Derrick Burgess Not a Big Deal

Last week I wrote a column after DE Jason Taylor signed with the Miami Dolphins. My take was after losing out on Taylor, the Patriots lost their chance of finding a competent veteran replacement for LB Mike Vrabel. Just today I read in The Boston Herald that New England was discussing a trade with the Oakland Raiders for DE Derrick Burgess. Apparently these talks have been going on since around draft time. Oakland’s asking price is a second or third round pick for the veteran entering his eighth year. Wait a moment…it’s coming…ah…Ah…AH… …Uhhhhhhhhh…nothing. Nope, I don’t get a feeling of excitement for this potential trade. It’s not that I’m unfamiliar with Burgess. I remember he started with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed with the Raiders as a free agent. Burgess had his best two years upon arrival in Oakland, with 27 sacks over two years and two Pro Bowl births.Continue reading "Derrick Bu...