Early indications are that free agent market for Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib will be “more robust” in 2014 than it was a year, ago, a league source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Talib returned to the Patriots in 2013 on a one-year, $5MM contract. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Albert Breer, Talib turned down a five-year deal in hopes of “cashing in afterward.”
Now is his chance.
Citing injury concerns, ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss projected a three-to-four year deal for Talib with around $8MM per season and $12-14MM guaranteed. Talib totaled four interceptions and 13 passes defended in 2013, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Other notes from the AFC:
- Broncos receiver Wes Welker carries with him an $8MM hit against the cap in 2014, writes Florio.
- Should the two sides want to work out a new deal, there is little time to do so, as Welker’s $6MM in compensation becomes official in March.
- If no new deal can be reached, and the Broncos deem Welker too expensive, Florio names Patriots‘ receiver and Welker-clone Julian Edelman as a possible replacement.
- Florio even goes so far as to mention New England as a possible landing spot for Welker, but is quick to point out how ludicrous that would be, given Bill Belichick‘s recent comments regarding his former Pro Bowl slot receiver.