Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe writes that David Givens spent last night in Nashville, pondering his NFL future, as the Titans put a $24 million offer on the table attempting to persuade the Patriots' free agent wideout to make Tennessee his home for the next five years. While the extended stay in the Music City would seem to indicate a lean toward signing with the Titans, Givens's agent, Brad Blank, said a decision has yet to be made. "I think it's a good idea to spend time there, a place he has never really been, to see the city before deciding if that is where he wants to live," Blank said. The Patriots apparently are waiting to see what Givens's best offer is before making a counter.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest has yet to hear from the Patriots regarding a return to the team and is ready to finish his career elsewhere, according to an interview with ESPN.com. "There are a lot of great memories from all those seasons in New England," McGinest said, "but they're called memories for a reason. I've still got some history to go out and make." The Patriots cut McGinest last week rather than pay him a $3.5 million roster bonus. He stood to make at least $7 million in salary next season.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald reports that Willie McGinest will visit the Cleveland Browns today to start a process he believes will lead him out of New England. A number of other teams are interested, with the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins considered potential suitors.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal writes that the Patriots are watching their middle-class players take flight. In addition to Chatham, Davis and Fauria, Tim Dwight and Tom Ashworth continue to interview elsewhere. There's been nary a peep on right guard Stephen Neal, although a Chargers official yesterday quashed a rumor that Neal was headed there. Meanwhile, some players suited to the Patriots' system are flying off the shelves. Wide receiver Brian Finneran, whose agent initiated talks with the Pats to no avail, signed back in Atlanta and linebacker Scott Fujita, a 250-pounder who plays in the 3-4 and 4-3, signed with New Orleans. Chances are good the Pats know free agency has started. And they are no doubt clearing that space for someone. But who?
Eric McHugh of the Patriot Ledger and John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that the Patriots may still be in the running for wide receiver David Givens after all. The team and Givens' agent, Brad Blank, have spoken the last two days and discussed the general parameters of a contract that would keep Givens in New England, though they've yet to exchange detailed proposals.
Glen Farley of The Enterprise writes that veteran wide receiver Andre' Davis' move to Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent in a signing the Bills announced on Sunday leaves the Patriots with only two wide receivers from 2005 - Deion Branch and Bethel Johnson - under contract for the upcoming season. Although it paled in comparison to their signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, last night the Washington Redskins also announced the addition of Christian Fauria.
Mark Farinella of the Sun Chroncicle reports that the Patriots cut ties with linebacker Chad Brown. Brown, released Monday by the team, was due a $200,000 roster bonus on March 22 and would have counted approximately $1 million against this year's $102 million salary cap.
Rich Cimini of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets have signed former Patriots linebacker/special teamer Matt Chatham, according to his agent, Paul Sheehy.
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes. Reiss also offers his latest Patriots mailbag which focuses on new contracts for wideout David Givens and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
