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08:01 AM ET 02.19 | 'Tis the season for franchise tag talk. Around [New England], there's always a little drama and suspense. For starters, let's eliminate Welker right away. It won't be him. ... So it really comes down to [Aqib Talib or Sebastian Vollmer]. Cornerback or offensive lineman? If you think like the Patriots and what they've valued -- and paid -- in the past, it's a no-brainer. At the top of Bill Belichick's value chart are offensive and defensive linemen. Right tackle, the position Vollmer has played for the most part since he was drafted in the second round in 2009, falls into that category. If the Pats believe negotiations are headed in the wrong direction, they'll tag Vollmer -- just as they did Logan Mankins in 2011.

Sebastian Vollmer, US Presswire

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February 19, 2013 08:08 AM ET

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Little Bill understands... it all starts up front.

Otis B. Driftwood

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February 19, 2013 08:14 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:08 AM ET 02.19 by Otis B. Driftwood

Little Bill understands... it all starts up front.

Robataille

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February 19, 2013 08:18 AM ET

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They ended up negotiating a long-term contract with Mankins after they tagged him. They will likely do the same with Vollmer.

Talib helped for a few games, then got hurt and wasn't effective after that. I think he's happy to be on a good team, and will sign a reasonable contract, unless another team is willing to offer him more than he's worth.

Debbie Does

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February 19, 2013 08:28 AM ET

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Protect Brady at all cost, so have to lean with the OL on this one.

KEMOSABE

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February 19, 2013 08:57 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:08 AM ET 02.19 by Otis B. Driftwood

Little Bill understands... it all starts up front.

We know what happens when you neglect the o-line, right O!!!

TxHeat

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February 19, 2013 09:02 AM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 08:57 AM ET 02.19 by TxHeat

We know what happens when you neglect the o-line, right O!!!

Bad things happen!

Formerly from Ewa…

Sand Patch, PA

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February 19, 2013 09:19 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 09:02 AM ET 02.19 by Formerly from Ewa PGH Fan

Bad things happen!

Very bad things...

Otis B. Driftwood

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February 19, 2013 09:30 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:08 AM ET 02.19 by Otis B. Driftwood

Little Bill understands... it all starts up front.

Yup. Need to protect the franchise.

THE BISHOP!

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February 19, 2013 09:32 AM ET

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Aqib Talib..... I just like the sound, it flows off the tongue..

Mangler.

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February 19, 2013 09:35 AM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 09:32 AM ET 02.19 by Mangler.

Aqib Talib..... I just like the sound, it flows off the tongue..

Ahh - but you can't say Aqib Talib without saying Indictment.

Otis B. Driftwood

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February 19, 2013 09:45 AM ET

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QUOTE(#10):

Originally posted 09:35 AM ET 02.19 by Otis B. Driftwood

Ahh - but you can't say Aqib Talib without saying Indictment.

Morning Otis, yeah a couple of "incidents" in his past...

Mangler.

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February 19, 2013 09:52 AM ET

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Ya don't tag the Aqib Talibs of this world.

50yearfan

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February 19, 2013 10:00 AM ET

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To tag a guy means to pay him the average of the top five at his position. Which is really saying you are one of the three best at what you do. The Pats did not get where they are by being stupid.

50yearfan

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February 19, 2013 10:01 AM ET

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QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 09:52 AM ET 02.19 by 50yearfan

Ya don't tag the Aqib Talibs of this world.

No you don't, but I hope the kid is willing to stay and play for reasonable money. He made a significant difference when he was on the field.

Rex Racer

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February 19, 2013 10:04 AM ET

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QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 10:01 AM ET 02.19 by Rex Racer

No you don't, but I hope the kid is willing to stay and play for reasonable money. He made a significant difference when he was on the field.

He will. He doesn't have that many options really. He went there for a reason.

50yearfan

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February 19, 2013 10:13 AM ET

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QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 10:00 AM ET 02.19 by 50yearfan

To tag a guy means to pay him the average of the top five at his position. Which is really saying you are one of the three best at what you do. The Pats did not get where they are by being stupid.

Having Brady at QB makes everyone look good.

drip drop

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February 19, 2013 12:23 PM ET

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QUOTE(#16):

Originally posted 10:13 AM ET 02.19 by drip drop

Having Brady at QB makes everyone look good.

Too true on the Brady comment. I wonder how much of a genius Bill will be when he is Bradyless. See Broncos sans Elway, Miami sans Marino, Cowboys sans Aikmen, etc....all struggled without their star QB sometimes for years after their departure

Show me your…

Aurora , CO

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Comment #18 has been removed

February 19, 2013 01:06 PM ET

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QUOTE(#17):

Originally posted 12:23 PM ET 02.19 by Show me your TD"s

Too true on the Brady comment. I wonder how much of a genius Bill will be when he is Bradyless. See Broncos sans Elway, Miami sans Marino, Cowboys sans Aikmen, etc....all struggled without their star QB sometimes for years after their departure

The Pats went 11-5 with Matt Cassel at QB. Belichick & New England will be fine when Brady retires.