Pats-Raiders deal in the works?
Derrick Burgess refuses to get out of the rumor pool. Prior to the draft, Chris Mortensen reported that the Oakland Raiders were shopping Burgess, and as Bill Williamson noted in the AFC West blog days after the draft, the Raiders loaded up on players at Burgess' position, fueling speculation that his days in Oakland were numbered.
As first reported by John Clayton in his column on Monday, and then confirmed by WEEI's Christopher Price (as per the Boston Herald's Point After blog), the New England Patriots are investigating a trade for Burgess. In this scenario, the Pats will send a second- or third-rounder to Oakland in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowler, who will be a pass-rushing outside linebacker in the New England 3-4 scheme.
Burgess was at his most dominant in 2005 and 2006, playing in all 32 possible games and registering 107 total tackles and 27.0 sacks. Since 2006, Burgess has struggled with injuries and is unhappy with the fact that the Raiders haven't offered him a contract extension. He will earn $3.5 million in 2009, the final year of his current deal.
This would be a great move for the Patriots. Because as we know, he probably doesn't give a shit about Oakland and puts minimal effort in there (just like Moss). But Burgess is still a very good player and even though he isn't Julius Peppers he is a hell of a plan B. Burgess will thrive under the Patriots if he comes here due to their recent success and not being Oakland.
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