Kick in the teeth for Patriots
Vinatieri agrees in principle with Colts
By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff | March 22, 2006
The bad times continue to roll for the Patriots.
One of the surprise stories of NFL free agency was the tepid response Adam Vinatieri was receiving around the league, which gave rise to the possibility of him staying with New England. But the rival Indianapolis Colts, who gave the boot to Mike Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, pounced on the opportunity to land Vinatieri, considered the biggest money kicker in NFL history.
The Colts announced last night that they had reached an agreement in principle with Vinatieri. League sources said the issues left to be ironed out are not deal-breakers, and when it is done, the deal will make Vinatieri the highest-paid kicker in league history.
According to sources familiar with the talks, Vinatieri would receive a $3.5 million signing bonus and $7.5 million over the first three years of the contract. The total length of the contract was unclear, though it could be five years.
The deal with the Colts comes shortly after Vinatieri hired Gary Uberstine as his agent to replace the Neil Cornrich group, which has represented him for many years. Until Indianapolis stepped up, Vinatieri had received only what he deemed a declinable offer from the Patriots and nothing but a promise for a top offer from the Green Bay Packers, with whom he visited last week. The Dallas Cowboys had also expressed an interest, but the Colts came out of the blue and essentially got the deal done yesterday.
The Patriots had former Bears and Vikings kicker Paul Edinger in for a visit yesterday. Vanderjagt, who badly missed what would have been a 46-yard field goal attempt in a playoff loss to the Steelers, is still available, too. He is an unrestricted free agent whom the Colts decided not to re-sign.
The Patriots have withstood many defections in the past few years, but Vinatieri was one of their most popular players, perhaps second to Tom Brady with fans. In this offseason, they have also lost Willie McGinest (Browns) and David Givens (Titans), and yesterday the Jets scooped up receiver/returner Tim Dwight (four years, $4.2 million, $750,000 signing bonus).
Vinatieri will be the latest ''core" player signed under Bill Parcells to leave, following McGinest, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy, Ted Johnson, and Troy Brown (cut recently).
Vinatieri had stuck with Cornrich's agency even after Cornrich was suspended one year by the Players Association for testifying on behalf of <ORG idsrc="NYSE" value="GBM;GM;GMH;GMW;GXM;HGM;RGM;XGM">General Motors</ORG> against the estate of former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas. Agent Jonathan Hurst was overseeing Vinatieri's contract talks, but the kicker became frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of progress. He replaced Hurst and went with Uberstine at the recommendation of McGinest.
Uberstine negotiated a three-year, $12 million deal -- with bonuses and guarantees of $6 million -- for McGinest after McGinest bcame a salary-cap casualty with the Patriots. Uberstine is currently exploring employment options for Brown; the Jets appear to have an interest.
Three NFL executives indicated yesterday that while teams had no problem setting the market value for other positions, they didn't want to set it for a kicker, even if the kicker is one of the best ever. Apparently, Colts president Bill Polian didn't share that view.
The Packers appeared to be front-runners for Vinatieri and were prepared to make him the highest-paid kicker after allowing their own free agent, Ryan Longwell, to sign a four-year, $8 million deal with a $3 million bonus with the Vikings. But the Packers never got a chance to match or trump Indianapolis's offer, nor apparently did the Patriots.
Vinatieri hit it off with new Packers coach Mike McCarthy in his visit. The kicker also renewed acquaintances with his former agent, Andrew Brandt, now the Packers' vice president who negotiates deals. Everything pointed to a good fit, including the fact that Vinatieri is the best cold-weather kicker in the league. But while dealing with Hurst, the Packers weren't able to pinpoint what Vinatieri wanted in a contract.
Vinatieri has said that he longed for an opportunity to kick in either a warm-weather climate or a dome. He has a home in Celebration, Fla., but no Florida team was interested in him.
The Colts were frustrated by Vanderjagt's attitude the past few years. Just 24 hours after missing the field goal against Pittsburgh, he was giggling with David Letterman on national TV, which didn't sit well with the Colts brass. In the past, Vanderjagt angered teammates such as Peyton Manning with his comments. He once accused Manning of not caring enough.
Also, Vanderjagt turns 36 Friday, and the Colts didn't want to commit long-term to a kicker two years older than Vinatieri.
Vinatieri, who last season surpassed Gino Cappelletti to become the Patriots' all-time leading scorer, has scored 100 or more points in 10 seasons. In 2005, he hit on 20 of 25 field goal attempts. All told, he was 263 of 321 with the Patriots.
The Colts play in the RCA Dome, and Vinatieri has made 37 of 41 career field goals indoors. His only misses have come in Reliant Stadium in Houston, all in the 2003 season (3 of 5 vs. Houston and 1 of 3 vs. Carolina in the Super Bowl). He is a perfect 10 for 10 in Indianapolis.
The Patriots might be taking more hits, too. Starting guard Stephen Neal visited with the Dolphins yesterday and will meet with the Texans today. Offensive lineman Tom Ashworth has drawn interest from several teams, including Seattle.
The Patriots also worked out former Saints special teamer Mel Mitchell.
Vinatieri agrees in principle with Colts
By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff | March 22, 2006
The bad times continue to roll for the Patriots.
One of the surprise stories of NFL free agency was the tepid response Adam Vinatieri was receiving around the league, which gave rise to the possibility of him staying with New England. But the rival Indianapolis Colts, who gave the boot to Mike Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, pounced on the opportunity to land Vinatieri, considered the biggest money kicker in NFL history.
The Colts announced last night that they had reached an agreement in principle with Vinatieri. League sources said the issues left to be ironed out are not deal-breakers, and when it is done, the deal will make Vinatieri the highest-paid kicker in league history.
According to sources familiar with the talks, Vinatieri would receive a $3.5 million signing bonus and $7.5 million over the first three years of the contract. The total length of the contract was unclear, though it could be five years.
The deal with the Colts comes shortly after Vinatieri hired Gary Uberstine as his agent to replace the Neil Cornrich group, which has represented him for many years. Until Indianapolis stepped up, Vinatieri had received only what he deemed a declinable offer from the Patriots and nothing but a promise for a top offer from the Green Bay Packers, with whom he visited last week. The Dallas Cowboys had also expressed an interest, but the Colts came out of the blue and essentially got the deal done yesterday.
The Patriots had former Bears and Vikings kicker Paul Edinger in for a visit yesterday. Vanderjagt, who badly missed what would have been a 46-yard field goal attempt in a playoff loss to the Steelers, is still available, too. He is an unrestricted free agent whom the Colts decided not to re-sign.
The Patriots have withstood many defections in the past few years, but Vinatieri was one of their most popular players, perhaps second to Tom Brady with fans. In this offseason, they have also lost Willie McGinest (Browns) and David Givens (Titans), and yesterday the Jets scooped up receiver/returner Tim Dwight (four years, $4.2 million, $750,000 signing bonus).
Vinatieri will be the latest ''core" player signed under Bill Parcells to leave, following McGinest, Ty Law, Lawyer Milloy, Ted Johnson, and Troy Brown (cut recently).
Vinatieri had stuck with Cornrich's agency even after Cornrich was suspended one year by the Players Association for testifying on behalf of <ORG idsrc="NYSE" value="GBM;GM;GMH;GMW;GXM;HGM;RGM;XGM">General Motors</ORG> against the estate of former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas. Agent Jonathan Hurst was overseeing Vinatieri's contract talks, but the kicker became frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of progress. He replaced Hurst and went with Uberstine at the recommendation of McGinest.
Uberstine negotiated a three-year, $12 million deal -- with bonuses and guarantees of $6 million -- for McGinest after McGinest bcame a salary-cap casualty with the Patriots. Uberstine is currently exploring employment options for Brown; the Jets appear to have an interest.
Three NFL executives indicated yesterday that while teams had no problem setting the market value for other positions, they didn't want to set it for a kicker, even if the kicker is one of the best ever. Apparently, Colts president Bill Polian didn't share that view.
The Packers appeared to be front-runners for Vinatieri and were prepared to make him the highest-paid kicker after allowing their own free agent, Ryan Longwell, to sign a four-year, $8 million deal with a $3 million bonus with the Vikings. But the Packers never got a chance to match or trump Indianapolis's offer, nor apparently did the Patriots.
Vinatieri hit it off with new Packers coach Mike McCarthy in his visit. The kicker also renewed acquaintances with his former agent, Andrew Brandt, now the Packers' vice president who negotiates deals. Everything pointed to a good fit, including the fact that Vinatieri is the best cold-weather kicker in the league. But while dealing with Hurst, the Packers weren't able to pinpoint what Vinatieri wanted in a contract.
Vinatieri has said that he longed for an opportunity to kick in either a warm-weather climate or a dome. He has a home in Celebration, Fla., but no Florida team was interested in him.
The Colts were frustrated by Vanderjagt's attitude the past few years. Just 24 hours after missing the field goal against Pittsburgh, he was giggling with David Letterman on national TV, which didn't sit well with the Colts brass. In the past, Vanderjagt angered teammates such as Peyton Manning with his comments. He once accused Manning of not caring enough.
Also, Vanderjagt turns 36 Friday, and the Colts didn't want to commit long-term to a kicker two years older than Vinatieri.
Vinatieri, who last season surpassed Gino Cappelletti to become the Patriots' all-time leading scorer, has scored 100 or more points in 10 seasons. In 2005, he hit on 20 of 25 field goal attempts. All told, he was 263 of 321 with the Patriots.
The Colts play in the RCA Dome, and Vinatieri has made 37 of 41 career field goals indoors. His only misses have come in Reliant Stadium in Houston, all in the 2003 season (3 of 5 vs. Houston and 1 of 3 vs. Carolina in the Super Bowl). He is a perfect 10 for 10 in Indianapolis.
The Patriots might be taking more hits, too. Starting guard Stephen Neal visited with the Dolphins yesterday and will meet with the Texans today. Offensive lineman Tom Ashworth has drawn interest from several teams, including Seattle.
The Patriots also worked out former Saints special teamer Mel Mitchell.
I think the Patriots are doing what the Celtics failed to do in the late 80's.Get rid of guys when they are heading on the downside of their careers.
They may not be Super bowl material the next 2 years but after that they could go on another 3 rings in 4 year run.
If it turns out they win 5 super bowls in a 10 year period I'll take that any day.
I'm going to miss Adam. He erased decades of Boston sports fans frustrations with some of the biggest clutch performances in sports history.Pats beating the Rams was the most gratifying moment for me as sports fan ever and this after living and dying with the Red Sox
Wil... Michael Felger has a good article in the Herald today too on Adam.
They may not be Super bowl material the next 2 years but after that they could go on another 3 rings in 4 year run.
If it turns out they win 5 super bowls in a 10 year period I'll take that any day.
I'm going to miss Adam. He erased decades of Boston sports fans frustrations with some of the biggest clutch performances in sports history.Pats beating the Rams was the most gratifying moment for me as sports fan ever and this after living and dying with the Red Sox
Wil... Michael Felger has a good article in the Herald today too on Adam.
Richard Seymour and the Patriots have agreed on a contract extension.
Expect Seymour to be among the highest paid defensive players in football. The contract has been sent to league office for review, but may not be official until August because the league doesn't allow contracts to be re-done twice in a year and Seymour got a pay bump last August
Expect Seymour to be among the highest paid defensive players in football. The contract has been sent to league office for review, but may not be official until August because the league doesn't allow contracts to be re-done twice in a year and Seymour got a pay bump last August
http://www.kristv.com/news/vinatieris-5-fgs-lead-colts-past-titans-22-14/
Vinatieri's 5 FGs lead Colts past Titans 22-14
Posted: Dec 1, 2013 4:44 PM
Updated: Dec 1, 2013 4:46 PM
Posted: Dec 1, 2013 4:44 PM
Updated: Dec 1, 2013 4:46 PM
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Adam Vinatieri still has it. Donald Brown does, too.
When both delivered throwback performances Sunday, it lifted the Indianapolis Colts closer to the playoffs.
Vinatieri, the oldest player in the league tied a career-high with five field goals and matched an NFL record with four 40-plus yard field goals in one game.
They needed Vinatieri even more than Brown.
The soon-to-be 41-year-old resembled his much younger self, tying a career high with four field goals in the first half and matching his full-game career high when he hit a perfect 49-yarder for a 15-14 lead late in the third quarter. His fifth field goal also equaled Jason Elam's NFL record with a 16th 100-point season, and he joined Morten Andersen as the only players to score 800 points with two teams. He's the 10th player in league history to make four 40-yard field goals in a game.
To Vinatieri, it was just another work day.
"You never know how it's going to go, and you don't know how you're going to be needed and used," he said. "Today was one of those days that I was needed and used a bunch."
Without him, the Colts might be lamenting their first back-to-back losses since December 2011.
Vinatieri's 5 FGs lead Colts past Titans 22-14
Posted: Dec 1, 2013 4:44 PM
Updated: Dec 1, 2013 4:46 PM
Posted: Dec 1, 2013 4:44 PM
Updated: Dec 1, 2013 4:46 PM
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Adam Vinatieri still has it. Donald Brown does, too.
When both delivered throwback performances Sunday, it lifted the Indianapolis Colts closer to the playoffs.
Vinatieri, the oldest player in the league tied a career-high with five field goals and matched an NFL record with four 40-plus yard field goals in one game.
They needed Vinatieri even more than Brown.
The soon-to-be 41-year-old resembled his much younger self, tying a career high with four field goals in the first half and matching his full-game career high when he hit a perfect 49-yarder for a 15-14 lead late in the third quarter. His fifth field goal also equaled Jason Elam's NFL record with a 16th 100-point season, and he joined Morten Andersen as the only players to score 800 points with two teams. He's the 10th player in league history to make four 40-yard field goals in a game.
To Vinatieri, it was just another work day.
"You never know how it's going to go, and you don't know how you're going to be needed and used," he said. "Today was one of those days that I was needed and used a bunch."
Without him, the Colts might be lamenting their first back-to-back losses since December 2011.
Congrats Adam
Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri entered Sunday’s game against the Raiders just four points behind of Morten Andersen’s all-time points record of 2,544. After tying the record in the first quarter with a field goal and extra point, the 45-year-old veteran hit a 25-yarder near the end of the first half to break it in Oakland.
Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri entered Sunday’s game against the Raiders just four points behind of Morten Andersen’s all-time points record of 2,544. After tying the record in the first quarter with a field goal and extra point, the 45-year-old veteran hit a 25-yarder near the end of the first half to break it in Oakland.
