The State of the Patriots: Free Agency Splash

Now four days into free agency, things are starting to take shape around the NFL. Top players on the market are making their way to their new homes, and negotiations are in full swing for anyone who hasn't landed somewhere yet. The Patriots are playing a large part again this season, but it's a little different than it was in 2007. Last year, they made a splash by signing many top level players. This year, it looks as though they're doing the opposite. Some key guys have already made their exit from Foxboro. Here's a recap of what's happened so far: Asante Samuel - Many have regarded Samuel as the biggest name to hit the market this season. As a Patriots fan, I know this to be somewhat silly, as Asante is not the shutdown corner that he has been credited for being in the last couple of years. He is mostly a product of circumstance. Almost half of the 10 interceptions he collected in 2006 were deflected passes that fell into his hands. It's pretty easy to look like a good CB when the ... (link)