The New England Patriots made a suprise move yesterday by releasing seventh round draft pick tight end Andy Stokes and signed rookie tight end Matt Brandt. Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe and Tom Curran of the Providence Journal both offer reports on yesterday's move and break down the Patriots depth at tight end. Curran also notes that tight end Jed Weaver has been particularly sharp in training camp as he makes a bid for a roster spot.
The New York Jets made official the signing of former Patriots cornerback Ty Law yesterday. Though the terms of the deal were not officially announced, Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe, Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald and Tom Curran of the Providence Journal all report that Law's deal could be worth as much as $28.5 million over three years and more than $50 million over seven years.
Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant also writes an article on former Patriots cornerback Ty Law and offers players comments on both his past contributions to the team and his recent signing with the New York Jets.
Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe offers a story on Patriots cornerback Duane Starks. Starks is very happy to be on a winning team now, though he does not regret the three years he played for the Arizona Cardinals. "It's good to be on a team that has a winning edge," Starks said. ''All I can say is that I'm happy to be here."
Rich Thompson of the Boston Globe offers a story on Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel. Thompson writes that Mike Vrabel has consistently demonstrated an inherent knowledge on how the game should be played at the highest level. Head coach Bill Belichick would agree as well. "Mike is a smart person period. He's a very smart football player and he understands everything pretty much conceptually that he would want to do. Not just what his assignment is, but what the overall purpose of the defense is. What the strengths are, what the weaknesses are and why you would want to be in one defense as opposed to another when you have multiple calls," said Belichick.
The Patriots kickoff their first preseason game on Friday, August 12th at 7:30pm when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Check out the pre-game report from Rich Thompson of the Boston Globe.
Don't miss Tom Curran's (Providence Journal) daily Patriots blog for the latest notes, rumors and player quotes.
