Does FO lie to potential FAs?

[NorthwestDallas40]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

 

[Stash]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

Unless the contract offered is filled with incentives, I don't think it matters much outside of the money being offered. A guy can make the same money and not have to actually get physically beat up week after week? Sounds like a deal like that could prolong a guy's career.

 

[John813]

Why would we sign a guy like Fleming to be a swing tackle, especially since he is a starting quality RT and probably get close to starting RT pay?
Collins can play guard, so, more than likely it makes sense to move him back there and have a great line on paper.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

Why would we sign a guy like Fleming to be a swing tackle, especially since he is a starting quality RT and probably get close to starting RT pay?
Collins can play guard, so, more than likely it makes sense to move him back there and have a great line on paper.

I just wonder if the coaching staff has committed to moving Collins before seeing how Fleming looks at RT. But I feel the FO must be telling Fleming he's going to start in order to get him to sign.

 

[Jake]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

Potential employers and prospective employees never lie to each other to get what they want. Neither do married couples.

 

[Stash]

Why would we sign a guy like Fleming to be a swing tackle, especially since he is a starting quality RT and probably get close to starting RT pay?
Collins can play guard, so, more than likely it makes sense to move him back there and have a great line on paper.

Where is the support for Fleming as a "starting quality RT"? He was the 4th option in New England.

 

[NorthwestDallas40]

Potential employers and prospective employees never lie to each other to get what they want. Neither do married couples.

Yes. I just wonder to what degree. And does word get around amongst prospective free agents that you can trust some FOs more than others.

 

[Cowboys22]

If you treated free agents that way, you’d never get another one of any consequence.

 

[Cowboys22]

Where is the support for Fleming as a "starting quality RT"? He was the 4th option in New England.

He started like 27 games there and Brady isn’t broken in half so there’s that.

 

[Jake]

Yes. I just wonder to what degree. And does word get around amongst prospective free agents that you can trust some FOs more than others.

The NFL is an exclusive club. Outside of some public bickering between a handful of guys, I'd imagine dudes share info about other clubs often. They're all in the same union, after all.

 

[John813]

I just wonder if the coaching staff has committed to moving Collins before seeing how Fleming looks at RT. But I feel the FO must be telling Fleming he's going to start in order to get him to sign.

Well they have over a years worth of tape of him at LG and were committed to keeping him there when Free was here.
I thought Collins looked better as the year went on, but I don't think he solidified himself as a permanent fixture at RT.

Where is the support for Fleming as a "starting quality RT"? He was the 4th option in New England.

Unless I read it wrong from NESN, he started 12 games for Cannon and played well from all reports. Did well against 3 good front 7 teams in the playoffs as well.

 

[DFWJC]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

NO

 

[northerncowboynation]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

Best question I've heard is "Do you want a dominant LG and an average RT or a dominant RT and average LG". Remember, that's what we had prior to 2017. A LG who could dominate as a mauler (Collins) and an average RT, Free. Why does having an average RT work? Because he get's help from a blocking TE. Want to make this line better in 2018? I would say move Collins back to LG, look at either Flemming or the other tackles from NE as potential starting RT's OR leave Collins as our RT (he'll be good there, not dominant ) and draft a LG who can dominate. Marcus Martin will not dominate at LG. He's depth as G/C. It isn't clear yet where we're headed exactly. We don't even know what's going on with Cooper. Let it play out

I can see it going either way, Collins stays at RT and we draft a guy like Hernandez/Wynne OR Collins moves back to LG and we look at RT. Apparently we're bringing two in. That's a good thing. We have a swing tackle, his name is Chaz Green, like it or not. Sure we can draft another swing-type T and push good old, oft injured Chaz

 

[visionary]

I'm very very worried about signing any OL from NE because Brady is a master at reading defenses and knows exactly where he's going when the ball is snapped and gets it out of his hand (to receiver or throw away) very very quickly. This makes the OL look a lot better than they are. That is not Dak and I'm afraid Fleming will struggle big time in our system

 

[jazzcat22]

They probably said or will say, he will have a chance to compete to start at RT if they move Collins back to LG. Therefore opening up the RT spot.
I don't think they will flat out tell him he will start there. Unless he is really that good. But then why is he still available? (no, I am not Mickey...LOL).

 

[Stash]

I'm just spit-balling here because the thought popped into my head.

But, what if the idea is to legitimately move Collins back to left guard. Regardless of whether one agrees with it or not, what if that's the team's plan?

If so, you certainly need an offensive tackle to replace him.

But even then, where does that leave you in terms of having a backup/swing tackle? You'd still be looking at a bum like Chaz Green who has proven he's not up to it.

That got me thinking, is there any possibility that the reason that they've brought both Fleming and Waddle in for visits is because their plan is to sign not one but both of them?

Maybe it's off the wall, and maybe it would cost too much, but neither of them made $2 million in salary last year from the Patriots. What would it cost to sign both and have them competing for right and swing tackle?

You could go from uncertainty to a much more stable situation immediately and make huge strides in bringing your biggest investment and strength back to its once lofty perch?

It's probably unlikely, but it's something I thought about, because if they only sign one and move Collins back to guard, the backup tackle situation is still a mess.

 

[Stash]

I'm very very worried about signing any OL from NE because Brady is a master at reading defenses and knows exactly where he's going when the ball is snapped and gets it out of his hand (to receiver or throw away) very very quickly. This makes the OL look a lot better than they are. That is not Dak and I'm afraid Fleming will struggle big time in our system

It's definitely something to consider. I think the Patriots benefit greatly from a combination of factors. Arguably the best offensive line coach in the game, quality scouting, and as you've said Brady's ability and a system that relies on ever-changing drops and passing routes.

 

[jday]

For instance, is FO telling Cam Fleming that he will start at RT if he signs, and Lael will be moved to LG (when the true intention is just that he is swing tackle). Just wondering if rumors that Lael moving are just to recruit.

I seriously doubt it. If an FO did that, it would clearly get out, and they could kiss other potential Free Agents (this year and going forward) goodbye.

 

[cowboy_ron]

It depends........are Jerry's lips moving?

 

[lostar2009]

If we paid Collins all that money then pay for a RT why didn't we just keep Leary and save time?