It was a busy day in Foxboro today, as the Patriots made two minor moves that have the potential to pay major dividends.
First, the Providence Journal broke the story that the Patriots had signed 33 year-old free agent corner back Shawn Springs. Springs, a 12-year veteran, has played for the Seahawks from 1997-2003 and the Redskins from 2003-2008.
In an injury-plagued 2008 season, Springs recorded 36 tackles, seven passes defended, one sack and one interception in only nine games. In 2007, his most recent healthy campaign, Springs had 62 tackles, 15 passes defended and four interceptions.
At 6'0" and 207 lbs., Springs is bigger than the average NFL corner back. However, that gives him the edge in facing tall receivers, a place where Ellis Hobbs noticeably struggled in 2008.
Details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but from all reports, it will be a one-year deal worth very low money. This was a great move by the Patriots, a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could have them making out like thieves by the end of the 2009 season. This is the kind of veteran acquisition the Pats are known for, taking an aging veteran off of the scrap heap and squeezing one or two more effective seasons out of them. They've done it before, with Tyrone Poole and Otis Smith being prime examples.
In a move that was just announced recently by NFL.com's Adam Schefter, the Patriots have traded a seventh-round pick in the 2010 draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for wide receiver Greg Lewis and an undisclosed 2010 draft pick.
Lewis, a 29 year-old, has been a third receiver for the duration of his career. Last season, playing behind Desean Jackson, Reggie Brown, Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis in Philadelphia, Lewis caught 19 balls for 247 yards and one touchdown. Lewis had career highs in receptions (48) and receiving yards (561) in 2005, when he started all sixteen games for the Eagles.
Acquiring Lewis fills the hole that was created when Jabar Gaffney signed with the Broncos last week. Lewis is a formidable option as a third receiver, a proven player for the duration of his six year career and has shown a propensity to catch in the clutch.
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