Trading Trials and Tribulations

According to Patriots sources, as well as spokespersons for Maroney, the Patriots are still in the process of acquiring 1st Round draft pick, Laurence Maroney. Maroney cannot sign a deal for more than five years, which forces a departure from the Patriots’ previous desires to ink their first-round picks to six-year pacts. Last year’s No. 1 pick, guard Logan Mankins (who was 32nd overall), signed a five-year deal, but was just the second of the six, first-rounders of Bill Belichick’s reign to not agree to a six-year contract. Daniel Graham, eligible for unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2006 season, was the other.
The team declined to comment on Maroney last night, but did announce their signing of fourth-round tight end, Garrett Mills to a four-year deal with the Pats. With any luck, the Patriots roster will come together quickly in the coming weeks and months leading up to regulation play this Fall.