Sebastian Vollmer deal hasn't been done yet
So, news had come out that Free Agent Right Tackle Sebastian Vollmer had signed with the New England Patriots. Which was brilliant. However, now it would appear that nothing has been agreed to, according to the Boston Globe:
Still, this news is promising. Getting Vollmer back could be key to the Patriots success in the upcoming season. When healthy, he is one of the most dominant Tackles in the NFL, and that's a commodity you can't let leave, even if he has struggled with injuries. The Globe believes his knee surgery in February is something that has stopped Vollmer signing earlier.
Consistent injuries has definitely been Vollmer's issue, and though he has played through injuries, the decrease in his performance has been noticeable. Combine that with Vollmer's willingness to remain a Patriot, and the main issue with the resigning comes to light:
So this could slow things down. But out of the high profile Tackles, only Jake Long has switched teams in Free Agency, so Vollmer has to realise the market might not be there. I would guess that this will be a short term deal, rather than the 4 years reports had suggested, so Vollmer can prove that he can stay healthy not only to the Patriots, but other suitors.
Still, the more important reason for keeping Vollmer is that Tom Brady would have the same Offensive Line as last year (Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly and Vollmer). Brady at times seemed unsure in the pocket, ducking down when there was imminent pressure, or sometimes when pressure was non-existent. Having Solder and Vollmer as his Tackles for a second year secures the edge rush, while Wendell gets a second year at Center, which should help Brady's confidence with the interior rush.
Quiet consistency is the key to a great offensive line, and if Vollmer resigns, it's certainly a great start to achieving that. Stay tuned to @PatriotsLife for the latest.
And you can find me on Twitter too, @BrendanAnnely
Though it is likely to happen eventually, a league source said Sunday that there was no deal done yet between the Patriots and free agent offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
Still, this news is promising. Getting Vollmer back could be key to the Patriots success in the upcoming season. When healthy, he is one of the most dominant Tackles in the NFL, and that's a commodity you can't let leave, even if he has struggled with injuries. The Globe believes his knee surgery in February is something that has stopped Vollmer signing earlier.
Consistent injuries has definitely been Vollmer's issue, and though he has played through injuries, the decrease in his performance has been noticeable. Combine that with Vollmer's willingness to remain a Patriot, and the main issue with the resigning comes to light:
The source said Vollmer does want to remain with the Patriots, who made him the 58th overall pick four years ago. But it is possible that Vollmer wanting to stay with New England has the team looking for a hometown discount-type deal.
So this could slow things down. But out of the high profile Tackles, only Jake Long has switched teams in Free Agency, so Vollmer has to realise the market might not be there. I would guess that this will be a short term deal, rather than the 4 years reports had suggested, so Vollmer can prove that he can stay healthy not only to the Patriots, but other suitors.
Still, the more important reason for keeping Vollmer is that Tom Brady would have the same Offensive Line as last year (Nate Solder, Logan Mankins, Ryan Wendell, Dan Connolly and Vollmer). Brady at times seemed unsure in the pocket, ducking down when there was imminent pressure, or sometimes when pressure was non-existent. Having Solder and Vollmer as his Tackles for a second year secures the edge rush, while Wendell gets a second year at Center, which should help Brady's confidence with the interior rush.
Quiet consistency is the key to a great offensive line, and if Vollmer resigns, it's certainly a great start to achieving that. Stay tuned to @PatriotsLife for the latest.
And you can find me on Twitter too, @BrendanAnnely