Aqib Talib might be looking for a one-year deal
The great Mike Reiss offers up his insightful perspective on where the questions that's on everyone's minds.
What's going on with Aqib Talib?
ESPNBoston:
So basically, cornerbacks haven't been getting big pay days like Talib hoped. That means Talib could either take what the others are getting, or look to be a rental for the Patriots - or another team - again and hope the market is better next year.
Either way, everything we've heard positions the Patriots as favorites to retain him. The Redskins apparently had the desire to go after him but they just don't have the money. So far, no other teams have been listed in connection to Talib. Expect this deal to get done sooner or later.
Should the Patriots stop at Talib though, or do they bring in another corner?
In my ideal world, I would bring in Freeney and Abraham. Then sign Talib and Brent Grimes. I'd try to make a run at Sebastian Vollmer but it'd be tough after those signings so you may have to look to a cheaper option at RT or the draft.
Related:
Adam Schefter expects Aqib Talib to return to Patriots
Redskins trying and failing to sign Aqib Talib
Patriots trying to get Talib deal sorted soon
Dennard's Verdict Opens the Door for Talib Deal
What's going on with Aqib Talib?
ESPNBoston:
So from Talib's perspective, the question is whether he takes a multi-year deal at a total figure that he believes doesn't match his worth, or a shorter-term deal that gives him the opportunity to put together a solid 2013 season and then potentially hit the market again in 2014.
If Talib leans toward the shorter-term deal, the Patriots would have the edge on most of their competition because of their salary cap flexibility and willingness to pay a top market price to retain him, as well as Talib's belief that returning to New England would put him in a high-profile situation to showcase his talent to potential suitors in 2014.
So basically, cornerbacks haven't been getting big pay days like Talib hoped. That means Talib could either take what the others are getting, or look to be a rental for the Patriots - or another team - again and hope the market is better next year.
Either way, everything we've heard positions the Patriots as favorites to retain him. The Redskins apparently had the desire to go after him but they just don't have the money. So far, no other teams have been listed in connection to Talib. Expect this deal to get done sooner or later.
Should the Patriots stop at Talib though, or do they bring in another corner?
In my ideal world, I would bring in Freeney and Abraham. Then sign Talib and Brent Grimes. I'd try to make a run at Sebastian Vollmer but it'd be tough after those signings so you may have to look to a cheaper option at RT or the draft.
Related:
Adam Schefter expects Aqib Talib to return to Patriots
Redskins trying and failing to sign Aqib Talib
Patriots trying to get Talib deal sorted soon
Dennard's Verdict Opens the Door for Talib Deal