Should the Patriots go after DT Cullen Jenkins?
With Tom Brady's new deal meaning the New England Patriots have a bit more cap space to work with, we can look at filling more holes in the team through Free Agency. And one of those holes is Defensive Tackle.
Sure, I like Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick, but not as starters. They are nice backups to fill in for Vince Wilfork, but one of the things the Patriots were missing was a pass rush from the inside when Wilfork was taking on two blockers. So maybe this news has alerted the Patriots:
Cullen Jenkins was one of the additions to make up the Philadelphia Eagles "Dream Team" a couple of off seasons back. He managed 9.5 sacks over his two years with the Eagles, despite struggling in the "Wide 9" defense they operated.
And it is only his price tag that is making him leave Philly. He played in every game over his two seasons, and the Eagles are going to take their chances in a draft considered to have great depth in the DT position. Despite being 32 years old, Jenkins still gave the Eagles great production on both passing plays and against the run too.
And I am all for seeing what Jenkins could do in New England. The Eagles signed Jenkins on a $5mil/year contract, and I think he'd be good value for the Patriots at a figure around there. He can still give a lot in an area we need to improve on, in the form of the interior pass rush. And of course, the Patriots being a near certain contender in 2013 will appeal to Jenkins.
However, he will have many suitors, and there will be teams willing to overpay for a guy like Jenkins. I would be willing to pay $5mil/year, but not much more. With other needs to be filled (mainly the secondary) and not a lot of draft picks, spending too much filling a need that isn't the most serious on the team wouldn't be wise.
What do you think about Jenkins? Comment below or let me know on Twitter @BrendanAnnely
Sure, I like Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick, but not as starters. They are nice backups to fill in for Vince Wilfork, but one of the things the Patriots were missing was a pass rush from the inside when Wilfork was taking on two blockers. So maybe this news has alerted the Patriots:
And here come the changes in Philadelphia: Eagles have told DT Cullen Jenkins they plan to release him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 25, 2013
Cullen Jenkins was one of the additions to make up the Philadelphia Eagles "Dream Team" a couple of off seasons back. He managed 9.5 sacks over his two years with the Eagles, despite struggling in the "Wide 9" defense they operated.And it is only his price tag that is making him leave Philly. He played in every game over his two seasons, and the Eagles are going to take their chances in a draft considered to have great depth in the DT position. Despite being 32 years old, Jenkins still gave the Eagles great production on both passing plays and against the run too.
And I am all for seeing what Jenkins could do in New England. The Eagles signed Jenkins on a $5mil/year contract, and I think he'd be good value for the Patriots at a figure around there. He can still give a lot in an area we need to improve on, in the form of the interior pass rush. And of course, the Patriots being a near certain contender in 2013 will appeal to Jenkins.
However, he will have many suitors, and there will be teams willing to overpay for a guy like Jenkins. I would be willing to pay $5mil/year, but not much more. With other needs to be filled (mainly the secondary) and not a lot of draft picks, spending too much filling a need that isn't the most serious on the team wouldn't be wise.
What do you think about Jenkins? Comment below or let me know on Twitter @BrendanAnnely
