5 Worst Free Agent Signings Of The Bill Belichick Era
BOSTON (CBS) - The NFL free agency period starts Tuesday at 4pm, where we can all expect a flurry of transactions.
Here in New England, we'll mostly focus on the Patriots. Under Bill Belichick, they've had their fair share of hits and misses in free agency.
In this post, we'll look at the 5 Worst Free Agent Signings of the Bill Belichick Era (Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth were both acquired via trade in 2011, so they won't be appearing on this one):
5. (Tie) DL Jonathan Fanene
In March 2012, free agent defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene, previously with Cincinnatti, signed with the Patriots for three years and $12 million with a $3.85 million signing bonus. Fanene never suited up in a regular season game for the Patriots. He was released in mid-August of that year for "failing to disclose a physical condition" associated with a knee injury.
5. (Tie) LB Monty Beisel
With linebacker Tedy Bruschi having suffered a stroke in February of 2005, the Patriots acted quickly and signed linebacker Monty Beisel to a two-year deal. Beisel was expected to take over some of the responsibilities for Bruschi while he sat out half of the 2005 season, but Beisel was a complete disaster. Beisel played in 15 games, finishing with only 30 tackles. Beisel was cut loose after his one-year stint with the Patriots.
4. CB Leigh Bodden
The Patriots signed the former Browns and Lions cornerback in 2009, where Bodden flourished. In his first season with the Patriots, Bodden had five interceptions. The Patriots took the cheese, and signed him to a four-year deal worth $22 million dollars a year later. Bodden missed the entire 2010 season with a torn rotator cuff injury. Once Bodden came back, he was never the cornerback he was in 2009. Bodden was placed on injured reserve in August 2010 and eventually retired in 2011.
3. WR Joey Galloway
Coming off a solid career with the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Buccaneers from 1995-2008, the Patriots signed 38-year-old wide receiver Joey Galloway to a one-year deal in 2009 for veteran presence. Galloway struggled to learn the Patriots offensive system and only played in three games, compiling seven receptions for 67 yards.
2. CB Shawn Springs
The Patriots signed cornerback Shawn Springs to a three-year deal worth around $10 million dollars in March 2009. Having played with the Seahawks and Redskins for the majority of his career, the Patriots added the veteran to provide support for the defensive backfield. Springs only started eight games and was eventually cut after one season.
1. LB Adalius Thomas
Viewed as a high-profile free agent in 2007, Adalius Thomas signed with the Patriots in 2007 for five years, $35 million dollars with $20 million guaranteed.
Previously with the Ravens, Thomas earned All Pro and Pro Bowl honors while in Baltimore. Once in New England, he was not the same player. Thomas finished his three seasons with the Patriots with just 14 sacks. Thomas was cut one day after the 2010 NFL Draft after his third season with the team and never played another snap again.
Agree with my list? Did I leave anyone out? Tell me what I missed in the comments section below!
