PATS MAKE ANOTHER MOVE

The Patriots signed ex-Jet TE Chris Baker this morning, according to sources. Baker was released last week. He caught 21 passes last year, for 194 yards and 0 TDs. He's a 7 year veteran.

The Pats have gotten inconsistent production from their TE position, but I don't think Baker does anything but take up a roster spot and be used as a 3rd tight end in power formations.

Sources:
The Jets Stream
ESPN.com

PATRIOTS SIGN FRED TAYLOR

It isn't official, but multiple sources have reported that Fred Taylor is or will soon be a New England Patriot.

Taylor is 33 years old, which is way up there for an RB. He rushed for 556 yards on 143 carries last year (3.9 YPC), and only got into the end zone once. But in 2007, he ran for 1,202 yards on 223 attempts, or 5.4 yards per carry.

The Pats have struggled to find consistency in their running game. Even in '07, Maroney had great days, then others when he couldn't get past the line of scrimmage (See: Super Bowl). He's also struggled to stay on the field.

Sammy Morris rushed for 727 yards in '08, but he too is getting old. Kevin Faulk added 507 yards.

A combo of Maroney-Taylor-Morris-Faulk could be fun to watch. Reducing carries should keep Maroney fresh, and perhaps get the type of performance from him we saw when Corey Dillon was in the backfield.

At runningback, the Pats are as set as they're going to get.

Source:
Reiss's Pieces