Words with Frenz: AFC East Mailbag, 2/20 Edition

Free agency rumors abuzz. Draft questions abound. The sports world atwitter.

These three things add up to another mailbag full of AFC East questions.

It was all on the table, from potential free agents to draft strategy all the way to new uniforms.

Restricted free agent Mike Wallace was the first topic on the table. 

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@ErikFrenz with the Steelers' cap issues, any interest in going after RFA Mike Wallace? 31st pick in exchange seems like great value.

— Nick Butterworth (@nickbutterworth) February 20, 2012"

This is a rare instance where a team will likely be forced to part ways with a star RFA due to salary cap issues, and though the Steelers will likely put a first-round tender on Wallace, it's entirely possible that he could leave the team. Any of the four AFC East teams could take a shot by going after Wallace. 

The Patriots may not benefit as much from a "deep threat" wide receiver as one would assume. The Patriots may lack one, but Brady isn't incredibly effective at utilizing them. 

That being said, the Patriots had one of the most deadly offenses in NFL history when they had a deep threat in Randy Moss, and his effect on a defensive strategy is well-known. If the Patriots could add someone who has a similar effect, how could that be called a bad move?

They have the cap space to sign him to a long-term deal, and they have the draft pick it would take to acquire him, but before making any kind of commitment, the Patriots have to be certain that Wallace is capable of grasping the highly-complex Patriots' system. We've seen a few too many talented wide receivers drown in the depth chart in New England. 

The Patriots don't need a deep threat as much as they need someone who can force the defense to respect something outside the numbers. They also need big wide receivers who can take a beating over the middle. 

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@ErikFrenz Is it realistic for Dolphins fans to be picturing their team lead by Peyton Manning next season?

— Alex Hall (@AlexKHall) February 20, 2012"

We've heard seemingly every bit of minutiae there is to know about this story—from wish lists (according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel) to beach houses (according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald) and everything in between. Let me be the bottom-liner: The Dolphins could rework the money on a deal or two and trim some fat in a couple of other places if they wanted to make it work.

The situation around Manning himself is murky, though; Colts owner Jim Irsay has opened the door to Manning returning, but "numbers aren't being discussed" according to sources with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. 

Realistic? Sure, but you could say that for a few other teams, too. Likely? There are just too many variables to tell for sure.

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@ErikFrenz is it time to change the Pats uniform? What changes do you expect?

— Damian Sharkey (@BradyMagic) February 20, 2012"

Man alive, I hope they don't make drastic changes to the Patriots uniform. They are some of the coolest-looking in the NFL, and everything about them has become so synonymous with their history. 

The uniforms only recently underwent such drastic changes, that it would seem a little over-the-top to scrap everything now, just 10 years after they introduced the most recent model of the uniform.

If the uniform had to take on at least one change, though, I would hope that it would somehow incorporate the old Pat Patriot logo, or perhaps just more of the vibrant red they wear when they don the throwback uniforms. I think a lot of Patriots fans would be okay with that.

Nike has a sterling reputation with its uniforms, and the Patriots will likely end up with some sleek new duds based on their color scheme. For all the success that the Patriots uniforms symbolize, it would be a shame if they underwent any big-time changes.

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@ErikFrenz With the Pats history of bringing in veteran RBs from bad locker room situations and turning them loose, odds on Pats signing LT?

— Brendan Greeley (@Brendan89) February 20, 2012"

It's never sexy when you sign an in-division free agent, but the Patriots could really benefit from bringing in a guy like LaDainian Tomlinson. He's smart, effective in the passing game as a blocker and pass catcher and could potentially fill Kevin Faulk's veteran role. 

LT was vocally upset about the prospect of his future role as a No. 2 back for the Jets at first but seemed to accept it in 2011.

I will say this: The Jets would be wise to keep him around. In a locker room that got ugly at times in 2011, they could really use a level-headed veteran presence to keep everyone in check. It wouldn't surprise me at all, though, if LT wants nothing to do with the Jets long-term.

Alright, folks. That's all I've got this week. You can hit me up any time, any day on Twitter at the link below. Thanks for reading!

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