Tom Curran of the Providence Journal reports that the Patriots officially announced yesterday that they have reached an agreement with defensive lineman Richard Seymour. "We are very pleased that this situation has been resolved and that our complete focus can move back to the field," said a joint statement from Seymour and the team. "We firmly believe it is in our best interest to concentrate fully on training camp and the challenges that lie ahead for the upcoming season." Curran reports that Seymour will receive a $1.2 million pay raise this season which will bring his salary to $4 million which is still well below the franchise number for defensive tackles and more than $2.5 million less than the franchise number for defensive ends. Mark Blaudschun of the Boston Globe, Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant and Dan Pires of the Standard Times also report on Seymours new deal.
Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports that both the Patriots and Richard Semour deserve credit for the manner in which Seymours hold out was handled. The situation had the potential to be very messy and in the end both sides reach a happy agreement with no damage done. "If he can get it resolved without going through the media, that's how he wants to do it. I think any Patriot player will do that because of the respect we have around here for each other, and for the organization. I think he handled it real well," said Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork.
Mark Blaudschun of the Boston Globe reports NFL veteran referee Walt Coleman schooled players, coaches and the media on the new NFL rule changes and points of emphasis for the upcoming NFL season yesterday at Gillette Stadium. The session centered on changes involving player safety and new penalties for crack-back and open-field horse-collar tackles. Tom Curran of the Providence Journal also offers a story on the NFL rule changes.
Wide receiver David Terrell has seemingly become a favorite target of Tom Brady this training camp. The two have hooked up for several big plays thusfar in training camp. ''I think there is definitely chemistry there," coach Bill Belichick said. "We saw that early when David first came to New England and the workouts started. There was a certain comfort -- maybe not comfort level -- but a confidence level and a reference point. They had success with it and there was an understanding between those two players probably unlike any other relationship between Tom and another receiver." Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe, Tom Curran of the Providence Journal and Dan Pires of the Standard Times all offer stories today on David Terrell.
The *Providence Journal* now offers a sports blog with Patriots notes. The blog discusses Seymours new deal, practice notes from last night's in Stadium practice and players comments on Seymour being back with the team.
