Seymour extends contract, but it won’t quell fan angst

By David Wedge  |   Thursday, April 27, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New England Patriots
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In an offseason littered with controversial comings and goings, New England Patriots' supporters will be delighted by the news that All Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour has put pen to paper on a contract extension, which reports suggest will keep him at Foxboro until 2010.

The 6-foot-6-inch, 310 pound defender was a first round draft pick out of Georgia in 2001 and is due to enter the final year of a six year contract, which he originally signed as a rookie.

Seymour is the experienced campaigner in an otherwise extremely young defensive line. While Seymour's on the field presence is of paramount importance, it may be his off the field influence that makes New England's decision to retain him so astute. For young players trying to find their feet in the NFL, there's no better way to learn about the game and develop as a player than through playing with and receiving advice from an experienced and proven player. The Patriots will hope that Seymour can nurture the young defensive line during the coming seasons. If just one of the pupils can develop into the mold of the mentor, then New England will be very happy indeed.

Prior to offering a contract extension to Seymour, the Patriots had already parted company with numerous senior members of last season's roster. Failure to retain Seymour's services for the coming years would not only have further weakened a depleting side, it would have heightened discontent amongst fans and mounted increasing pressure on Bill Belichick and the New England management.

The signing will generally be perceived as a positive one by most fans and should offer brief relief to the New England Patriots management from the seemingly relentless chorus of discontent from the Foxboro faithful. Unfortunately, it may take more than Richard Seymour's signing to satisfy the local supporters in the long-term. The signing of big name players and in particular wide receivers would be a good place to start.
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