mgteich

We once had this discussion about Cassell.

supafly

Considering that we'd probably get a 3rd as a comp pick in 2014 if he leaves in FA in February next year, I'm not sure how much better they'd do by trading him outright after another franchise tag is applied in February.

I think they could get a 2nd right now from the right team (not sure if there is one who would offer that), but unless Welker has another great year, I doubt they'd be able to get that in February of next year.

They are leaning more towards speading the ball around with the TE's and the addition of Llyod, the decision to stay with Edelman more, and the return of Deion Branch.

Not only that, but they will also showcase the screen passes more this year, as last year was the only year in 5 seasons where they didn't have at least 50-55 screen passes (they had something in the low 30's, so there's a big difference).

Then you also have what seems to be a dedication to utilizing Ridley and the running game more too.

All of these factors add up to lessened numbers from Welker this year, and that isn't even bringing up the fact that he will be one more year older when free agency rolls around, as opposed to what they could've gotten for him this year coming off of a personal best, huge season.

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

supafly

Yeah, when everyone claimed that 'we'd surely get at LEAST a 1st, if not a 1st and 3rd...'

And that was at a position that demands a higher trade compensation value, which is a franchise QB.

And they even threw in Mike Vrabel to boot (which in fairness, may have been somewhat of a good natured gift).

The bottom line is that Cassel was much younger, and at a position that dictates a higher trade value than a season where Wes Welker will have a dropoff in numbers, be closer to 32 years old, is a slot receiver, and also had a very serious ACL/MCL injury and surgery.

I have all the respect in the world for those who see Welker as a 1st round trade compensation, but I couldn't be further from agreeing with them.

The difference may be a 2nd + a late rounder now vs. "just a 2nd" in February, but even that is being extremely kind in my opinion. Any talk of a 1st rounder now or then is just not going to happen.

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

nekromantique

well that was early in the season (or rather preseason), when they were stacking up on receivers, and tightends.

i dont think playing time now has any correlation with any trade rumors...just a result of a more balanced offense.

supafly

I certainly agree with your second statement 100%, but I am also strongly sticking with my first thought that the reliance on the more physical TE/running game, with focuses on spreading the ball around between the following:

--Gronk 90 catches

--Hernandez 79 catches, poised to have an even bigger year pre-injury

--the addition of more of a field stretcher in Llyod, who led the NFL in reception yds in 2010

--Welker and his 125 catches as our slot guy

--the great camp and committment to using Edelman more

--the re-addition of Branch, who was here in the first place as depth

--the fact that we will see much more use of the screen game than last yr

--the committment to the running game being more balanced



Besides the removal of Gaffney (injured and not really deemed needed at the time), I don't see any difference to what they stacked with in preseason.

It still all leads to the thought that Wes Welker will not be having the same numbers as he did last year, which will = a drop in his production and potential trade value (not to mention his addition of another yr in age)

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

Wax Frog

Are you telling PA to go take a Powter?

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nekromantique

thats actually the point. his production wouldnt be as required and thus could have been considered more expendable to the pats, yet still fairly valuable to another team. when they slimmed the wr core back to virtually what it was before, that changed.

Aßßynormal

If he was traded, we'd need to bring Gaffney back. For some reason, that seems to be possible ....... probably the injury. Salas made it to the PS as well.

The most likely stop is KC. There are other teams that could be interested, for short money though. I go back and forth with this ...... if we do trade him, I'd rather have a player now then later. Another thing is that we'd be able to carry over his cap savings to next year. Gutsy move with AHern out.

IBBIT (and this says it all).

Joker

shocking???...October 30th????...

Aßßynormal

Also, aside from Madame Frankenstein (shteen not stein), isn't Dwayne Bowe also franchised? I'd do that swap in a heartbeat.