Still re-calibrating a bit after the departure of Tom Brady — not him leaving, which was always a good possibility if Bill Belichick didn't extend himself — but the finality of it all. He's going to Tampa, and we'll cover that once actual football starts, but I don't anticipate us deep-diving on the Bucs in the interim (although I don't like the fit and may write more on that this weekend). He's gone, he's there. That's kind of the end of it.
On with the Patriots...
Why did Cardinals WR Damiere Byrd fall through the cracks to the Patriots?
The Patriots agreed to terms with Cardinals receiver Damiere Byrd on a one-year contract, a source confirmed (NFL Network first reported).
Byrd was an undrafted free agent by the Panthers out of South Carolina in 2015. Didn't have a huge college career with 1,265 yards and 10 touchdowns on 68 receptions, but with 4.28 speed in the 40-yard dash, you figured someone would have drafted him.
In Carolina, he was released and signed to the practice squad a few times, had a few injuries (lower body, broken arm) but was productive on kick returns when he got a chance.
Signed by the Cardinals, Byrd seemed to find a home last season with 32 catches for 359 yards on 46 targets. He returned some kicks for the Cardinals, and punts in Carolina. Strange that a guy like that has only had one career carry.
Another strange factoid that sets off alarm bells for me: the Cardinals seemed to hit on something with Byrd and he's the type of guy you try to sign to a modest extension near the end of last season. That didn't happen and that's strange to me.
But I did a little nosing around and it seems it simply had to do with the Cardinals drafting three receivers last year (including Andy Isabella who has a similar size/speed profile). There are no off-field concerns and Byrd has the reputation among coaches for working his butt off. So it's a good, promising fit and addresses the lack of speed in the offense since Cordarrelle Patterson departed and wasn't replaced.
From the looks of this from a few years ago, he needs a lot more polish at the top of his route:
First 1-on-1 rep of the day, Donte Jackson vs Damiere Byrd. After this, Jackson says: “Lights, camera, action.” pic.twitter.com/EcdFTfLiYs
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 6, 2018
New Patriots receiver, Damiere Byrd. Cardinals-Browns last season: Broke tackle attempt from 2 Browns defenders and turned the pass into a 51 yard gain! pic.twitter.com/Cqs2rVxfKs
— Lifelong TOMpa Bay Buccaneers fan (@FTBeard1) March 18, 2020
The newest Patriot Damiere Byrd pic.twitter.com/rSGFOCuqOB
— Jamie Gatlin (@JamieGatlin1217) March 18, 2020
Dolphins agreed to a deal with former Patriots LB Elandon Roberts, per source.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 18, 2020
Roberts will reportedly sign a one-year deal with Miami in a reunion with former Pats defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Roberts becomes the third Patriots linebacker to leave in free agency, joining former Patriots teammate Kyle Van Noy in Miami who agreed to a four-year deal earlier this week and center Ted Karras.
The 25-year-old becomes the 11th active former Patriot to join the Dolphins current roster. Roberts also surprised with his catching and run blocking ability after taking over some fullback reps in the second half of last season.
Beau Allen comes aboard
In the wake of Danny Shelton’s departure to the Detroit Lions, the Pats took their first crack at adding some interior defensive line help on Wednesday by signing ex-Buccaneer Beau Allen to a two-year deal.
Adam Caplan of Sirius XM Radio reports the deal is worth up to $8 million. The 28-year-old Wisconsin product will be an anchor at nose tackle thanks to 6-foot-3, 327-pound frame.
Allen has played six years in the NFL between the Eagles and Bucs, including a Super Bowl win over the Pats in 2017. He has spent the last two years in Tampa Bay, piling up a career-low 10 tackles last season.
Allen joins Damiere Byrd as the second free agent signing with the Pats so far this weekend.