Wow. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting this morning that the New England Patriots will deal defensive tackle Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a first round pick in 2011. More news is sure to emerge, but this move comes without the slightest warning from the Patriots, and remember: despite a slight dip in production over the last few years, Seymour has been a mainstay for each of New England's 3 Super Bowl teams.
Pats Deal All-Pro Seymour to Raiders, Scam Al Davis Out of First Round Pick
Apparently, Bill Belichick didn't think he needed him for a 4th. Doubtless, numbers played a role in this decision; Seymour's declining, but he's still the type of player that commands a hefty salary. Problem is, so is Vince Wilfork, and he's two years younger, and due for a new contract this offseason. Factor in the presence of fellow defensive lineman like Ty Warren and rookie Ron Brace from Boston College, and apparently that hooded curmudgeon we call Genius figured the team could afford to let Seymour walk.
Oh, and Oakland! They add Seymour to their phenomenally dysfunctional mix over there on the left coast--now they have an All-Pro DT to pair with their All-Pro CB (Nnamdi Asomugha). Other than that, they still have an owner that's certifiable, a coach fond of fisticuffs (and also generally incompetent), and a mismatched collection of talent that would be awesome in a video game. In real life? Not so much. Still, anytime you can add a player of Seymour's caliber, that's a significant upgrade.
At least, I imagine that was the logic when the Raiders decided to give away a first round pick for an aging superstar in the last year of his contract, with a long history of injuries. A significant upgrade.
See More:
