mgteich

I expect two of Washington, Moss, Stallworth, Caldwell and Gaffney to be on the 2008 squad. I expect one to be gone this year, probably Gaffney. I see no reason to believe that we would retain only one.

While I don't expect much from Jackson this year, if anything, the decision on who to keep next year depends on how they expect out of Jackson in the future.

ClevTrev

Jackson, if healthy, will have an opportunity to prove his value to the team this season. Unfortunately, no one knows what his status is at this time given the way the team handles injury information. While he will not be a focal point WR this season, this may prove to be to his advantage. Given that the team has several high-quality players competing for time at WR, the question remains as to how they solidify this position in the years beyond this season.

With no long-term commitments and only options with the high-caliber WR veterans, Jackson's role looms very large this season in terms of future implications. Should Jackson have a break-out season and prove he can contribute with the quality play the team expects, this becomes huge for both player and team for at least two years beyond the 2007 season. It gives them a value option to weigh against entering into a much higher contract with one of the veterans. While the team has a great mix at WR, I'm pulling for Chad to come through this season big time.

PatsFanInVa

I could easily see the red shirt option happening, since he is on a 4 year rookie deal... though that would put all his development on 1 year's work in 08 before his make or break contract year of 09

patsox23

Given Jackson's struggles last year and his injury now, this influx of talent at WR works on multiple levels. It provides us cover as he takes his time developing into what we hope(d) he can be, allows him to (eventually) learn from some pretty impressive, talented veteran wideouts, and lights a fire under him - seeing up close what he COULD be, and what he might NOT be, given his roster competition.

Good times.

ClevTrev

I'm betting BB is pulling for this guy to establish himself this season. Therefore, there's no way he won't let him compete if he is healthy. BB will not hesitate to replace a veteran with Jackson if Jackson is deserving.

I see no way he'd not be given a chance to make the roster this season unless his health mandates PUP then IR.

While I understand the use of the term "red shirt" in these posts, the difference is they burn a year of his contract and value to the team if they sacrifice this season. Don't see that happening unless there is a compelling health reason.

MoLewisrocks

I think opportunity knocked for Jackson last year, and nobody was home. As a high second it will knock again this season but not nearly as loudly, and he'd better be prepared to answer the door. Best case scenario for him is knocking Washington or one of Gaffney/Caldwell off the roster in camp or replacing one of them off PUP. If he doesn't he may find it harder than ever to get a shot in 2008 because I could see any or all of Washington, Caldwell, Gaffney or even Randy signing cap friendly extensions (with Troy likely finally out of the mix in 2008) if they find themselves comfortable winning here. Guys who have been unhappy or struggled for whatever reason elsewhere sometimes (not always, granted) develop that desire to remain in their happy zone once they locate it even at the expense of leaving a couple of dollars on the potential earnings table.

And I don't understand why everyone assumes Stallworth is a one year deal or even requires restructure. He can be gone in 2008 at the teams discretion, which was a smart hedge on a substantial committment to the unknown, but his deal is basically the money we would have spent on Deion had he not lost his mind - $6M to be a #1.

If we even start the 2008 season with one of Stallworth/Moss, and two of Washington/Caldwell/Gaffney/Jackson, plus Welker then Chad could find himself stuck/pidgeonholed competing for a slot as a 4th or 5th WR heading into his contract season in 2009. A fate similar to what resulted in Stallworth and Washington and Caldwell and Gaffney looking for a place where they could get a do over in hopes of kickstarting a career 4 years in.

Of course on the other hand he could blossom at some point this season and then they would likely perceive him as what they likely intended when they drafted him - a #1 or 1b or #2. If that happens it could change the way they perceive Stallworth, or the way Stallworth or Moss perceive us. But there would also be concern at that time that should Jackson continue to blossom in a third season he likely would be looking for a deal that paid him more than $1M over the combined 2008-09 seasons. Stallworth right now is the veteran bird in hand with a decent track record and signed long term at a market or below rate for a legitimate, productive, durable #1 target for a HOF QB. So if he proves to be ALL of that this season Chad may never get a shot at that job here. And the same goes for the #2 job if any of Washington, Caldwell or Gaffney step up big early on and want to do reasonable extensions.

MoLewisrocks

Miguel has this Reiss blurb on Jackson's contract:

"Chad Jackson- From Mike Reiss' blog - "Chad Jackson's rookie deal with the Patriots is a four-year package that doesn't include a signing bonus. Jackson will be paid a $452,000 roster bonus and has a $1.64 million option bonus, which is probably payable in March. He receives $90,000 workout bonuses in both 2008 and 2009, and $250,000 of his base salary is guaranteed in 2007. He also has a $100,000 bonus for winning the Rookie of the Year". Since Jackson's future salaries are $360,200 in 2007, $451,800 in 2008, and 633,000 in 2009, it seems safe to presume that his 2007 option bonus is protected by those salaries, that is, if he does not get the option bonus, those future salaries become guaranteed."

I wonder if we exercised the option in March. They likely went that route over signing bonus because he was injured from mini camp on. Seeing as he was also injured at the end of last season and reportedly wouldn't be running until June at the earliest, and running and potentially being ready for TC or to play come August are two seperate and distinct things, they may well have either negotiated a deferral on that roster bonus until September (if it was in fact due in March) or simply opted to not pick it up and guarantee his salaries which in total represent less than the option bonus alone.

I think BB pulls for guys who REALLY work hard at being the best they can be. And I think he will cut guys who don't regardless of cost.

ClevTrev

And that's the key with Jackson. If he works hard, and he deserves the playing time, he will get it regardless of the logjam or other players' years of service at WR. These are the things BB is pulling for in any player.

Good post.

JoeSixPat

Given Jackson's injuries this year I think its best if everyone look at him as a rookie coming off an injury. He's got a bit more of a headstart than that, but I think that puts things in the proper perspective. But a redshirt/PUP year wouldn't be the end of the world for him.

He's working to develop so he can play a key role next year as you said.

Washington needs to earn a spot as well. I don't assume both Moss and Stallworth are gone... well actually I do kindof think Moss might be a one year rental since he's effectively in a contract year... but Stallworth could stick around.

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