In October 2006, the Patriots and Asante Samuel had discussions about renegotiating the fourth-year cornerback's contract. At the time, the two side were just $2.5 million apart in guaranteed money; according to the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss, Samuel was seeking around $10 million in bonuses on an extension. The Patriots were offering around $7.5 million. The Patriots opted to extend center Dan Koppen and put Samuel's contract on the back burner. Samuel never got his extension, briefly held out, was slapped with the franchise tag last off-season and now, he's a few days away from becoming a free agent.
Samuel now figures to command more than double the $10 million in bonuses he was seeking in 2006. Samuel's gamble to play out his contract - and, more importantly, assume the risk to stay healthy and be productive - is paying off.As Reiss notes, if the Pats had been proactive with Samuel during the '06 season, they wouldn't be in the position of losing him now. Of course, New England always finds somebody -- anybody -- to step up. Whether it's Randall Gay, a draft pick, or even Ty Law, the Pats will somehow manage. Plus, now they've got this guy to shore up the secondary.
On the flip side, Patriots vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli has noted that deciding when to be proactive or reactive is one of the more challenging aspects of putting a team together.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-23-2008 @ 11:21AM
jsharpe0047 said...
Bye bye Samuels
Reply
2-23-2008 @ 12:05PM
tobrien28 said...
The Patriots are not who they once were. Don't fool yourself into thinking they will find someone to replace him. This dynasty is over.
Bye bye Pats.
Reply
2-24-2008 @ 9:52AM
rick said...
patriots will still be the most feared team in nfl. why else would other teams fan talk smack about them. FEAR THE PATRIOT
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2-24-2008 @ 10:37AM
rrm12 said...
tobrien28; You wouldn't be wishful thinking now would you????????
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2-24-2008 @ 11:15AM
Rick Vogt said...
Why will you be the most feared team in the League next year? Is Billy working on another diabolical scheme to circumvent the rules? On a level playing field the Giants made you look like a contender and nothing more. Like I said before, arrogance is a learned trait and you Patriot fans have taken it to a new level. By the way, how's the sting of that "greatest season ever gone down the tubes" feel? Getting any better yet?
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2-24-2008 @ 7:37PM
Bill Walters said...
Most feared team in the league? Who play the softest schedule in the league! ...................................... And they still have to cheat to win.
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2-25-2008 @ 12:59PM
jsharpe0047 said...
Ya ya, cuz the dynasty was built around Samuels. Right. Sure. HE'S going to be the loss that the Patriots can't get over. Look this dynasty is built around Brady. No one else. Lose Brady and not replace him with someone else just as capable and then the dynasty is over, until then the Pats will continue to be in the top 5 or 6 teams picked to win the superbowl. (not saying they will win, but they'll be among the teams most would PICK to win at the beginning of the season.)
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2-25-2008 @ 11:45PM
Richiemac said...
Hate to disappoint some of you Patriot haters, but you have to agree with me that money talks. Patriots are 3/2 money line favorites to win the Super bowl next year and that is Vegas money, they know something you don't. If you disagree then bet your house against them. I'll bet you keep your money in your pocket along with your predictions.
Richiemac
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2-25-2008 @ 11:56PM
rrm12 said...
Wrong again Bill Walters. Sandiego (2times), Cleveland, Dallas, Washington, Indy, Phila, Pitts, Giants (2 times), Jacksonville adds up to eleven out of nineteen games. Their total schedule of opponents is 112 wins to 52 losses. Hardly an easy schedule.
richiemac
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2-27-2008 @ 3:01PM
tobrien28 said...
richie
Pats were 12 point favorites to win this year. How did that work pout for you?
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2-28-2008 @ 2:47AM
cliff said...
The dynasty isn't over but if they let go of Randy Moss and a couple of others it very well might be the beginning of just a "really good team."
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