Pats sign Tory James

[Ickybaluky]

Per Adam Schefter:

New England continued stockpiling Pro Bowl talents, reaching agreement with free-agent cornerback Tory James on a one-year deal worth about $2.7 million dollars -- about half in bonus money and about half in incentives.

James opted for New England primarily due to the Patriots' winning tradition and his rapport with head coach Bill Belichick, who will know just how to use the cornerback who has intercepted at least four passes in each of the past six seasons.

Right now, New England does not plan to start James. But he provides valuable insurance with the unsettled contract situation of Asante Samuel, whom the Patriots franchised earlier this offseason.

Schefter is laying it on a little thick with the "Pro Bowl talents" comment. I mean, Michael Haynes was a "Pro Bowl Talent", but he is a little past his prime as well.

[EDS]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

That is good insurance.

[casdhf]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

He can't run with Lee Evans.

[jamesiscool]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

He can't run with Lee Evans.

not many can.

[MVP]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

why won't he start? they don't have any1 better (besides samuel)

[casdhf]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

Maybe they try him at Safety ... he's a pretty big guy.

[Stewie]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

Seems like they might have something in mind for Asante

[gr8slayer]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

How I hate NE.

[Ickybaluky]

Re: Pats sign Tory James

why won't he start? they don't have any1 better (besides samuel)

Ellis Hobbs is pretty firmly entrenched as a starter. Hobbs has had his struggles, like most young players, but he is a very confident/cocky kid who has a lot of potential. The Pats are very high on his ability and his experience gained the last couple years should help him.

Hobbs is an excellent KR as well. A real good young player who is tied up until 2009. They aren't going to mess with him.

I'm interested to see how the Pats utilize James. Belichick has a history of fitting vets like this into useful roles and getting the most out of them. He might be a nice fit for them, like Otis Smith was back in 2001.