5 Best Free Agent Signings Of The Bill Belichick Era
BOSTON (CBS) - The NFL free agency period is underway, and there's already been a flurry of transactions.
Here in New England, we'll focus mostly on the Patriots. Under Bill Belichick, they've had their fair share of hits and misses in free agency.
In this post, we'll take a look at the 5 Best Free Agent Signings of the Bill Belichick Era.
5. LB Larry Izzo (Tie)
Bouncing around the AFC East starting with the Dolphins and finishing his career off with the Jets, linebacker Larry Izzo found his best years as a New England Patriot after he signed on in 2001. Izzo is one of only 22 players who earned three Super Bowl rings with the franchise during their run of success of the early 2000s.
Izzo, a special teams captain, was also a three-time All Pro and three-time Pro Bowler.
5. WR Brandon LaFell (Tie)
Whether it be Joey Galloway or Chad Ochocinco, the knock on new wide receivers entering the New England offense and not "getting on the same page" with Tom Brady was a real and disturbing trend . . . until Brandon LaFell came along.
LaFell signed with the Patriots ahead of the 2014 season and was able to buck that trend, compiling careers highs of seven touchdowns, 74 receptions and 953 receiving yards in his second NFL stop. LaFell also caught a touchdown in the Super Bowl.
4. LB Rosevelt Colvin
Drafted by Chicago, Rosevelt Colvin played four seasons with the Bears before signing with the Patriots ahead of the 2003 season. Colvin finished his six-year career with the Patriots with two Super Bowl rings, as well as 26.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
3. CB Darrelle Revis
Too soon?
Ok. It stings. We get it. And it'll be tough to see Darrelle Revis back in a Jets uniform in 2015, but there's no question the shutdown corner was one of the best free agent decisions Bill Belichick has ever made.
New England knew what they were getting with Revis: a savvy, business-first future Hall of Fame player.
And Revis knew exactly what he was getting with New England: a chance to win a Super Bowl and prove to the world he's finally back to 100 percent health, giving him the chance to earn another maximum contract.
Both sides got exactly what they wanted out of each other. That rarely happens in free agency, and it resulted in a fourth Lombardi for the franchise.
2. LB Mike Vrabel
Starting his career out in the Steel City, Vrabel recorded just seven sacks and 27 tackles in 51 games for the Steelers. Once the Patriots signed Vrabel in 2001, he became a dominant linebacker in his eight New England seasons. In 125 games, Vrabel recorded 411 tackles, 11 interceptions and 48 sacks. Like the aforementioned Larry Izzo, Vrabel is one of only 22 players who earned three Super Bowl rings with the franchise during their run of success of the early 2000s.
1. Safety Rodney Harrison
The San Diego Chargers released Rodney Harrison following the 2002 season, and most likely regret that decision seeing how well he played with the Patriots until 2008.
When New England let go of Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy prior to the 2003 season, Harrison stepped right in for the Patriots and did not disappoint, helping to win back to back Super Bowls in 2003 and 2004. Harrison, a team captain, compiled 312 tackles and eight interceptions in a Patriots uniform.
Agree with my list? Did I leave anyone out? Tell me what I missed in the comments section below!
