MoLewisrocks

Mike Reiss bloging from the Owners Meetings has this today:

March 27, 2007
Troy Brown update

PHOENIX -- Wide receiver Troy Brown is recovering from offseason knee surgery, which has slowed any contract talks on the free-agent market, multiple sources said today at the NFL annual meeting.

Brown, a fan favorite who has played his entire 14-year career with the Patriots, is currently an unrestricted free agent. He would like to play in 2007, although his health could ultimately be the determining factor if that happens.

Brown’s knee surgery was mentioned Monday on the “Big Show” on Boston sports radio station WEEI.

In 2006, Brown totaled 43 receptions while playing in every game. He turns 36 in July.

The Patriots have stocked up on receivers this offseason, and currently have Reche Caldwell, Bam Childress, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Kelvin Kight, Jonathan Smith, Donte’ Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker under contract at the position. Jackson is recovering from a torn ACL. Although the Patriots have a high number of players at the position, Brown could still be part of the mix.

patfanken

It looks more and more like Troy is going to be one of those guys who will go into the training camp phase of the NFL season without a job. Then sometime in July some team will get an injury or not like what they see from their WRs and give him a call. Perhaps it will be the Pats.

However IMHO if the Pats DON'T pick up a WR in the first 4 rounds, then when he's healthy, the Pats will offer him a contract. Given that Jackson is unlikely to be on the opening day roster, there is plenty of room for Troy.

BelichickFan

I wouldn't say plenty. They could squeeze him in. If Jackson's PUPed we still have Caldwell, Gaffney, Stallworth, Welker, Washington. That's 5, the number we usually have. We could keep them all plus Troy and stretch it to 6 - and this is with no Jackson.

fgssand

Recovery or not...Troy should be here and nowhere else.

I wonder if indeed we did offer that vet min. deal and if he turned it down, choosing to field offers from others??

Or...did the surgery scare NE away, for now??


Just the thought of #80 in Jet green or Colt blue is sickening......

Somebody, in a position of authority, please, say it ain't going to be so.

__________________
Season ticket holder since 1971, first in section 209 and now in 134.

LOVE New England sports....10 years SEVEN championships!!!

pats63

What is the possibly of troy comes back as WR coach????Don't get me wrong love to see him in unform,pats ofcourse

BelichickFan

Given that we just hired a new one, I'd say pretty damn small.

cstjohn17

I think we should begin to brace ourselves for the possibility he may play in another uniform next year.

zarakotas5

It is simply his first bionic implant so he can continue into his 50's.

Troy contemplated leaving for the Saints, but is reported to have taken counsel from his kids about staying with the Pats. And listened. While his role was reduced by the coaches, watching the games last year proves his role was not reduced by Brady. When Brady was in trouble or needed a handful of yards, he gave nary a glance to others besides Troy.

Despite the recent WR additions, Troy must be assumed to be a Pat as long as he and Brady want him to be, if he is physically capable. Unless he is blown away or the FO simply balks, I think it is unlikely Troy plays for another team at this point.

MoLewisrocks

Just noticed that Tomase blogged yesterday afternoon he has a league source who says Troy ruptured a patella tendon in the AFCE game and had surgery to repair it a few days later. The recovery is apparently 6 months, which would project him ready for camp in July. This makes it more rather than less likely IMO that if he is back at all at 36 it will be here (where all his commercial endorsement opportunities still exist as well). Other teams interested in Troy would likely need him in learning their offense now and providing veteran presence earlier than training camp.