Guest Smell the ratings!!! Report post Posted September 2, 2003 (from ESPN) Four-time Pro Bowl strong safety Lawyer Milloy was released by the Patriots on Tuesday after refusing to take a paycut. Milloy, 29, was in the fourth year of a seven-year, $35 million contract and was scheduled to make $4.5 million this year. He had a $5.856 million cap number, which New England was trying to reduce. The Patriots will lose $4.05 million off of next year's salary cap because the remaining proration of his contract. "This is a player and person I have immense respect for, and he meant a lot to this team and organization," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "Unfortunately he's a casualty of the system. The timing is not good. We tried to find a way to make it work. In the end, we weren't able to get to that point." Belichick said the negotiations for a revised deal have been ongoing since April. Belichick said this is not the way he wanted the relationship to end, adding that a player of Milloy's caliber can't be replaced. Milloy played 106 consecutive games and has been the Patriots' captain the past three seasons. The Patriots signed strong safety Rodney Harrison to work with him during the offseason; Harrison has been working at free safety. Antwan Harris and Chris Akins will compete for the strong safety job. There are no plans to bring in another player from outside the organization. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ripper 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 Sign him Falcons... With Hall down for a while, you need a SS!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 Next collective bargaining agreement there has to MAJOR changes to the NFL salary cap. Its a joke when a team has to cut a starter for cap reasons just a few days before the season starts. This is the type of shit that could cause a player strike when the current agreement is up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
razazteca 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 Well he should of asked for a bigger signing bonus and fire his agent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 I am not going to weep for their cap situation when they signed Roosevelt Colvin (one of the top three FAs this offseason), Rodney Harrison (top 5 FAs), and just traded for Ted Washington. Decisions have to be made between players and if Milloy wouldn't renegotiate to their liking he is obviously going to take the fall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 Can't blame a guy in the NFL for not wanting to take a pay cut. To me what the Pats did is just as bad as a player wanting to re-do a contract. He'll be scooped up quickly... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 I don't think what the Pats did is as bad, because usually don't the players get a bigger signing bonus in renegotiated contracts? So if the player is getting more upfront, guaranteed money it isn't too bad. I do think it is cowardly to claim he was a product of the system, as opposed to saying they think the players they signed will help them more than Milloy. God damn that is a big chunk of money to lose next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nl5xsk1 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 For all the money that Milloy was due to get this year, he wasn't producing much on the field. Last year, he had exactly the same number of sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, and caused fumbles as I DID! (and yes, that would be ZERO across the board). It takes more than big hits to justify a $4.5 million dollar salary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fazzle 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 And to add to the story: Could standout strong safety Lawyer Milloy actually line up against his former team in Sunday's regular season opener? Don't bet against it. Armed with Drew Bledsoe's endorsement, the Buffalo Bills have already contacted Milloy's agents and made an opening contract proposal, ESPN.com has learned. The Patriots and Bills meet in Buffalo Sunday in what already is seen as a key matchup of AFC East contenders. Several teams may interested in Milloy, a top safety and respected locker room presence. A few might hesitate to sign Milloy, 29, before this wekend, since "vested" veterans have their base salaries guaranteed on opening day, but Buffalo wants to complete a deal quickly if the financial numbers are right. "We'd sign him right now and play him on Sunday," said a high-ranking team official. The current Buffalo starters, Coy Wire and Pierson Priloeau, are solid defenders but not in Milloy's class. The two did not have an interception between them in 2002. --Len Pasquarelli Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 I liked Milloy for all the years he spent here but i'm not sad to see him go at all. The Patriots will not bend for anyone and I like that in a team. He wouldnt help the team out so he got cut. Simple as that. Have fun in buffalo Lawyer, and good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LaParkaMarka 0 Report post Posted September 2, 2003 It would be interesting if Buffalo signed him, but aren't there other teams who really need help on D? I'm thinking Detroit/Cincy here. Or maybe a better team with a bad D, like the Chiefs. Who has cap room to take the guy? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Flyboy Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Goddamnit, New Orleans. Get your ass on it and sign him. With Sammy Knight gone, you NEED another strong safety. Jesus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Smell the ratings!!! Report post Posted September 3, 2003 The race is on. (from ESPN) If safety Lawyer Milloy is a veteran of at least moderately declining skills, as suggested by some New England officials after a Tuesday morning departure that sent shockwaves through the Patriots locker room, other teams around the league clearly don't share that assessment of him. Within two hours of Milloy's stunning release, ESPN.com reported Tuesday afternoon that the Buffalo Bills had already made a solid contract offer. By Tuesday night, Milloy and his representatives were mulling offers from at least three franchises, ESPN.com had learned. And a decision on where the seven-year veteran will resume his career could come as early as Wednesday, as some of the teams are seeking an expeditious resolution, and negotiations on all fronts are accelerating. "We'd sign him right now and play him on Sunday," said Buffalo team president Tom Donahoe. "We've made it clear that we want him here." The Bills host the Patriots in Sunday's regular-season opener in what already is viewed as a critical AFC East matchup. Beyond the Bills, the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints have made offers and remain in the hunt. It is believed Washington has offered a multi-year contract that would pay Milloy about $5 million over the first two seasons. League sources said that the Saints had offered a three-year contract. The Minnesota Vikings demonstrated early interest and then, when they saw where the market was headed, backed off later in the day. The New York Jets also made at least one exploratory phone call but it is believed their interest waned as well. Responses were mixed when ESPN.com phoned league personnel directors and general managers throughout the day Tuesday to ask if they think Milloy's abilities had declined. But most personnel men surveyed said they felt Milloy is still among the NFL's top players at his position. Several noted that his big-play skills were somewhat diminished but that he still had several good years remaining. "It doesn't show up on film," said one general manager of Milloy's alleged decline. Milloy was entering the fourth season of a seven-year, $35 million contract that was seen as a landmark deal for a safety when he signed it in 2000. New England will save $4.4 million on its 2003 cap but will have to count about $6 million on its 2004 spending limit because of various prorated signing bonus segments. Patriots sources said late Tuesday night that keeping Milloy on the regular-season roster would have pushed the team over the 2003 cap limit and perhaps forced the release of a starter or two. During the offseason, the so-called "rule of 51" applies to a team's salary cap, meaning it must count only its highest-paid 51 players against the ceiling. But when the regular season begins, every player under contract counts against the cap, and a club's account typically rises. The scheduled 2003 cap charge for Milloy was $5.836 million. The two sides had been working on a potential reworked deal for four or five months but could not get together on numbers amenable to Milloy and the Patriots brass. Of the three teams known to still be chasing Milloy, all offer a degree of attractiveness, and he may ultimately be forced to decide between money and a chance to perhaps play in a third Super Bowl game. In Buffalo, he would be reunited with former New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who urged Bills officials to sign Milloy, and who spoke with the safety by phone a few times on Tuesday. There is also the specter of being able to play the Patriots twice yearly, an obvious revenge element. Bledsoe, who is being counted on to demonstrate his skills as a recruiter, figures to be Buffalo's big plus. The Bills want more big plays from their safeties and their current starters, Pierson Prioleau and Coy Wire, combined for zero interceptions in 2002. Going to New Orleans would reunite Milloy with his former Patriots safety partner, Tebucky Jones, who was traded to the Saints this spring. During the several weeks in which team officials were negotiating the Jones swap, ESPN.com confirmed the Patriots several times offered Milloy as an alternative in the trade. New Orleans last week lost starting free safety Mel Mitchell to a knee injury. Last year's starter, Jay Bellamy, has been promoted into the lineup. Some Saints officials see him, though, as a liability in the club's revamped defense. Given the past history of owner Daniel Snyder, the Redskins may well offer the most money of all Milloy's suitors. Washington has more than $5 million in cap room, may not blink if the financial ante is raised, and certainly could use a player of Milloy's ilk to anchor its interior secondary. One of the Saints' players said Tuesday night that Milloy had hinted he favored the Redskins but wanted more time to consider his decision. While the action was heated for the teams pursuing Milloy, his former New England teammates remained puzzled by the move, and by its unusual timing. "Has it ever been this quiet in here? I don't think it has," said linebacker Tedy Bruschi, a former Milloy teammate, of the Pats' locker room. "I think 'shocked' is the word. . . . You sort of just shake your head and ask yourself, 'Why?' " Milloy started in 106 consecutive games going back to his rookie year in 1996, when the Patriots won the AFC championship but lost to Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXI. He led the team in tackles in 2001, when New England won Super Bowl XXXVI. But last year, Milloy had no sacks, no forced fumbles, no sacks and no interceptions. His 91 tackles represented his fewest since he became a full-time starter. The Patriots will not concede this point, at least not publicly, but some team officials and coaches felt Milloy had not performed on the field to his salary level. Said coach Bill Belichick in announcing the release: "Today is a day that nobody is happy about. This isn't the way we wanted this story to end. This is the hardest player that I have had to release. It was the hardest situation that I've had to go through like this, here or anywhere else." The Patriots have said they did not make the move in order to create a position for a player to be added from outside the organization. They stressed publicly the release was a financial matter only and said Milloy's successor will come from a group of younger players that includes Antwan Harris, Aric Morris and Chris Akins, none of whom has ever been a starter. "It is scary in the timing," said New England cornerback Ty Law, who has the same agent as Milloy, and who has also been approached about reworking his contract. "There is such a thing as good business and bad business. I don't know what category this one falls under. But to my eyes, and being selfish, at this late in the game and in regard to him and his family, I'm sure this is something that could have been done a long time ago." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted September 3, 2003 He should go where the money is. He's already been in two super bowls and this is likely his last chance to get a large contract. Unless he signs a one year deal with a contender. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Flyboy Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Unless he signs a one year deal with a contender. *cough*Tampa Bay*cough*. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted September 3, 2003 I doubt Tampa would go out of their way to sign him unless he'd sign with them for far below his market value. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Agent_Bond34 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 My 49ers could certainly use a guy like Milloy back there in the secondary. And Bored, what the hell is going on in that pic in your sig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Satanico Report post Posted September 3, 2003 He'll end up going to Buffalo. Unless he's good friends with Tebucky Jones who the Saints signed earlier this year or Snyder makes him an offer he can't refuse. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Of the three... I can't see Washington having that good a shot. Sure they could offer him a boatload (and then cut him soon after when all these FA contracts excalate on them) but they AREN'T contenders for anything...and they don't have the teamate advantage that Bledsoe and Tebucky have for the other teams. He'll either be a Saint or a Bill. I know that Bledsoe has been on the phone with him on Teusday trying to get him to come here...and they are supposedly good friends. I've found two places that say there is a verbal agreement...but neither site is what I would call rock solid trustworthy. I figure he was all ready to say yes to Buffalo...and then the other 2 offers came in. He'll sign somewhere tomorrow. If Donahoe really wants him...he'll be a Bill. He gets what he wants. If it were me, I'd go to Buffalo. Still play the Jets and Dolphins twice a year. Starting spot all ready for him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 My 49ers could certainly use a guy like Milloy back there in the secondary. And Bored, what the hell is going on in that pic in your sig? Bronson (when healthy) and Parrish are fine at safety for the Niners. Didn't watch Raw, eh? That's Kane attaching jumper cables to Shane's nuts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Agent_Bond34 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 My 49ers could certainly use a guy like Milloy back there in the secondary. And Bored, what the hell is going on in that pic in your sig? Bronson (when healthy) and Parrish are fine at safety for the Niners. I know, when Bronson and Parrish are healthy, they're fine. But, more depth is always a good thing. Didn't watch Raw, eh? That's Kane attaching jumper cables to Shane's nuts No, I missed Raw this past Monday, so I had no clue what that was about. I'm out of the loop, as far as WWE storylines go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 ESPN is reporting he chose the Bills. I thought for sure Snyder would get him...but I'm happy he didn't, since he's a definite upgrade over our safety situation (one of the two major weak spots on the team) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ecto Cooler Report post Posted September 3, 2003 BILLS SIGNED HIM! FUCKING YEAH! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 I love this! Nothing better than being able to watch Drew AND Lawyer get stuck on the Red Sox of the NFL. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Yes. The lesson is cut our team captains. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ecto Cooler Report post Posted September 3, 2003 I love this! Nothing better than being able to watch Drew AND Lawyer get stuck on the Red Sox of the NFL. You just jinxed our season, damnit! If we go 2-14, I blame you... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 lol, don;t worry I already expect to finish 3-13 like the last time the Pats went 4-0 in the Pre-Season. /sarcasm Anyways. We all know the division will come down to Miami and New England. Buffalo is good, but not their time yet. They need a REAL quarterback who has some jersey recognition skills. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Yes. The lesson is cut our team captains. Oh yes and the other lesson is..."Be a team player and take a damn pay cut, or play somewhere else you aging overrated has-been" I'm not bitter at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Ecto Cooler Report post Posted September 3, 2003 I've been going to Bills games since I was 4 years old, so I'm a die-hard fan. I want to think this is our season. But the back of my mind says Drew's going to hurt himself mid-season and we'll be fucked. It's kind of like you can't live with him, can't live without him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Ghost of bps21 0 Report post Posted September 3, 2003 Yes. The lesson is cut our team captains. Oh yes and the other lesson is..."Be a team player and take a damn pay cut, or play somewhere else you aging overrated has-been" I'm not bitter at all. Is it his fault that they offered him that contract and then couldn't manage the cap? I wouldn't take a pay cut when I sit and watch them pay all that money to Colvin and then take on Ted Washington's salary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
