Reruns?

The Patriots got an early start on trimming the roster by releasing four free agents: NT Steve Fifita, OL Jimmy Martin, CB Jeff Shoate, and TE Jonathan Stupar. Ho-hum. The next round of cuts is where it gets interesting.

As I mentioned before, besides trimming the fat from this roster and assembling a practice squad, they'll be looking at other cuts around the league. One early cut caught my attention: the Houston Texans released LB/DE Rosevelt Colvin. Remember the Patriots cut him because he would had cost the team several million dollars and based on his injury history, he wouldn't be worth the cash. He signed with the Texans as a free agent.

I read the Texans preview in the Sports Illustrated NFL Preview issue and it seems like Colvin harbors no bitterness towards the Pats and how they cut him. I remember the Indianapolis Colts were interested in Colvin, but that was before the draft. Indy drafted two OLBs in Phillip Wheeler and Marcus Howard. The Colts probably wouldn't be interested in Colvin at this point.

What I wonder is would the Pats bring Colvin back for one year? He'd probably have to accept a minimum salary in order to come back, but head coach Bill Belichick has a soft spot for his kind of guys and Colvin seemed like one of them.

As a situational pass rusher to spell either OLBs Adalius Thomas or Mike Vrabel, Colvin could work. I wouldn't want to take my chances with Rosey and put him in coverage. SI said Colvin still has pain from the hip injury that nearly ended his career. Add to that the foot injury that cost him the last six games of 2007 and the playoffs and Colvin is a risky signing.

But why even discuss it? When you're talking about a team that gave another chance to the likes of LB Junior Seau and S John Lynch, it sounds like a move New England would do. Hell, they're allegedly still talking to CB Ty Law about a possible return. Why not Colvin too?

Eh...I think I've had enough of these "for old times sake" players. I'd only welcome back Seau. Law lost a step so no to him playing corner (although Law as a free safety does appeal to me). I don't even want Lynch for goodness sake!

Colvin, you had a good run, but the Patriots parted with you for a reason. Sorry to Brett Favre you, but we've moved on. Your younger replacements are here to stay (Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable). You, my friend, can stay away.

Elsewhere, I did a national preview of the Patriots and New York Giants and the challenges they face entering the 2008 season. It's a little lengthy, but worth the read.