Colvin gives Pats D athleticism, versatility ESPN.com Much coveted linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, rated as one of the most prized players in free agency and assessed by ESPN.com as the No. 1 unrestricted veteran this spring, reached a contract agreement with the New England Patriots. Financial details of the multi-year deal were not immediately available. The addition of Colvin, 25, provides the Patriots great flexibility and further allows head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel the latitude to use both the 4-3 and 3-4 fronts. There has been much speculation that New England would use more of the 3-4 look in 2003, and Colvin is a tremendous fit for that alignment. Colvin is more of a defensive end than a pure linebacker, although his physical dimensions all but dictate that he play the latter position full-time. His rare blend of athleticism, however, gives Patriots coaches plenty of options in how to deploy him. Colvin visited four other teams early in the signing period and finally met with New England officials last weekend. Sources said that even before that meeting, however, the Patriots were working on a deal with Colvin. The four-year veteran gives the Patriots their best pass rush threat in years and should help free up Willie McGinest. With the explosive Colvin likely to operate opposite him in some fronts, McGinest's value as a rusher should be significantly enhanced. Colvin posted 10½ sacks in each of the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears, the only NFL team he had played for, but a club that could not afford to retain him because of financial commitments to its other linebackers. New England has not had a player record double-digits sacks since 1995. A fourth-round draft choice of the Bears in 1999, Colvin has totaled 210 tackles, 26 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three recoveries and eight passes defensed in 56 appearances and 36 starts. The former Purdue standout was principally a strong-side linebacker during his Bears tenure. His free-agency visits over the past two weeks included meetings with Detroit, Arizona, Houston and the New York Giants.
Tsk. I thought he would've been an excellent addition to our D. Like I said before, you can't blame these guys, they want to play for a contender NOW. The Texans should get some big name FA's in the next couple of offseasons.
This offseason sucks already and it just started. We lost Colvin, never made a play for Boston, and Davis is leaning towards Carolina. Espn reported that Priest Holmes and D. Vermil were not seeing eye to eye and his future there is in doubt. #3 pick for Priest would be a nice fantasy deal.
So you wouldn't trade the #3 for Holmes? I would because Holmes is a proven player and I think he could help Carr out alot because he has very good hands and can pick up the blitz.
um, helloooo. Priest is 30 years old and injured. Trade the number 3 for a guy who might be around 3 or 4 more years? Don't think so.
You act like 30 is old. Priest has atleast 5 good years ahead of him and could be a hall of fame back when its all said and done. Andre Johnson is a great talent but could turn out to be another Michael Westbrook. Im not saying he will Im just saying there is a chance. Priest could carry the Texans offense because he is that special.
The Texans brass has been saying all along that they will not be major players in the FA market. With that being said, I'm not surprised we didn't get Colvin. I guess Stephen Davis is the one higher-level FA we go/went after.
Holmes may be relatively old, but out of his 5 year career, he has really only played 3 years. His legs are still fresh. He's got 4 good years left.
Chiefs have a better O-line than the Texans. Hmmm, Holmes has a breakout year as soon as Willie Roaf is signed. Will Shields and John Tait is also on that line.
Holmes had a good year before Roaf was signed. It wasn't as good as this year but he had some great stats.
If youve ever watched him play, you would see that he is a great back. He can run with power and with finesse. The O-Line is indeed pretty damn good, but Holmes could start for any team.
I cant see how you guys are surprised that we didnt get Colvin. He came purely as a courtesy to Capers, but never indicated that signing with the Texans was likely.
Patriots sign free agent safety Harrison March 12, 2003 FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- The New England Patriots signed Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison, their second significant move to bolster their defense in less than 24 hours. Patriots spokesman Anthony Moretti said Harrison agreed to terms with New England uesday night. Terms were not disclosed. The Patriots also signed linebacker Rosevelt Colvin on Tuesday. Harrison, 30, was plagued by a groin injury last season. He started 13 games, recording two interceptions, two sacks and 88 tackles, including 12 in the final game of the year against Seattle, tying a season high. Harrison's signing gives the Patriots some flexibility in their secondary. Starting safety Tebucky Jones, whom the team has labeled its franchise player, is unsigned, as is safety Victor Green. Harrison was named to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 2001. His best year statistically was in 2000, when he had six interceptions, six sacks and 127 tackles.
