The NFL trade deadline usually comes and goes with no GM's willing to pull the trigger on a deal. It's not like in other leagues, where the trade deadline is ferocious, stressful and full of activity. But, this year as the clock struck 4pm ET, low and behold the New England Patriots struck a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Aqib Talib. The Patriots had to relinquish a 4th round pick in this years draft, to acquire the 26-year-old.
Most considered the trade a gamble, but one that was worth taking, as Aqib Talib has shutdown corner skills, but he has had more than enough off the field problems. When acquired, Talib was serving a four game suspension for a failed drug test and has had multiple problems with teammates and the law in the past. After his suspension ended Talib was slotted right into the number corner spot and played spectacular down the stretch, that's why he is off-season priority number two for the Patriots.
Before the trade, this Patriots defense was reeling, fans were getting frustrated and Bill Belichick knew he needed to do something. Acquiring Talib allowed Devin McCourty to move to safety where he excelled for the rest of the season, and seemed much more comfortable there than playing corner. Kyle Arrington was able to push into the slot, where he is better suited. Rookie Alfonso Denard played along Talib, to form a formatable one-two punch.
Talib brought this defense a swagger that we haven't seen since 2004. With 5:00 left to go in 1st quarter of the AFC Championship, Talib left a game with a quad injury, and did not return. From that point on Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had his way with the Patriots defense. The Patriots found out what it is like to have a number one corner, something they haven't had since Asante Samuel left in 2008.
Keeping Talib with this defensive unit is vital for this team to reach the Super Bowl next season. Players like Talib don't grow on trees, he has the size, (6'1) speed, and confidence to shut down any wide receiver in the league. What the Patriots need to be worried about, is the off the field problems that haunted him in Tampa Bay. He was a model citizen for the couple months that he was in New England, but was that because he realized this was his last chance? One more incident and Talib could be kicked out of the league.
The key for the Patriots is to keep the guaranteed money down, that way Talib still has to play hard week in and week out. Letting him hit the open market could be detrimental, as so many teams would love to get a shut down corner. But, as they know he comes with risk, so is one team going to take that risk and give him a muli-year deal and an good chunk of guaranteed money? Last off-season top corner back Brandon Carr got $26 million guaranteed, with the total contract reaching $50 million. I don't see Talib getting that money but I think and incentive laden one-year deal could get it done for New England, but they may be forced to go two to keep his services.
Final Prediction- Patriots re-sign Talib for: two-years at $16 million, with $12 million guaranteed.
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