At this point, it's a numbers-thin group, and it just might be the catalyst that leads to a reunion between the Patriots and Ty Law, arguably the top veteran free agent on the market.
The 34-year-old Law wants to play for the Patriots, and he has remained in touch with coach Bill Belichick throughout the offseason. Law, who previously visited with the Jets and spoke with the cornerback-needy Browns, predicted earlier this month he'd be with an NFL club on the opening weekend of the season.
At issue, it seems, is hammering out a contract that would work for both parties.
Law, who has fielded telephone calls from a few former Patriots teammates urging him to return, continued to weigh his options as of last night, and an agreement with an NFL club was not imminent. In previous conversations, he seemed especially motivated to prove he still can play at a high level after two largely unfulfilling years in Kansas City. Once again, he spent much of his offseason training with noted speed coach Bob Kersee.
Law won't have to do much to convince Belichick, however. Asked in March about Law, Belichick said, "I'm sure he'll play in the league this year. I don't have any doubt about that."
As for where it went wrong for the likable Bryant, a play from Thursday night's exhibition finale might have been the final straw, when Giants tight end Darcy Johnson plowed him 8 yards down the field to finish a 26-yard touchdown catch-and-run on New York's first drive.
Bryant didn't appear to put much effort into the tackle, and for a veteran defense that prides itself on a physical edge, it wasn't the type of play - preseason or not - that would have gone over well in the locker room.
