Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Thomas is active - for walkthrough, anyway

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October 21

Boston Globe

"Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas was present for the team's walkthrough practice yesterday, two days after being a healthy scratch for the first time since his rookie season in 2000. Coach Bill Belichick was asked how things will proceed with Thomas this week. "Everything's the same for every player,'' Belichick said. "They've all got the same job: come in, learn the game plan, be ready to go. Substitutions and playing time are all coaches' decisions; they're not players' decisions."

Patriots WRs out at third

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October 21

Boston Herald

"Young and old, the Patriots are losing candidates to be their third receiver. Don't be surprised if new options come from within. The Patriots voluntarily lost one yesterday morning when coach Bill Belichick cut loose struggling veteran Joey Galloway. And rookie Julian Edelman temporarily exited the competition because he has a broken arm, the Herald has learned. The loss of Galloway was the most high-profile, as he had become the object of fan ire because of his inconsistent performance. Edelman, on the other hand, had impressed after thriving at Kent State as a quarterback. Speaking generally before the Edelman news broke, Belichick said there are some players "banged up" on offense. "In ..."

Source: Patriots release Galloway

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October 20

ESPN.com

"The New England Patriots have released wide receiver Joey Galloway, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. Galloway, a 15-year NFL veteran, has seven receptions for 67 yards this season. He has not been on the Patriots active roster for the last three weeks."

Tully Banta-Cain cut, but may return

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October 20

Boston Herald

"Tully Banta-Cain was released by the Patriots, but don't be surprised if he returns as soon as today. The pass-rushing linebacker was cut loose yesterday, two sources said, ending his second stint with the team. Yet the player who is tied for the team lead with three sacks may be on the field Sunday in London vs. the Buccaneers, anyway. The Patriots have not announced that he has been released. Yet his name appeared on the league-wide transactions wire. Banta-Cain will make $620,000 this season. There is a possibility the move was procedural or related to his contract, though without the specifics of the deal, it's difficult to tell. The news broke during an inteview with Banta-Cain on ..."

Patriots doubting Thomas?

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October 20

Boston Globe

"The mystery behind Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas and his being on the inactive list for Sunday's game didn't get any clearer yesterday. Thomas was a healthy scratch for the first time since his rookie season with the Ravens in 2000, missing the 59-0 beating of the Titans at Gillette Stadium. He wasn’t on the injury report all week leading to the game and was not at the stadium Sunday, according to a league source."

Report: Seau returning to Pats

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October 13

Boston Globe

"Junior Seau's favorite sports job? Apparently, playing linebacker in NFL, still. Versus, the 40-year-old, 12-time Pro Bowler's current employer, is reporting that he has rejoined his previous employer, signing a contract today to return to the Patriots. "I'm very fortunate and honored to be involved with two class organizations -- the New England Patriots and Versus," said Seau in a press release. "I want to thank the management of both for making my return to the NFL with the New England Patriots a reality.""

Not much new light shed

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October 13

Boston Globe

"Patriots left tackle Matt Light was spotted in the locker room yesterday on crutches a day after leaving Sunday's game with a right knee injury. Light was injured on the first play of the fourth quarter when it appeared teammate Dan Koppen rolled into him. Light had to be helped off the field and to the locker room and did not return to the game. Coach Bill Belichick said yesterday he did not have an update on Light. The team is off today and the first injury report for the week will be released after tomorrow's practice."

Matt Light kneeds crutches

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October 13

Boston Herald

"Left tackle Matt Light made a cameo appearance near the Patriots locker room yesterday, appearing on crutches. Light was not wearing a brace to immobilize his right knee. Light, a member of the 50th anniversary team, went down with an injury on the first play of the fourth quarter during Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss to the Broncos in Denver. He did not return, and rookie Sebastian Vollmer took his place. Light wore a bulky brace following the game, but did not discuss his situation. He nodded yesterday when asked if he's OK. Coach Bill Belichick did not have an update on Light's condition. If Light can't go against the Titans on Sunday, expect Vollmer to step in. Belichick said Vollmer's ..."

Ankle surgery grounds Fred Taylor indefinitely

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October 9

Boston Herald

"In the past, Fred Taylor bristled at his reputation of being injury prone. One more injury won't help. The Patriots' leading rusher had surgery yesterday to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle, a close friend of Taylor told the Herald last night. The veteran running back will miss at least Sunday's game at Denver, and his timetable to return isn't known. Contrary to reports that his season is in jeopardy, Taylor last night told a close friend he believes he will be back this season. Taylor, who returned to his Boston-area home after the surgery, told his friend the procedure took two hours. He will know more about his playing status after meeting again with doctors. Taylor was injured ..."

Seau is under consideration

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October 7

Boston Globe

"The Patriots could be close to bringing back Junior Seau for a 20th NFL season. According to league sources, the team reported to the NFL yesterday that it had had the 40-year-old linebacker in for a tryout. During his weekly interview with WEEI Monday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick commented on reports that they were close to signing Seau, who came out of pseudo-retirement last year to play the final four games after being with the team full-time in 2006 and 2007."

Joey Galloway on outside

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October 7

Boston Herald

"Discussion about veteran wideout Joey Galloway, his apparent benching Sunday and his future with the Patriots remained cryptic yesterday. Director of player personnel Nick Caserio, who was the wide receivers coach in 2007 and still works with the offense, was asked during a conference call about Galloway being a healthy scratch. He didn't shed much more light on the subject than coach Bill Belichick on Monday. "Well, we went with four receivers for the game. We felt that was the best way for us to play," Caserio said. "Joey had played the weeks before, he's been productive. I think Joey's worked hard since he's been here. He's getting more and more familiar with the system. Any player that ..."

Seau undergoes physical for Pats

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October 4

ESPN.com

"Junior Seau repeated this week that he would be willing to return to the Patriots as early as November, and the linebacker-thin Patriots are considering the possibility after putting Seau through a physical. The physical came while Seau was in Boston this week to film an episode of his upcoming television show "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau," which was a pre-planned trip. That the Patriots still have Seau on their radar is not surprising, given the mutual admiration between the sides and the team's lack of depth at linebacker. Seau has said that he would only return to the NFL with the Patriots because of his relationship with coach Bill Belichick and the Kraft family. In an interview with ..."

Improved Wes Welker takes it slow

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October 3

Boston Herald

"Wes Welker indicated he felt some improvement in his ailing knee yesterday. But whether that upgrade was good enough for the Patriots wide receiver to play tomorrow against the Baltimore Ravens won't likely be determined until just before gametime. Judging by Welker's remarks, it sounds like the team's medical staff is trying to get the injury to the point where it won't become a hindrance all year. "Being a football player, you always want to get out there and play," said Welker, who never had missed a game in his career until sitting out the Pats' last two contests. "The main thing is being smart, and make sure you're ready for the long haul." Having Welker, the NFL's leading receiver ..."

Police: Wilhite was hurt running for help

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October 1

Boston Globe

"According to a statement released by the North Attleboro Police Department yesterday, Patriots cornerback Jonathan Wilhite was not the victim of a home invasion Sunday morning, but suffered a pulled groin while running for help after two men approached him in the parking lot of his home. Wilhite arrived home Sunday to see two men in the lot; one approached him on foot and yelled at him, according to the statement. "Mr. Wilhite became concerned and ran to Cumberland Farms, where he asked the clerk to call police,'' according to the statement. "He did mention that he had pulled his groin while he was running.''"

Help is added at linebacker

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September 23

Boston Globe

"With linebacker Jerod Mayo out with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee, the Patriots made a trade yesterday to boost their depth, acquiring inside linebacker Prescott Burgess from the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional seventh-round pick. The 6-foot-3-inch, 247-pound Burgess was a sixth-round draft pick of the Ravens in 2007. He played in eight games as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve with a hip injury. He didn't play last season after he was put on IR before the start of the season with a shoulder injury."

Ex-Patriot Ty Law would return

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September 15

Boston Herald

"Five years removed from being a shutdown corner on a Bill Belichick defense, Ty Law still feels the itch to return to the NFL. And he would love to end his career as a Patriot. Hours before he was honored at halftime of last night's season opener against the Bills as a member of the Pats' 50th anniversary team, Law reflected on the three Super Bowl titles he won here and how great it would be for his career to come full-circle. The 35-year-old Law currently is mulling options for his future. He said he's had some calls from NFL teams, just not the right ones. If a team like the Patriots was interested, he said he would play. "This is always the right team. This is home. This is where the ..."

Patriots trade TE Thomas, cut Smith

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September 6

Boston Globe

"The Patriots' modus operandi on cut-down day has been to make at least one surprising move, and this year was no exception, with the unexpected maneuvering coming yesterday at tight end. The club traded David Thomas to the Saints for a 2011 seventh-round draft choice, acquired Michael Matthews from the Giants for an undisclosed draft choice, and released Alex Smith, whom the team had high hopes for after trading a 2010 fifth-round draft choice to acquire him earlier this offseason."

Patriots deal tight ends, stick with two quarterbacks

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September 6

Boston Herald

"The Patriots whittled their roster down to the NFL-mandated limit of 53 players last night, doing so with two trades and 10 cuts that cleared up at least one pressing issue. Yet perhaps the trade that didn't happen is just as notable. The Pats believe they solidified their tight end position by releasing Alex Smith, sending a conditional 2011 draft pick to the Giants for Michael Matthews, and dealing David Thomas to the Saints for a seventh-rounder in '11. Barring a late-night trade, it appears coach Bill Belichick has elected to keep just two players to throw to them. The team declined to follow through on a much-rumored deal for Eagles backup quarterback A.J. Feeley or another veteran, ..."

Smith may not catch on

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September 4

Boston Globe

"The Patriots' exhibition season ended last night with a 38-27 win over the Giants. It also could have marked the end of tight end Alex Smith's stint with the Patriots. Smith, who was acquired from the Buccaneers during the offseason for a fifth-round draft pick, finished the preseason without a catch and was out on the field late in the fourth quarter last night, which is usually not a good sign for a veteran."

Welker's status in question for season opener

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September 2

Boston Globe

"Where's Welker? Receiver Wes Welker, who has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury, answered questions from reporters and said he's working hard to return. He hopes to be ready for the season opener, but cited team policy in deciding not to answer a question about his level of concern with his health situation. "We really don't speak about those things," he said. Kevin O'Connell follow-up. Belichick didn't go into much detail on the decision to release quarterback Kevin O'Connell. He said that the team wanted to evaluate the other two quarterbacks, but left unsaid was that there was nothing that would have hindered those evaluations from taking place with O'Connell still on the ..."

Brady expects to be ready for opener

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August 31

ESPN.com

"Tom Brady, who injured his shoulder in New England's preseason game against Washington last week, said Monday that he expects to play "this week, if coach lets me." Brady took a crushing hit from Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and left the game at Washington. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said over the weekend that Brady had a sore shoulder, but was removed from the game so the Patriots could evaluate their backup quarterbacks. "I have bumps and bruises," he said in his weekly appearance on Boston radio station WEEI. "It's a physical game. Like I said, I fell a little bit awkwardly, but I'm expecting to be out there and I'm expecting to play this week, if coach ..."

Patriots have given Watson a helping of competition

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August 11

Boston Globe

"Judging by training camp, it's apparent the tight end is going to play a significant role in the Patriots offense - one of the reasons there are five of them on the roster. However, just how prominently the incumbent starter, Benjamin Watson, figures into the team's plans appears less certain. The 28-year-old Watson is up against tough competition. The Patriots fortified the position by signing free agent Chris Baker and trading with the Buccaneers for Alex Smith. In a recent radio interview, Bill Belichick called it the best competition he has had at tight end since he became Patriots coach in 2000. Watson, Baker, and Smith are joined by David Thomas, a 2006 third-round pick, and Tyson ..."

Could Michael Vick-Bill Belichick connection be brewing?

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August 4

USA Today

"Looking for an ideal landing spot for Michael Vick? Think outside the box.Better still, look under the hood - the famous gray hoodie of New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Vick could be the long-sought counterpunch to New England's embarrassing 38-13 home loss last year to the eventual AFC East champion Miami Dolphins and their newly unveiled Wildcat attack. The fallen Atlanta Falcons star assured commissioner Roger Goodell of his remorse after completing a 23-month federal sentence, including time off for good behavior, for his role in orchestrating a dogfighting ring. Goodell has conditionally reinstated him and provided a road map for Vick, 29, to resume his NFL career. He can ..."

Another QB still an option

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August 2

Boston Globe

"While chairman/CEO Robert Kraft addressed rumors linking the Patriots and Michael Vick during a radio interview yesterday - essentially ruling out the possibility - the club was considering the possibility of signing a veteran quarterback. Speaking on Sirius NFL Radio, which was visiting Gillette Stadium, Kraft touched on the buzz surrounding Vick and the Patriots, saying: "We've got the No. 1 player at that position in the world as far as I'm concerned and why would we ever want to do anything that would take him off the field for one play?'' With Vick not in Patriots' plans, the possibility of adding five-year veteran Cleo Lemon - or another seasoned QB - is more realistic. Lemon, 29, ..."

QB Cleo Lemon nearing deal

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August 2

Boston Herald

"The Patriots are close to adding another quarterback. Free agent Cleo Lemon is expected to sign with the team, perhaps as early as today, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Lemon, 29, could take the roster spot created when reserve punter Tom Malone was waived yesterday. After Lemon reportedly worked out for the Patriots on Friday, the two sides spent yesterday negotiating. Barring a last-minute snag, they are hopeful a deal could be official as early as today."

Don't bank on Michael Vick deal

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August 1

Boston Herald

"OK, so Bill Belichick would not rule out having an interest in signing Michael Vick. The Patriots coach didn't close the door on Vick when asked directly about pursuing the quarterback yesterday. Why wouldn't he just end the suspense? Why would he stir the pot and unwittingly spark all the untrue rumors that flew from coast to coast about Vick working out at Gillette Stadium yesterday? On a lot of levels, Vick-to-the Patriots makes no sense. Belichick doesn't want a quarterback who doesn't have an accurate throwing arm. Even with the Wildcat offense in mind, he doesn't want to take snaps away from Tom Brady. Moreover, if Vick were to come in as the backup, he is not suited for the Pats ..."

Bill Belichick won't bite on available QB

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July 31

Boston Herald

"The start of training camp for the Patriots meant dealing with the same issue as every other NFL team: Where will Michael Vick sign? The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is a free agent after his release from federal prison for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy. Asked to discuss Vick's future and a potential role with the Patriots, coach Bill Belichick was noncommittal. He said he is focused on the players in camp. "Michael is an outstanding player who hasn't played in a couple years," Belichick said. "But right now, our focus is on our team and our players, trying to get the New England Patriots [team stats] ready. That's where my attention has been. But exactly where he is right ..."

Top pick Chung the latest in Patriots' fold

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July 27

Boston Globe

"There will be no holdout - or holdup in reporting to training camp - for rookie safety Patrick Chung, the Patriots' top overall pick in the 2009 draft. Chung reported to the team in Foxborough yesterday, which was the Patriots' rookie reporting date for training camp. (The veteran reporting date is Wednesday, with the first full-squad practices Thursday.) Chung's reporting to camp means that he and the Patriots have been able to agree to contract terms. In response to an e-mail query, Patriots spokesman Stacey James confirmed that all rookies under contract reported yesterday. As a second-round pick, the longest deal Chung could agree to is a four-year pact, per the league's collective ..."

Agent: Patrick Chung reports to Patriots camp

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July 27

Boston Herald

"Safety Patrick Chung, the Patriots top overall selection in this year's draft, avoided the prospects of a holdout and was in Foxboro yesterday for the team's rookie reporting date, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, confirmed via text message. Chung's arrival strongly suggested he and the team had agreed to terms on a contract. The Pats took the 5-foot-11, 212-pounder out of Oregon with the 34th pick, which they obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel. With Chung set to join the team, only long snapper Jake Ingram (sixth round) and linebacker Tyrone McKenzie (third) remain unsigned. McKenzie injured his right knee in May and is ..."

Junior Seau stays ready

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July 7

Boston Herald

"Linebacker Junior Seau told XX Radio in San Diego that if the Patriots need his services during the 2009 season, he would be ready and willing to help out. "I'll definitely look at it at the end of October or November. Let's put it that way," said the 40-year-old inside linebacker, who played for the Pats from 2006-08. Last year, Seau joined the team for the final four games of the season and notched 22 tackles. It wasn't the first time he came out of retirement to reacquaint himself with the gridiron. In 2006, Seau announced his retirement from the NFL, but just one month later signed on with the Patriots. The 19-year veteran is enjoying retired life once again this summer but is making ..."

Big Mac wants Patriots comeback

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July 2

Boston Globe

"Outside linebacker remains a big question mark for the Patriots heading into the 2009 season and it's possible the team could add another player at the position. Former Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest would like to be that player. In an interview with Albert Breer of Sporting News, the 37-year-old McGinest said he still has the itch to play and is training as if he will play a 16th NFL season. When asked if returning to New England would be best, McGinest said: "Yeah, I've talked to Tom (Brady), (Richard) Seymour and some other guys there. Those guys are lifelong friends, and I've heard some people say that it'd be a good fit. Why wouldn't you want to go to a really good ..."

Bruschi undecided

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June 23

Boston Globe

"Some veterans make up their minds before the season, declaring this will be their last go-around on the gridiron. Such a mind-set can help them power through the grind of one more training camp, maybe even appreciating it more because they know finality is right around the corner. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi isn't one of those players. Entering his 14th NFL season, Bruschi said yesterday this could be the final year of his career. Then again, it may not. Bruschi, whose contract expires after the 2009 season, is leaving his options open. "It has to be that way, not only for me but also the team,'' Bruschi said prior to the Spaulding Hospital "Tee up with Tedy'' golf tournament at TPC of Boston. ..."

Wilfork is expected today

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June 10

Boston Globe

"The Patriots held their final organized team activity yesterday, and once again nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who is seeking a new contract, was absent. That made Wilfork 0 for the OTAs. However, expect Wilfork's offseason attendance to improve today, when the Patriots kick off their three-day mandatory minicamp. Nobody in Wilfork's camp would confirm he'll be in attendance today, but the strong vibe last night was that he will be on the field. It was part of the plan for Wilfork to attend mandatory events, and he has 500,000 good reasons why it's in his best interest to end his boycott. Under the six-year contract Wilfork signed as a rookie in 2004, which expires following this season, he ..."

Vince Wilfork nose his position

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June 10

Boston Herald

"Vince Wilfork learned this week how the Patriots roll when it comes to player negotiations. It's the same way he rolls at nose tackle - low, hard and sometimes dirty. Next time Patriots management talks about not wanting to negotiate in the media, Wilfork and his teammates should remember what just happened to him. Anyone who doesn't know who leaked the threat of the team going after $500,000 of bonus money if Wilfork doesn't report to a mandatory minicamp today has their hands over their eyes. The clause in the collective bargaining agreement the Pats threatened to invoke is no longer in effect. It was judged so onerous it was changed in 2006 when the CBA was last extended. But because ..."

Vince Wilfork talks on course

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June 9

Boston Herald

"Vince Wilfork's absence from the team's voluntary organized team activities the past few weeks did not extend to yesterday's Patriots Charitable Foundation golf tournament at The International. Wilfork made an appearance, participated and before heading out on the golf course, spoke on WEEI's "Dale & Holley Show," where he is a regular guest during the season. The nose tackle reiterated much of what he said last week during his own charity appearance. "OTAs were voluntary. I chose to sit out with the situation I'm in," Wilfork said yesterday. "It's nothing personal, it's just what makes sense to me at this time. With that said, I'm looking forward with the season. I could care less about ..."

Vince Wilfork in focus

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June 8

Boston Globe

"Nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who is unhappy with his contract situation, was part of a radio interview on the "Dale & Holley Show" on sports radio WEEI today. The station is broadcasting live from today's Patriots Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament, and Wilfork sat down with hosts Dale Arnold and Michael Holley at The International. More context continues to come into focus with Wilfork's contract situation, which was detailed in the Boston Globe prior to the Patriots' organized team activity on May 28. Wilfork did not attend voluntary OTAs. "It's nothing personal towards the organization, it's nothing personal towards my coaches or anything like that," Wilfork said today on WEEI. "It's ..."

Vince Wilfork nose what to do

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June 4

Boston Herald

"While it was difficult to get Vince Wilfork to say what was really bothering him about his contract talks, the Patriots nose tackle made one point perfectly clear yesterday: He is prepared to sit out next week's mandatory minicamp if the situation calls for it. Wilfork, who was at Yale Appliance in Dorchester to promote his charitable work on behalf of diabetes research, has missed all of the Pats' recent organized team activities. The OTAs, however, are voluntary. He runs the risk of triggering team sanctions should he skip minicamp, which begins Wednesday. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Wilfork termed his status "day-to-day." He wasn't sure if he'd be able to show up for ..."

This nose has eye on new deal

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May 28

Boston Globe

"All eyes will be on quarterback Tom Brady when the Patriots take the field for organized team activities late this morning, although there is another story simmering that could command attention: Is nose tackle Vince Wilfork set to make a statement about his displeasure over stagnant contract negotiations? Although "OTAs" are voluntary, one of the trends in recent years has seen players use them as a vehicle to spark contract talks. Recent examples have come in Cleveland, where Pro Bowl return man Joshua Cribbs initially threatened to not show up if the Browns didn't address his contract; in Tampa Bay, where middle linebacker Barrett Ruud has stayed away in hopes of an upgraded deal; and ..."

Linebacker Paris Lenon joins Patriots

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May 27

Boston Globe

"Linebacker Paris Lenon has agreed to contract terms to join the Patriots, his agent said. "Paris is excited to finally be a part of a winning organization and eager to contribute in whatever way Coach Belichick and his staff see fit. Now, quite simply, he's eager to go to work," Jon Persch of Allegiant Management told the Globe this morning. Lenon (6-2, 235) adds depth to the Patriots' inside linebacker corps. The unit was thinned after third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie tore his ACL in rookie minicamp, which will sideline him for the season. The Patriots had also waived 2008 sixth-round draft choice Bo Ruud earlier in the offseason. Lenon enters his eighth NFL season and leaves the ..."

Seeking a fit at linebacker

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May 27

Boston Globe

"With third-round draft choice Tyrone McKenzie tearing his ACL in rookie minicamp this month, the Patriots are looking at possible veteran replacements at linebacker, having hosted Pisa Tinoisamoa and Paris Lenon at Gillette Stadium within the last week, according to NFL sources. Tinoisamoa's visit, which was arranged quickly over the weekend, officially took place yesterday. A six-year veteran, he was released by the Rams May 8. Although the 27-year-old Tinoisamoa has been a consistent starter and was the Rams' leading tackler last season, he was considered undersized for the team's new scheme under first-year coach Steve Spagnuolo. The Patriots look for similar size from their ..."

Is IR system in line for a change?

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May 21

Boston Globe

"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."

Raider seen as nice fit

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May 20

Boston Globe

"Even as a two-time Pro Bowler, Derrick Burgess is not a familiar name to Patriots followers. But those familiar with the Oakland Raiders defensive end, whom the Patriots have explored acquiring in a trade, say he'd improve them. "He's one of the premier pass rushers I've seen," said former teammate Warren Sapp, now an analyst with the NFL Network. "He loves to work at his craft. He loves to come in the weight room. "I've stood in front of the defensive line and led through every drill my whole life, but I opened the door for him. I said, 'You work just like I work.' I gave him my front. That's the kind of respect I have for him." According to league sources, the Patriots discussed a deal ..."

Derrick Burgess deal no rush job

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May 20

Boston Herald

"The Patriots interest in Derrick Burgess dates back four weeks, as the team contacted Oakland during the NFL draft, when the Raiders made no secret of the fact they were shopping the defensive end, according to a source familiar with the proceedings. Exploratory conversations have continued, but it doesn't appear anything is imminent, although with Oakland owner Al Davis, anything is possible. It has been reported the Pats would be willing to send a second- or third-round draft pick to the Raiders in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowler, who would be moved to a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the Pats' 3-4 scheme. Burgess, who is in the final year of his contract, has had injury ..."

No Tom Brady yet in sight

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May 20

Boston Herald

"The thought was we might see Tom Brady performing football drills today for the first time since Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard took out the quarterback's left knee during last year's season opener. But the build up and suspense now apparently is going to drag on for another week. Brady is not expected to be an on-field participant today in the first of four open sessions the Patriots will conduct as part of their 12 OTAs (organized team activities). The reason? Club spokesman Stacey James explained this week's OTAs were geared toward younger players and newcomers, such as running back Fred Taylor. It is aimed at getting everyone on the same page. Not all of the players on the ..."

Reports: Pats interested in acquiring Oakland's Burgess

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May 19

Boston Herald

"According to a report first on ESPN, and later corroborated by WEEI's Christopher Price, the Patriots are considering a trade that would send a second-or-third-round draft pick to Oakland for Raiders linebacker Derrick Burgess. The acquisition of Burgess would finally help fill the void at outside linebacker created by the trade of Mike Vrabel. The two-time Pro Bowler is in the final year of his contract with Oakland. He is said to be unhappy with not being able to reach a new deal. Burgess, who will be 31 at the start of next season, had 16 sacks for the Raiders in 2005, but he's been slowed by injuries in recent seasons. Last week, Pats Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio said the ..."

Dolphins eyeing Jason Taylor

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May 13

Boston Herald

"Jason Taylor's status hasn't changed. He's still an unsigned free agent, lurking as a possible solution to the Patriots' sagging pass rush, and answer for the trade of Mike Vrabel. While not much has come out of the Pats' camp since team owner Robert Kraft made a public push for Taylor to come to Foxboro, there was some news out of Miami. During a radio interview yesterday on WAXY 790 AM, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano admitted the team still was considering the possibility of bringing back the free agent defensive end. "Yeah, we're talking. When I say 'we,' it's myself, Jeff (Ireland, general manager) and Bill (Parcells, head of football operations) have talked about Jason and had several ..."

Kellen Clemens starting to lose swagger

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May 7

New York Daily News

"From the moment Brett Favre retired in February (more on the phony QB later), Kellen Clemens has exuded confidence, talking and acting like he expects to be the Jets' opening-day starter. Today, that swagger was noticeably gone. It's easy to act like "The Man" when the competition is Brett Ratliff. When it's the fifth pick in the draft (see Mark Sanchez), it's a different story. Clemens addressed the media for the first time since the draft. (This was an open locker-room day in Florham Park, N.J.) That gave him nearly two weeks to absorb the blow and script his answers. Publicly, he spewed the company line, clinging to Rex Ryan's promise it will be an open competition. Either he's in ..."

D-Day looms for Rodney Harrison, Jason Taylor

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May 6

Boston Herald

"Two veteran stars, two undecided futures intertwined with the Patriots. Jason Taylor is a lock Hall of Famer, and plenty believe Rodney Harrison should be, too. Five years ago, they were among the most dominant players in the game. Time has faded their skills, but they remain viable through sheer force of will. Right now, neither has a team. Taylor is home in Florida mulling his options. He has been trying to spark some interest from the Dolphins, who thus far haven't bitten. Harrison's future remains in much greater doubt. He suffered a quadriceps tear last October that may prove career-ending, though he is at least considering a return for a 16th season. It's possible that one or both ..."

New sport within his grasp

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May 3

Boston Globe

"Rookie minicamps usually serve as an induction into professional football, but for Jermail Porter, the Patriots' camp was an introduction to playing football. The ultimate NFL neophyte, Porter never had so much as gotten in a three-point stance on a football field before the camp, which wraps up today. The 6-foot-5-inch, 310-pounder, signed as an undrafted free agent, looks the part of an NFL player, but he was an All-American wrestler for Kent State, finishing sixth in the heavyweight class at the 2009 NCAA Championships. Porter is trying to follow in the footsteps of Patriots right guard Stephen Neal, a two-time NCAA wrestling champion and the 1999 heavyweight freestyle world champion ..."

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