Based on the reporting of Ian Rapoport, last night NFL.com published an article stating that Martellus Bennett will be testing free agency, and Bill Belichick and the Patriots might very well pass on Bennett for the money he will be seeking.
The Patriots traded for Bennett when he was on his last year of his four year contract with the Bears. They reportedly offered him 7 million a year at the time, for unknown years, and Bennett turned it down.
So 7 million a year would probably be the starting point for negotiations with another team. Since Gronkowski earns 9 million a year, the Patriots would go no higher than that and probably would not even be willing to match Gronkowski's deal.
Interesting call for the Giants. They would probably like to go to a younger man in age than Bennett, who will be the dreaded 30 at the start of next season. Maybe even go high in the draft for a tight end. And they would probably have to meet or exceed the 9 million that Gronkowski gets. Over pay him. And Bennett, not to question his character, but coming off a Super Bowl win might not be as hungry this year as he was last year.
But he would instantly plug that hole at tight end for three years with a player they already know. A player who has been saying nice things about Eli and the Giants. A player who caught as many passes for New England as he did in his year with the Giants, 55, although targeted 17 less times.
The Giants have successfully brought in veteran free agents in the past to help them go over the top in Super Bowl years. Antrel Rolle, Antonio Pierce, Kawika Mitchell and Michael Boley come to mind.
Martellus Bennett will test free agency. - (
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7 million would likely net the Giants 2 backup RBs, a WR to replace Cruz, and a guard to compete with Hart.
Go draft and hope that the kid we draft will be able to contribute right away, like Bossy?
There is a reason why someone with his kind of talent winds up going from team to team. Martellus is all about Martellus.
Donnell
Rainey
Darkwa
Jennings
Jerry
Newhouse
Beatty
Cruz
I'd be alright with bringing guys like Jerry and Newhouse back on dirt cheap deals to compete for spots. The Giants blowing 7 million on an aging TE or 10 million on a good guard is putting a lot of eggs into few baskets. I'd rather the Giants look to incrementally improve upon the players above. Small improvements across the board to go along with competition from rookies will make a difference.
7 million would likely net the Giants 2 backup RBs, a WR to replace Cruz, and a guard to compete with Hart.
You'll never get him for 3. The Patriots might pay him 7. He had a good season with them and got along well in the clubhouse.
His experience on a Super Bowl winning team might be good for the Giants.
Of course you can't be sure who might not have liked him during his one year with the Giants. He is kind of a loud mouth.
It would plug one of the holes in the offense with a good player and let them focus on other offensive needs.
And, as stated, Eli would have to be all right with it.
It says something that Belichick wants him back, and he might bid as high for him as 7 for three or four years.
Seems to make sense for them with Gronk now labeled as injury-prone and can't be relied on to stay healthy.
Something in Bennett's favor is that he has played in 135 of 144 games in his career. Only in 2015 did he play less than 14 games in a season. He played in all 16 for the Giants and the Patriots.
Still, I'd be a little worried that winning the big one might make him play without the same desire the next season.
I agree. If there was ever a year to draft a tight end, this is it.
At a price of 5 million a year, though, I think the Pats would take him back. Gronk is a health worry now.
I didn't think there would be so much hostility to Bennett. No question that caution is called for before any deal, but he was a Giant for a year and played very well.
Lots of offense to be straightened out this offseason.
Consider Bennett a plug and play at TE and move on to the next position to be filled? Not such a bad idea.
We know that Belichick does not overpay in general, so that reported number may be too high. But New England was over a barrel with their tight end oriented offense and one of their tight ends being charged with multiple felonies and the other becoming an injury magnet. If Bennett is out there Jerry will find out what he wants to be paid and work from there.
This would be a good year for drafting a TE. It's just how long would it take for a draftee to come up to speed especially with the blocking and with a draftee you can never be sure in advance if he's going to make the transfer to the Pros.
It is probably fair value for him. If the giants paid a fair market value for a very good capable starter at every position they would be over the cap before they built half the team.
Spending 7 million a year on a 30 year old TE means you can't spend that 7 million elsewhere - I think that is the problem.
Patrick77 : 2/22/2017 5:26 pm : link : reply
At 3 absolutely. He will probably get a fat short term contract.
7 million would likely net the Giants 2 backup RBs, a WR to replace Cruz, and a guard to compete with Hart.
Your wife must handle the bills, if you think you can get that for 7M.....
I saw this guy play for the Pats when hurt, because Gronk was out with an injury......I saw him split out and eat up corners.....I would love him on the team.....
But we can't afford him.....Pay him 7M? Hell, I've seen people wanting to pay Whitworth 12M.....But he will be looking for a big payday....
Gronk is not happy with his contract....He knows if he goes to BB to renegotiate, BB will say, you know, we won a SB without you.....Actually, Bennett was paid more than Gronk, this past season......and next year, might be Gronk's last with the Pats, when the back end of that contract kicks in....
What do you think this offense would have done with Bennett, this past season? He would have cost 5M and and a 4th round pick(which would be a better pick than the Pats)...I would have done it in a heartbeat....