Patriots: Shawn Springs
The Patriots announced that veteran cornerback Shawn Springs has been released today.
Springs, who inked a three-year deal last April, was one of the team’s bigger free-agent signings last offseason but he never fully emerged as the team hoped.
The selection of cornerback Devin McCourty in the first round of the draft in April might have had something to do with releasing Springs now. The Patriots have Leigh Bodden returning as one starter and Darius Butler, McCourty, Terrene Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite are top candidates to start opposite of Bodden.
A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Patriots have not ruled out re-signing Springs but for now the two sides are going their own ways.
Springs represents another free-agent mistake by Patriots from last offseason, joining tight end Chris Baker and wide receiver Joey Galloway.
Springs, who inked a three-year deal last April, was one of the team’s bigger free-agent signings last offseason but he never fully emerged as the team hoped.
The selection of cornerback Devin McCourty in the first round of the draft in April might have had something to do with releasing Springs now. The Patriots have Leigh Bodden returning as one starter and Darius Butler, McCourty, Terrene Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite are top candidates to start opposite of Bodden.
A league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Patriots have not ruled out re-signing Springs but for now the two sides are going their own ways.
Springs represents another free-agent mistake by Patriots from last offseason, joining tight end Chris Baker and wide receiver Joey Galloway.
Shawn Springs considers retirement
January, 27, 2010
1/27/10
11:57
AM ET
By
Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs was a guest on ESPN’s “First Take” this morning, and he was asked if he’s reached the end of his NFL career after 13 seasons.
“Maybe,” Springs said. “I actually feel like I can still play a lot. I don’t know yet.”
Springs said he will take his time before making a decision on his future. He signed a three-year contract with the Patriots in 2009, but is considering retirement.
If Springs retired, what would he do?
He joked that he would open a dessert bar on the beach in the Dominican Republic, wearing an old Tom Brady jersey. Attending law school is also something he would consider.
“I have so many options right now,” Springs said. “I still really enjoy playing football. Law school would be a great option. Maybe I could negotiate with some of the owners and GMs in the NFL about some of these players coming out. Maybe I could be an agent.”
With that in mind, Springs was asked what it would be like negotiating with Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He said it’s “all business in New England, there is no doubt about that”, but at the same time he said looks can be deceiving when it comes to Belichick.
“Being one-on-one with Coach, he’s great,” Springs said. “When you’re with Coach alone and you are just talking to him, he’s the nicest guy. It’s totally different [than the public perception].”
“Maybe,” Springs said. “I actually feel like I can still play a lot. I don’t know yet.”
Springs said he will take his time before making a decision on his future. He signed a three-year contract with the Patriots in 2009, but is considering retirement.
If Springs retired, what would he do?
He joked that he would open a dessert bar on the beach in the Dominican Republic, wearing an old Tom Brady jersey. Attending law school is also something he would consider.
“I have so many options right now,” Springs said. “I still really enjoy playing football. Law school would be a great option. Maybe I could negotiate with some of the owners and GMs in the NFL about some of these players coming out. Maybe I could be an agent.”
With that in mind, Springs was asked what it would be like negotiating with Patriots coach Bill Belichick. He said it’s “all business in New England, there is no doubt about that”, but at the same time he said looks can be deceiving when it comes to Belichick.
“Being one-on-one with Coach, he’s great,” Springs said. “When you’re with Coach alone and you are just talking to him, he’s the nicest guy. It’s totally different [than the public perception].”
Springs (head injury) not expected to return
January, 10, 2010
1/10/10
3:07
PM ET
By
Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs suffered a head injury during the third quarter and is not expected to return to Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Springs, who exited the game in the first half, appeared shaken up after defending a deep pass to Demetrius Williams early in the third frame.
Springs, who exited the game in the first half, appeared shaken up after defending a deep pass to Demetrius Williams early in the third frame.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Inactive for the past four weeks, Patriots defensive back Shawn Springs said he didn't watch the Jetsons during his downtime.
Springs comments were made in jest as reporters quizzed him on how he remained professional even as the coaching staff kept him off the gridiron in recent weeks. The Jetsons' reference came from the fallout of Adalius Thomas' comments earlier this week on why he was late for practice.
Thomas, who was sent home from meetings Wednesday for being late that morning, was inactive Sunday after speaking out. Those that did not speak out -- Randy Moss, Gary Guyton, and Derrick Burgess -- were active.
"I did like the Jetsons; Elroy was my favorite character, by the way," Springs joked following Sunday's 20-10 triumph over the Panthers in which he started at left cornerback and made a pair of tackles.
"No, I just worked each week. Worked hard in some capacity to help the team. That's all I did."
Springs suggested that he still doesn't fully understand why he had been benched. But he said he showed up each week ready to help the team however they saw fit.
The 13-year veteran appeared in the first five games of the season -- starting at both cornerback and safety -- before disappearing for all but a Week 9 meeting with Miami. He said he practiced with the first team this week and expected to rejoin the starting lineup.
"We all understand that, each week, [coach] Bill [Belichick] does what he thinks is best for the team," said Springs. "It's been working for him, so you just have to go with it."
Joking he "barely" remembered how to put on his shoulder pads, he took the blame for a 41-yard touchdown reception by Steve Smith, passing on the opportunity to throw safety Brandon Meriweather (whose locker was nearby) under the bus.
"I"ll take the blame on that one," said Springs. "You know, Steve's a good player. He ran the deep post and made a play. No, I won't throw [Meriweather] under the bus. That's not going to happen."
Asked if he ever considered speaking out -- like Thomas -- during his inactive period, Springs made it clear he would have never reached that point.
"It's all in how you look at things," said Springs. "For example, if all of you reporters got paid to do a job that encouraged you to relax and watch it on TV, some of you might be excited about it."
Springs comments were made in jest as reporters quizzed him on how he remained professional even as the coaching staff kept him off the gridiron in recent weeks. The Jetsons' reference came from the fallout of Adalius Thomas' comments earlier this week on why he was late for practice.
Thomas, who was sent home from meetings Wednesday for being late that morning, was inactive Sunday after speaking out. Those that did not speak out -- Randy Moss, Gary Guyton, and Derrick Burgess -- were active.
"I did like the Jetsons; Elroy was my favorite character, by the way," Springs joked following Sunday's 20-10 triumph over the Panthers in which he started at left cornerback and made a pair of tackles.
"No, I just worked each week. Worked hard in some capacity to help the team. That's all I did."
Springs suggested that he still doesn't fully understand why he had been benched. But he said he showed up each week ready to help the team however they saw fit.
The 13-year veteran appeared in the first five games of the season -- starting at both cornerback and safety -- before disappearing for all but a Week 9 meeting with Miami. He said he practiced with the first team this week and expected to rejoin the starting lineup.
"We all understand that, each week, [coach] Bill [Belichick] does what he thinks is best for the team," said Springs. "It's been working for him, so you just have to go with it."
Joking he "barely" remembered how to put on his shoulder pads, he took the blame for a 41-yard touchdown reception by Steve Smith, passing on the opportunity to throw safety Brandon Meriweather (whose locker was nearby) under the bus.
"I"ll take the blame on that one," said Springs. "You know, Steve's a good player. He ran the deep post and made a play. No, I won't throw [Meriweather] under the bus. That's not going to happen."
Asked if he ever considered speaking out -- like Thomas -- during his inactive period, Springs made it clear he would have never reached that point.
"It's all in how you look at things," said Springs. "For example, if all of you reporters got paid to do a job that encouraged you to relax and watch it on TV, some of you might be excited about it."
Quick-hit thoughts on inactives
December, 13, 2009
12/13/09
12:11
PM ET
By
Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Some quick-hit thoughts from the Patriots’ inactive players:
1. Quarterback Tom Brady, who was questionable with right shoulder/right finger/rib injuries, is active as expected.
2. Rookie offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (head) and rookie receiver Julian Edelman (forearm) are active after both did not play in the last two games.
3. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, who did not play in the team’s last four games, is active.
4. With interior sub rusher Myron Pryor (chest) out, the Patriots have Titus Adams replacing him on the 45-man game-day roster. With Ron Brace also inactive, the team has Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright and Adams atop the defensive line depth chart.
5. With special teams captain Sam Aiken inactive, Edelman projects as the No. 3 receiver. Aiken’s special teams duties will likely be split up, with safety Pat Chung one player to watch in some of those key roles.
6. On the offensive line, the Patriots have a different group -- position-wise -- than they have had all season. With Stephen Neal (ankle) and Rich Ohrnberger inactive, the Patriots don’t have a “pure” interior backup. Instead, they have two tackles as backups. In the event that a starting guard or center is injured, the Patriots would likely have to make multiple changes. Nick Kaczur is one option at guard in the event of an emergency.
7. Running back Fred Taylor, who warmed up for about an hour before the game, was deemed not ready for action. It appeared that he was a game-time decision as he continues his recovery from right ankle surgery.
1. Quarterback Tom Brady, who was questionable with right shoulder/right finger/rib injuries, is active as expected.
2. Rookie offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (head) and rookie receiver Julian Edelman (forearm) are active after both did not play in the last two games.
3. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs, who did not play in the team’s last four games, is active.
4. With interior sub rusher Myron Pryor (chest) out, the Patriots have Titus Adams replacing him on the 45-man game-day roster. With Ron Brace also inactive, the team has Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright and Adams atop the defensive line depth chart.
5. With special teams captain Sam Aiken inactive, Edelman projects as the No. 3 receiver. Aiken’s special teams duties will likely be split up, with safety Pat Chung one player to watch in some of those key roles.
6. On the offensive line, the Patriots have a different group -- position-wise -- than they have had all season. With Stephen Neal (ankle) and Rich Ohrnberger inactive, the Patriots don’t have a “pure” interior backup. Instead, they have two tackles as backups. In the event that a starting guard or center is injured, the Patriots would likely have to make multiple changes. Nick Kaczur is one option at guard in the event of an emergency.
7. Running back Fred Taylor, who warmed up for about an hour before the game, was deemed not ready for action. It appeared that he was a game-time decision as he continues his recovery from right ankle surgery.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. –- Analysis from the New England Patriots' inactive players vs. the New York Jets:
1. Starting right guard Stephen Neal (head) is out, with four-year veteran Dan Connolly the projected fill-in. Rookie Rich Ohrnberger is active for the first time and he is the top backup at center/guard.
2. Left tackle Matt Light (knee) is inactive, meaning that rookie Sebastian Vollmer is slated to start for the fifth straight game. Mark LeVoir is once again the swing tackle.
3. While defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) is out, fellow defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) will play after missing last Sunday’s game. Mike Wright projects to start in Green’s place, with rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace the next linemen on the depth chart. Strong line play figures to be crucial against the physical Jets and their No. 1-rated rushing attack.
4. Running back Sammy Morris (knee) is out, so that leaves just three rushers -– Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Maroney projects to be the lead back.
5. With receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken (hip) inactive, the Patriots figure to lean more on Isaiah Stanback and Julian Edelman as a No. 3 receiver, while rookie Pat Chung projects to take over some of Aiken’s special teams duties.
6. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (knee) is out, so the Patriots lose a backup sub rusher and special teams player. Eric Alexander (groin) is back in the lineup to help fill that void.
7. Cornerback Shawn Springs is out for the second straight week. This seems tied in part to the team calling on Kyle Arrington (four special teams tackles the last two games) and Terrence Wheatley (kickoff returns) on special teams.
8. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) is active for the game. He is the Patriots' best pass rusher.
1. Starting right guard Stephen Neal (head) is out, with four-year veteran Dan Connolly the projected fill-in. Rookie Rich Ohrnberger is active for the first time and he is the top backup at center/guard.
2. Left tackle Matt Light (knee) is inactive, meaning that rookie Sebastian Vollmer is slated to start for the fifth straight game. Mark LeVoir is once again the swing tackle.
3. While defensive end Jarvis Green (knee) is out, fellow defensive end Ty Warren (ankle) will play after missing last Sunday’s game. Mike Wright projects to start in Green’s place, with rookies Myron Pryor and Ron Brace the next linemen on the depth chart. Strong line play figures to be crucial against the physical Jets and their No. 1-rated rushing attack.
4. Running back Sammy Morris (knee) is out, so that leaves just three rushers -– Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Maroney projects to be the lead back.
5. With receiver and special teams captain Sam Aiken (hip) inactive, the Patriots figure to lean more on Isaiah Stanback and Julian Edelman as a No. 3 receiver, while rookie Pat Chung projects to take over some of Aiken’s special teams duties.
6. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (knee) is out, so the Patriots lose a backup sub rusher and special teams player. Eric Alexander (groin) is back in the lineup to help fill that void.
7. Cornerback Shawn Springs is out for the second straight week. This seems tied in part to the team calling on Kyle Arrington (four special teams tackles the last two games) and Terrence Wheatley (kickoff returns) on special teams.
8. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) is active for the game. He is the Patriots' best pass rusher.
FOXBOROUGH -- Defensive end Ty Warren, who did not practice Wednesday, upped his workload during Thursday's practice. Warren was listed on the team's participation report as being limited in team drills during the session.
In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.
Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.
On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.
In addition to Warren, receiver Sam Aiken also increased his workload. After not practicing Wednesday because of a hip injury, he took part in limited team drills Thursday.
Did Not Practice:
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Limited participation:
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Full participation:
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
LB Gary Guyton (illness) and WR Randy Moss (not injury related) were removed from the participation report.
On the Jets' side, LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) and S Jim Leonhard (thumb) did not participate for the second day in a row, DE Shaun Ellis and WR Brad Smith (quad) were limited for the second straight day, and LB Bryan Thomas (toe) once again had full participation. Long snapper James Dearth (not injury related) was removed from the report.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
Chris Forsberg
Chris Forsberg has been reporting on the Boston sports scene since 1999. With his video camera in tow, Forsberg covered everything from Massachusetts high school sports to Boston's pro sports teams. Follow him on Twitter.
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