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Free Agent Snapshot: Billy Yates 06.01.11 at 12:08 am ET
By

Billy Yates (AP)

Despite the labor uncertainty, WEEI.com will present a list of 10 possible fits for the Patriots in free agency (under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement) this offseason. Click here to view the list of players we’ve profiled as part of this feature so far.

Billy Yates
Position: Center/guard
Age: 30
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 305 pounds

This wouldn’t be a high profile signing, but the return of Yates would provide some depth along a New England offensive line that’s in something of a state of flux, especially along the interior. A Texas A&M product, Yates is a veteran who spent five seasons with the Patriots from 2004-2008, and was so highly through of when he was in New England that even though he was on the practice squad for the bulk of the 2006 season, he was paid the full $425,000 he would have earned on the active roster.

The Patriots figure to lean on Dan Connolly as a replacement for the recently retired Stephen Neal at right guard, but if Connolly slips, Yates’ history suggests he’d be able to fill the position — he stepped in on several occasions in 2006 and 2008 when Neal was sidelined by injury.

With his age and recent injury history, he wouldn’t be a long-term investment, but if the Patriots believe some of their interior linemen are still a year or two away, Yates would be an excellent stopgap signing: He has positional versatility, a knowledge of the New England system, is an unrestricted free agent and would come cheap.

Why it might not work: His age and his injury history — he suffered a torn biceps last November that prematurely ended his season — could serve as roadblocks in Yates’ possible return to the Patriots. In addition, if the Patriots like where their younger interior linemen are (Ryan Wendell, Rich Ohrnberger, Marcus Cannon), then they’d probably let the likeable Yates sign elsewhere.

Read More: Billy Yates, Dan Connolly, free agent snapshot, Marcus Cannon Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
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  • wheeler

    this could be a trade in progress….clodie sais he wasn’t really injured bad but now he can’t go……they need a scorer and defense help……this looks like last year redeux…looch quits, and they have no scoring.

  • Bruinman86

    The real hangup is the price tag on trades. Teams want too much because so many teams think they are still in the playoff race. Many are sadly mistaken, but this shortened season is tough for some to judge.

  • Show bottom

    Wow there wheeler that’s an angle I never looked at and it makes some sense. We better come out pissed off tonight or I’m switching to Cspan

  • Troll Hunter

    Back in first in the division and HUGE game Wednesday. I thought they played pretty well tonight just had a couple of bad breaks go against them and they both ended up in the net. Tuukka had no chance on the pp goal and little chance on the breakaway. Weird he stopped the exact same shot in the shootout.

  • Anonymous

    I’d like to see a 1st period goal before the playoffs.

  • bench warmer

    This should be a start to a winning streak.

  • Shoe bottom

    It’s points no doubt but not a lot changes for me. Lucic must play at least two games in a row for me. Still would love to see some new blood I mean the penguins are trading. I keep watching Horton and saying ya he’s going to eventually get popped again and we have another savard situation. Please relocate him ASAP it bennefits all it’s business not personnel.

  • wheeler

    yup…he looks to me like he wants out of here….and the penguins are the overwhelming favorites right now they look strong in all areas

  • Shoe bottom

    Milan wants to be back in British c especially with a new child and I really think Horton is scared cant blame him but half trying get you killed

  • Uncle Buck

    Got the two points. Bring on the Habs.

  • Bruinman86

    Still seems like scoring goals is like pulling teeth.

  • Bruinman86

    I hope their a–game is there for the Habs.

  • NYCBruinsFan

    Boy, I finally noticed Looch out there. About time. If he comes to play like that every night the rest of the season, we’ll be in first soon. Bring on the Habs.

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