According to multiple reports, however, that's exactly what might happen.
"Some stories and
players never get old. Barring unforseen, Patriots are expected to sign
veteran 40-year-old LB Junior Seau this week," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote on his Twitter page on Sunday.
The Boston Herald's Ian Rapoport confirmed the story, adding that the only potential road block is Seau's contract with Versus, the TV network for whom he is hosting a show.
“I’ll be ready [if Bill Belichick calls],” Seau told the Herald. “[But] the network won’t be ready. He’ll have to talk to them, because they have my rights.”
Seau explained to The Boston Globe what draws him to the patriots, and not surprisingly, the list begins with the head coach.
"The Pats are the team I'll answer a call for and the only team," Seau told the Globe. "You and I both know the reason being is the relationship between Belichick and I. Belichick, if he does call, he doesn't call anyone without having a plan, and for me, I believe in what he does. That's number one.
"Number two, I know the system, so if I'm every going to stick my neck out there in the gridiron I know that I have to have a chance to succeed, not only for myself but for the team and for the city."
Seau, who's recorded more than 1,500 tackles in his career, has made
it to the Super Bowl twice but has never reached the top of the
football mountain. The Patriots' victory over the Ravens (who were
considered by many to be the best team in the AFC) turned the Patriots
from a team full of question marks to a team that appears ready to
contend for a title.
That's likely No. 3 for Seau.
Seau reportedly underwent a physical for the Patriots last week when he was in town for his TV show. He had previously said he could only offer the Patriots about six games, but if the reports are true, he could be back much sooner.
The impact of adding Seau would be just as important in the locker room and on the practice field as it would be on Sundays. A 19-year NFL veteran, Seau would help fill the leadership void on the defensive side of the ball left by Rodney Harrison, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi.
The roster is also thin at inside linebacker, with Gary Guyton, Eric Alexander and Jerod Mayo the only players listed on the depth chart. Adalius Thomas can fill in at the position if necessary, though that move would take away his strength as an outside linebacker.
The Patriots have lured Seau out of retirement twice before (including once after one of the most fantastic retirement speeches of all time). Though it seems at this point like he'll back once again, we'll all just have to stay tuned.
