So Leigh Bodden's staying, and Jarvis Green is going, which means the Patriots arguably are slipping as we move deeper into the first week of free agency.

Although there are no restrictions this year on the amount of money a team can spend on free agents, the Pats so far have been spending their money on retaining their own players -- nose tackle Vince Wilfork, who received a new, long-term contract after having been "franchised," and offensive guard Stephen Neal, in addition to Bodden.

Those all are good signings. But the fact remains that the Pats weren't good enough last year, and clearly need to improve in several areas if they're to once again become a serious Super Bowl contender, as they were from 2001 through 2007.

The versatile Green, a 9-year veteran who had some success rushing the passer -- he had 7.5 sacks in 2006 and 6.5 in 2007 -- signed with Denver, which former Pats assistant Josh McDaniels appears to be trying to turn into New England West as he heads into his second year as head coach in the Mile High City.

By my count, Green becomes the eighth former Patriots player now on the Broncos' roster, joining wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, offensive linemen Russ Hochstein and Brandon Gorin, tight end (and former first-round draft choice) Daniel Graham, long snapper Lonie Paxton, defensive lineman LeKevin Smith, and veteran cornerback Ty Law.