ALP

inconsistency/ lack of focus is a coach problem me thinks



but as far as stevie goes, after this Ochocinco debacle, i am EXTREMELY hesitant to sign ANY wr (this includes the likes of calving johnson, andre johnson, larry fitz) to big money w/o first seeing if they can play in our offense

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Last time I lived in New England the Pats became a Dynasty

Then I moved away and they haven't won since

...now I'm moving back, and a Lombardi I predict

upstater1

This would be my big concern as well. He wants big money.

I was just countering all the negative things said about him. I think he's a good character guy.

supafly

Stevie Johnson? Are you kidding me?

I wouldn't imagine the Patriots paying that much money to many WR's in the entire NFL, let alone Stevie Johnson.

He reportedly is looking for anywhere between 7 1/2 to 8 million per yr. I just don't see BUF or anyone for that matter, paying him that kind of money.

I think we will be targeting a mid level cut/free agent signing, much like the WR that didn't seem to work out this year.

On top of that, I would be absolutely shocked if they did not draft a younger high-pick (2nd or 3rd rd) WR in the draft.

The Patriots likely do not want to pay that kind of money (8 million per) to Wes freaking Welker, let alone Stevie Johnson...and Welker is the heart and soul of this offense, and has done nothing but prove himself time and again.

With the franchising/re-upping of Welker + Hernandez and Gronkowski as weapons once again, I don't think that the true need for a high-priced WR is there as much as others do. They can likely draft a much younger, better character guy (who does not drop passes in key situations), for a lot cheaper out of the draft. On top of that, they can continue to search for a "stretch the field" wideout in the mid-market free agency route, or (gasp) even attempt to keep plugging away with the move they made this yr..even as unlikely as that may seem. Either way, they'll get some kind of viable body in there for a much cheaper rate, and chances are he'll be comparable in talent.

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Patiently waiting to defend the next "bubble" player in this summer's training camp.....

upstater1

If it were this easy, they would have done it already. It's not. That's why we struggle year after year at that position.

TheComeback

How could he possibly get a better contract than Welker? He's done nothing to show that can play at Welker's level. You're overestimating his market value IMO.

Having said that, he's inconsistent, but he plays on an inconsistent offense. I'm not sure how selfish he is. Receivers earn that reputation after only one or two incidents, and his weren't even that bad.

Having a true outside receiver in this offense can only make it better. It's not about "missing pieces," it's about improving the team. They haven't been that effective throwing outside the numbers this year. If they were, the tight ends would be even more dangerous.

Deus Irae

At only 25 years of age, Johnson is an intriguing prospect. He had 82 receptions last year, and he's at 72 for this year, so far. At 6-2, he would be a departure from the Welker/Branch size receivers the Patriots have now.

The problem I see is with his drops. Brady seems to have lost all patience with any receiver not named Hernandez when it comes to dropped passes. I'm not sure how that chemistry would work out. That's something BB would have to look at.

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LivinLovin&Breathin_Brady

^He hasn't lost patience with Ocho-Cinco's drops and bad route options either.

I say sign Stevie Johnson, trade Ocho or Underwood and get Welker a new contract or extension. SJ likes to have fun, which doesn't mean he's not a team player. He's dropped some balls this year, so have most of the Pats WR crew. The Patriots, IMO have one dependable WR and 2 TEs. It won't take long for a defense to figure that out. They should sign Johnson right away, but he's not worth 7-8 mill a year. He might take a discount though.

PatsChamp88

What's their trade value?

102 Pat

IHOP gift cards...

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This offseason, it's almost like Belichick is saying, "I'm never going to let that happen again."

Mike Reiss 7/19/12

Seanzayyy

He wants a big contract? Lol nope. Resign Welkah!