The Patriots took one step forward and one step back in free agency today. They re-signed punter Chris Hanson and lost fullback Heath Evans to the New Orleans Saints.
Hanson has been the Patriots punter since signing with the team prior to the 2006 season. In two years in New England, Hanson has been solid, downing 32 of his 94 punts inside the 20-yard line.
He also is known for his booming kicks, including a career-long 70-yarder in week one against the Kansas City Chiefs. His 48-yard punt in week seventeen in blustery Buffalo may have been the second-best punt of the day (behind Matt Cassel's surprising fourth-quarter pooch punt), but it was an incredible kick, considering it was into the teeth of a 50+ mph wind gust.
Hanson is also the holder for kicker Stephen Gostkowski, and he has not muffed one hold in his two years on the job.
Now onto the losing end of the spectrum. Heath Evans has been a Patriot since joining the team midway through the 2005 season. He is a tremendous blocker and can be a solid option out of the backfield as a receiver or running back. He is dangerous inside the opponents' goal line, including three touchdowns in 2007.
Evans' loss opens up the need for a fullback and short-gain option. LaMont Jordan recently signed with the Denver Broncos, so the Patriots are left with the choice between Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris or BenJarvus Green-Ellis as their current fullback options, none of which they are presumably thrilled with.
The market for fullbacks is obviously thin, as that position slowly fades into obscurity in modern NFL offenses. No longer will teams rely on a fullback the way the Cowboys relied on Daryl Johnson or how the Buccaneers built a backfield around Mike Alstott.
The current crop of free agent fullbacks is a short list, with Darian Barnes, Lorenzo Neal, Terrelle Smith and Leonard Weaver as the cream of said crop. However, the Patriots may look to April's draft for help at the fullback position.
In the Pats' system, the fullback is a glorified sixth offensive lineman who can, on occasion, be called upon to run or catch the ball. Don't expect them to make a desperation signing for a fullback, as that may be near the bottom of their list in needs.
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