Ice_Ice_Brady

Clearly the running back situation is not changing, as the draft has made the team extremely well stocked and talented. What do you think the Pats will do at the WR position? Here is the current breakdown (including age):

WRs

Deion Branch- 2.2M- 32- 2011
Wes Welker- 2.2M- 30- 2011
Brandon Tate- 0.5M- 23- 2012
Taylor Price- - 0.5M- 23- 2013
Julian Edelman- 0.5M- 25- 2012

Sort-Of WRs

Matthew Slater- 0.6M- 25- 2011
Aaron Hernandez- 0.5M- 21- 2013

In looking at these options, a few things stand out. A. It's shocking how dominating the Patriots passing game was last season considering relatively low investment in these players. B. Judging by the salary received by Randy Moss in 2008, don't be surprised if Welker digs his heels in, especially considering his amazing production with a low salary for four years.

One other thing makes me wonder if the Patriots will go after a physical gifted wide receiver this offseason: the huge salary cap savings released by trading Moss last year. Moss earned 6.4M last season and averaged 9M annually including signing bonus, from 2008-10.

In other words, Moss earned as much last season as the seven receivers combined in base salary, and more if you prorate the lifetime deal.

It remains to be seen whether Tate or Price will be the game changing playmaker that Belichick wants. The Pats brought in Stallworth and Moss in 2007, Joey Galloway in 2009, and Torry Holt in 2010. Although Branch is a solid receiver who runs great routes, he is not the field stretcher that brings a new dimension to this offense.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a surprise cut this offseason at this position; while a lot of these guys (Edelman, Tate, Price) show good upside, the Patriots have been burned too many times in waiting for young WRs to develop (Chad Jackson, Bethel Johnson). I think the Pats will look at another Torry Holt- type of player, a veteran who still has good speed and would be looking for a contract in the 2.5-3.5M range.

Brady_to_Moss

I have a feeling they will stay the same at WR unfortunately

TheGodInAGreyHoodie

@ Brady to Moss you need a new user handle.

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Triumph

I was thinking the same thing.

Welker and Edelman do the same job. How much is Welker worth in a trade? I dont believe Price would get the axe in year 2, but anything is possible.

TheSolderKing

History has taught us that BB does not over pay for WR... I do not forsee any big time or minor acquisition at WR.


If Brady had a big time deep threat would he be as productive overall??? I say NO. Look how much he went to Moss in 2007 that worked, but in this new TE heavy formation we have found a comfortable niche that keeps any D off balance. Later Moss did **** and he relied on the guy far too much and it blew games for us. Even @ the Begining of the seaspn he would missle it in on tripple covered or double Moss and as he did other viable open options were left out that were open and normally Moss would not make the play.


I like where we stand and do not want to see BB overpay

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BlueThunder

Not if the Pats sign Santana

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ctpatsfan77

I would be at least somewhat surprised; Welker's already said that he's made more money than he ever expected to make in the NFL.

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supafly

I agree, I think Welker can be had for around 6 million per, somewhere at least in that range--it could even be slightly less.

Not that I'm saying that my estimate is chump change, only that it's reasonable for both sides, and anyone who thinks that Wes will make a big deal about things is likely wrong.

I think keeping him on a fair deal is almost inevitable (IMO).

TheSolderKing

good break down @ WR. I like what I see in TP guys he has a full yr of xp he seems like he understands route running and the sky is the limit on the kid b/c he works w/ TFB. Look @ the Colts and how many no name WR's become excellent or very good b/c of Peyton. Price was a no name out of college and came from Ohio. Not the Ohio State, but OHIO who had a Run Heavy team. BB liked what he saw. Price is presented w/ an excellent oppurtunity and I am sure he will make the best of it.

Tate is meh... my father was all over him at first, but we don't like this unfortunate news that he can only run basic routes. I love tate on reverses and who knows he could make an impressive stride this year.

I like Edelman I do not see him as a Welker replacement, but more of a comparable WR for Welker. Welker has the edge on quickness. As for hauling ass Edel is Faster in longer chunks than welker. Edelman once he is off gear 1 and shifts to the others; it shows he is faster than welker. I love Welker fyi. I just call it like I see it.

I like what we have. Hernandez isdefinately another WR type that almost has waterbug like quickness as he runs pas defenders.

I love this WR corps. How many bigtime WR's were on our SB teams???
Yeah... I thought so.

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supafly

While your thought is certainly reasonable Triumph, I think many here have undervalued Welker's importance to the offense, particularly since the inception of Edelman.

I see Edelman as having many of the same good qualities as Welker, and I think he very well could be a star (although maybe it won't be for the NEP), but I do NOT agree with those who think that Edelman could come in and do all of the same things.

The chemistry/timing/route running/checkdowns/audibles between Brady/Welker is unparalleled, and Welker is still the main part to this offense in my opinion. He is undoubtedly Brady's go-to guy, and it should remain that way.

I think there's a very good chance that Wes can be re-upped at a reasonable cost, which is very instrumental to our success.