Andrews and Sony Michel all on the same offense? Yes please.

Dear New England Patriots and Patriot Nation….it’s not Tom Brady, it was the the absence of Georgia great David Andrews

It’s not Tom Brady that was the problem with the New England Patriots, it was the absence of UGA football great David Andrews

For most NFL teams, after securing a 12-4 record, having the 2nd highest point differential in the league, winning their division for an unprecedent 11th consecutive season and advancing to the playoffs for the 17th time in 21 years, that would constitue a very successful year.

However, the New England Patriots aren’t the normal NFL team….they’re not even the normal sports dynasty. With Tom Brady at quarterback, the Patriots have won six Super Bowls and advanced to the playoffs for 17 of the 19 years Brady has started.

The 2019 season didn’t end as the Patriots had envisioned, losing the regular season finale to the Miami Dolphins (thus losing a first round playoff bye) and being bounced from the playoffs at home, 20-13 by the Tennessee Titans. The offense struggled during the year, especially during the second half when the Patriots averaged only 18.3 points per game.

Of course the focal point of New England’s offensive woes has been the future Hall of Famer, Brady. Arguably the greatest signal caller the game has seen, the 42-year old Brady threw for 4,057 yards and completed 60.8 percent of his passes, with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Those are extremely productive numbers, but rather pedestrian for the greatest clutch player the NFL has ever seen. The Boston and national press is almost screaming for the former Michigan Wolverine to retire.

But they have it all wrong…it’s not the gerontological-defying Brady, it wasn’t the retirement of all-pro tight end Rob Gronkowski or the lack of quality receivers…..it was the absence of former Georgia center David Andrews.

The Patriots placed the 27-year old Andrews on injured reserve in August 2019 and he missed the entire season. One of the team’s six captains in 2018, Andrews was hospitalized due to blood clots in his lungs. He returned for the preseason in street clothes and remained a spectator for the remainder of the season.

Andrews was a three-year starter and All-SEC center for the Bulldogs and became a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. The former three-star recruit from Norcross, Georgia had not missed a game in his three seasons as a starter and led Georgia to several offensive records, including season scoring records. The importance of Andrews to the Georgia offense was demonstrated during the 2014 Florida game. The No. 9 Bulldogs were heavily favored over the unranked Gators. With UGA leading 7-0 in the first quarter, Andrews suffered a severe sprained ankle and was forced to leave the game. The Georgia offense lost its momentum and the Dawgs fell to Florida 38-20. The following week, Andrews returned against Kentucky and helped lead Georgia to a 63-31 victory.

An offensive line is like a well-oiled machine with the sum of the parts greater than the individual units. Andrews was the bond that drove those great offensive lines at Georgia and was the key component to the New England line. This past season, the New England offense missed the former undrafted free agent’s leadership in the locker room as much as his on-field presence.

Andrews has anchored the Patriots’ offensive line since being installed as the full-time starter in 2016, starting 57 of a possible 59 games over the last three seasons. Without Andrews, the Patriots fell to 7th in the league in points per game, to 26.3, their lowest average output since Andrews came on board. With much the same running backs, the Pats’ rushing attack slowed to 1,703 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in 2019 vs 2,037 yards (4.3 yards per carry) in 2018. After averaging 4.5 yards per carry in 2018, lead back Sony Michel’s average carry dipped 17.8 percent to 3.7 yards. Back up James White saw his average fall 13.6 percent to 3.9 yards per carry.

In the passing game, Brady’s completion percentage dropped five percentage points to 60.8 percent. His passer rating fell 88.0 from 97.7 in 2018. Of course all of this can not be attributed to Andrews missing the season, but his absence from the team was definitely felt.

The announcement the Patriots made prior to the regualr season opening will tell you everything you need to know about David Andrews. Five days after being placed on season-ending injured reserve, by a vote of his teammates, Andrews was selected as one of the Patriots’ seven team captains for the 2019 season, retaining a title he’s held since 2017. Despite not being able to play a down during the season, the respect from his teammates speaks volumes of his character and the importance of Andrews to the team.

“He’s got a wealth of experience and knowledge,” left guard Joe Thuney said. “He knows the offense inside and out, so you can always pick his brain to see what he thinks in certain situations. He’s just a really smart guy, and he’s great to have regardless. Obviously, he’s injured, but it’s just great to have him,” told NESN during the season.

Despite not being in a position to help the team on the field, Andrews traveled with the team and spent significant time on the sidelines and in the meeting rooms. He attended every practice and worked with the offensive coaches. During the season, head coach Bill Belichick acknowledged his presence on the team. Belicheck commented that Andrews’ off-the-field leadership has been outstanding.

Speaking of Andrews and injured fullback James Develin, Belechick said, “They’ve been very helpful to me just as another kind of perspective on where we are from what they see. They see things. They’re very mature. I wish they were both out there on the field, but they’ve done all they can do and contribute a lot on a daily basis and I’m personally very appreciative of what they do for the team and what they’ve done for me personally.”

The outlook for returning for the 2020 season appears to be positive for Andrews and the team. Speaking at a Patriots Charitable Foundation event in Providence, RI on Monday, Andrews offered an optimistic perspective on what lies ahead for him: “I should have a bunch of doctors’ appointments here in February, and get all that cleared up and be good to go next year.”

“Hopefully that goes well and then we kind of see from there. Pretty optimistic and just hope everything comes back good here the next month,” Andrews told ESPN’s Mike Reiss after his remarks at the charity event. “I’m not ready to be done playing football. If there’s any chance I can go play football, that’s what I’m going to do.”

No doubt Andrews was missed. Since joining the Patriots in 2015, he has been a leader within New England’s locker room…. and true leaders are invaluable to a team. For Tom Brady and all of Patriot Nation, hopefully Andrews is cleared to play in 2020 and continue his brilliant career.