More Seymour

The Patriots locked up the NFL's best D-lineman, Richard Seymour, Wednesday to a 4 year-30 million dollar deal (with a first-year bonus in the neighborhood of $12 million and combined signing and option bonuses totaling around $19 million). Seymour, a 4 time Pro Bowler and 3 time Super Bowl champion, was a must sign for the Pats who have already lost some big names this off season.

When looking at how the Patriots do business, WEEI's Gerry Callahan made a good point during the Dennis and Callahan show this morning. When it came to trying to sign Adam Vinatieri, Willie McGinest and Richard Seymour this off season the team put a dollar value on what was, in the Patriots mind: statistically the 9th or 10th best kicker (with averages the last two years and injuries), a veteran past his prime and the best D-lineman in the league. The team had a number in mind for all three and when McGinest and Vinatieri got money way beyond the Pats numbers they weren't surprised, but they weren't about to budge either. When it came to Seymour, a player that they could not afford go to free agency, they got the deal done and paid him like the player he is. The Patriots believe, and they have a pretty good track record, that this is the best way to handle the salary cap NFL...Boston fans will be happy to know that Richard Seymour, Tom Brady, David Ortiz and Coco Crisp are all signed thru 2010...

With Seymour signed for the next 4 years he will likely go down along with these all time career-Boston sports greats...