Good News Times Two

This morning Patriot fans have two reasons to be happy. First, of course, is the resigning of wide out Randy Moss. It took longer than most wanted, leading to days of anxiety as various news outlets put out stories that Moss was insulted by the Pats' offer and was fielding other offers. There was even the story that he talked to Daunte Culpepper, his former quarterback when they were in Minnesota, about reuiting for a team. How true were these stories, we might never know (although, upon reflection, that Moss-Culpepper package deal is really absurd). The point is the record-breaking combo of Brady-to-Moss should continue to connect for at least three more years.

The length of the contract is a little surprising. Only three years. Granted it's what the up front money that matters most and Moss is getting $15 million guaranteed. The positive for Moss is if he has two highly productive seasons, it puts the Patriots in a bind. Do they negotiate an extension or risk letting Moss play out the third year and cash in on another big payday as a free agent? He will be 34 by the end of the contract, but could still have a couple of good years left in him by that point. He likely will lose a step or two with age, but he won't get shorter, so he will remain a valuable target even when he slows down.

But that's thinking too far ahead. This free agency season hasn't been kind to the Pats as they lost CBs Asante Samuel and Randal Gay and receiver Donte' Stallworth. The LB depth is dangerously shallow after waiving Rosevelt Colvin and failing to add Zach Thomas to the unit.

Which leads to the second positive from Monday. The New York Jets signed DE/LB Calvin Pace from Arizona. Why is this good news? Because if the Jets can fill a pass rush hole through free agency, then they will turn their attention to other needs when the NFL Draft arrives. Remember, the Jets are a pick ahead of New England and need to improve a pass rush that had just 29 sacks last year. DE/LB Shawn Ellis tied for the team lead in sacks with five. The other guy was David Harris, an inside linebacker! That's not supposed to happen in a 3-4 defense.

By adding Pace, the Jets just might have the bookend pass rushers the D needs. If they are satisfied with Pace and Ellis, then they won't need the likes of Chris Long or Vernon Gholston.

And if one of these guys is available when the Pats pick seventh, New England could add a young stud to the aging linebacking corps. Long probably won't be available by the seventh pick. And with the Jets signing Pace, New England's primary competition for Gholston is almost uninterested in the Ohio State product.

A lot can happen between now and the draft. Just look at the Patriots' departures for proof. But as of right now, the draft is looking a little better for the Patriots if they hold on to that seventh pick overall.

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