COVERITLIVE.COM

11:58

Mike Reiss - Just getting settled in here. Looking forward to a good chat.

11:59

Mike Reiss - Next week is really the final major week of the offseason for the Patriots. Charity golf tournament on Monday, mandatory minicamp after that. I know some coaches and support-staffers are looking forward to a long awaited vacation.

12:00

Mike Reiss - That is one point that owners should keep in mind as they consider an 18-game season. If the season goes deeper into February, it could stretch this part of the year out and make it even more of a mental drain for the coaches and support staffers.

12:00

Mike Reiss - Here we go...

12:00

[Comment From Peter]
Mike any news on draft picks signiing contracts yet?

12:01

Mike Reiss - At this point, Peter, all is quiet. The Patriots, if the past is any indication, usually don't get going on those until July. I think they value the ability to work with the player, but not have him count against the 80-man limit.

12:01

[Comment From Volker G]
Mike, how can the Jets sign well known FAs Faneca, Pace, Woody, Jenkins, Scott, Sheppard, Leonhard in 2008-09, afford Favre and Law during that time while drafting 4, 14, 6, 5 from 2006-09 ? The Pats on the other side get older, injury-prone or rather unknown FAs, draft lower and still have to fight the cap and often have to let go real impact players (Branch, Samuel, Wilfork next ?). DO you think the Pats spread their money wisely ? When TB was injured last year i didn't see too much of the well paid backup players who stepped up and contributed in important games (that usually ended with losses).

12:03

Mike Reiss - A lot to digest here, Volker G, but I think more than anything it comes down to a major difference in team-building approach. The Jets did pay that big money. At the same time, they had to cut some players free to make it work, like TE Chris Baker, who is now on the Patriots. I think the Jets' approach is more volatile, the Patriots' approach a bit more consistent and built for the long-term. I do think the Patriots spend their money wisely, although there are some instances I would like to see them be more proactive (Asante Samuel in 2006, Vince Wilfork in 2008).

12:04

[Comment From Josh]
While I'll admit that an Ellis, or Burgess, or something of the sort may make me feel a little better, am I crazy for not wanting Peppers? Sure, he'd dominate the afc east, but the money'd be ridiculous. Also, Patrick Chung, getting enough snaps, defensive rookie of the year? I'm beyond excited to watch this kid play!

12:04

Mike Reiss - Josh, I don't think you're crazy when factoring in the money aspect, but I do think Peppers is a heck of a player and any team would want him if it could work out. If all the safeties are healthy, I don't see Chung getting enough snaps for DROY honors.

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