lutontown_fc

I think this guy really brings a deep threat to the Patriots offense that we need to open up the shorter stuff underneath.

His 6 catches for 137 yds on Saturday were huge in terms of clutch play.

I believe he will become a restricted free agent at the end of this season, or maybe its unrestricted.

I cannot think of many WR's I would rather have for the sort of wages we are paying him - what sort of deal will he be offered?

I hope the CBA will get sorted out, but its not looking to healthy at this time - will this have an impact on our free agent signings next year?

NM

Chris

He's a UFA after the season.. I think we really need to re-sign him but at an affordable contract.. I have a weird feeling he might look for a team where he will get more balls his way.. But i dunno we'll see..

T-ShirtDynasty

Man I hope not, but you never know. He wouldn't be the first to decide he's got enough rings and want a pay day. And the dude could get it, he's just clutch. Hope he stays, we're definately a better team when he's playing.

BelizePats

I think it's pivotal that we sign Givens long term. He creates space for Branch and is a class act on and off the field. This guy is a Patrot.
Both Willie and Rosie are gonna have to do redo's and this is where that moeny should go, CBA or not!

AndyJohnson

I dont know that I'd call Givens a deep threat, but he is excellent in the intermediate zones (12-18 yards) and gets good run after catch on those routes.

I just have a feeling when he hits the open market, he is going to get 'Product of the System" treatment.
Many teams put too much weight on measurables, especially at the WR postion, and the truth is by measurables there are 100 better WRs in the NFL than Givens, maybe more.
Since we don't weigh measuarables so heavily, he may get the best offer he can get from us.

Remmber he was a RFA this year, and received no interest. Anyone considering him a big contract guy would have pursued him then too, unless they see more in him a year later. I doubt that because he looks exactly the same to me as last year.

OhExaulted1

I agree with all of that, except you have to take his experience into acoount. He is a tested player who has playoff and SB games in his backround.

There aren't many WR's with his pedigree out there. There ARE quite a few with great "Potential" out there, but if I was a smart GM, I sign a guy with experience and attitude.

The Pat's should wrap him up and not let him get away. If Givens was smart he'd realize he'll never have it better than he's had it NE.

God, I hope we keep him.

upstater1

You might be right, but then David Patten hits a big payday and we're left to rely on the likes of David Terrell, and then suddenly the world changes. Pay him, I say.

AndyJohnson

Im not saying dont sign him.
Im saying at his position he may not be a sought after FA.

Why did Patten get that contract? Speed. He was the fastest guy on the Patriots.

Invariably teams are looking for excellent speed, or size, or quickness in a WR. They want "The athlete". Givens wont stand up that yardstick very well. Of all the positions on the field, raw skills are valued the highest at WR.

Miguel

Teams could have considered Givens a big contract guy but were not willing to give up a 1st round pick for him. Teams can now sign Givens without giving up a pick for him.

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AndyJohnson

True. They also could have tried to make an offer and negotiated a trade for a lower pick, which does happen.

I'm just saying that what Givens brings to the position is atypical to what teams normally pay for at the position.

Make no mistake, I want him here, I'm just contemplating his market value, and I think his strengths and weaknesses would cause him to be undervalued on the market.

I think WR is somewhat unique in that my feeling is that history has dictated that 'atheltic skills' determine what teams will pay for at the position.

If this version of FA were in place then, it would have taken Steve Largent a lot longer to earn as much as a 'real fast' WR. He would have eventually, but he would have had to prove himself for much longer than the 'potential gamebreaker'.

Could be wrong, but thats my read on the makret.