Free Agency - Wide Receivers of interest

[DaBruinz]

I am going to focus on areas of need first and then other potential signings 2nd. I used the KFFL website since they seem to have upgraded their section and its now pretty extensive.

WR:
Antonio Bryant was franchised by the Buccaneers. That leaves the following:

KFFL - 2009 NFL Free Agents

People are going to gravitate to guys like Houshmandzadeh (who’s ego is bigger than his ability) and Henderson (a perpetual underachiever). I don’t care for either. I was looking for a guy to put opposite Moss who could run the more intermediate routes. And I came up with the following:

Bobby Engram – Seattle – Solid performer. Clutch. 36 years old
Shaun McDonald – Detroit
Nate Washington – Pittsburgh
Drew Bennett – St Louis
Michael Clayton – Tampa
Laverneus Coles – NY Jets
Ronald Curry - Oakland
Bryant Johnson – San Francisco
Reggie Williams – Jacksonville

Boldin is rumored to be on the trading block. But its doubtful that the Pats are willing to pay him what he’s looking for.

 

[cstjohn17]

Good list, thank you for setting up these threads.

Our good friend Jabar Gaffney can be added as well.

 

[BradyBranch39]

What about Furrey?

 

[mayoclinic]

Is Clayton really a FA? BB was very high on him in 2004. I know he has fallen off quite a bit after a good rookie season, but he might be worth a shot.

 

[BradyBranch39]

Is Clayton really a FA? BB was very high on him in 2004. I know he has fallen off quite a bit after a good rookie season, but he might be worth a shot.

The Bucs remain far apart in discussions with S Jermaine Phillips and WR Michael Clayton.
Both are expected to reach free agency. Phillips has been a productive strong safety, but he's going on 30 and has played all 16 games just once in the past five years. The Bucs have Sabby Piscitelli ready to take over. Clayton, 26, is now appreciated more for his blocking abilities than receiving work.

 

[mmasterkillah]

Another name to contemplate: Devery Henderson.

He is nothing spectacular, but he is a blue collar player who can really run.

 

[mayoclinic]

Another name to contemplate: Devery Henderson.

He is nothing spectacular, but he is a blue collar player who can really run.

I've suggested him several times, and gotten panned for it. He does have speed, and might open up some room for Moss and Welker.

 

[DaBruinz]

Another name to contemplate: Devery Henderson.

He is nothing spectacular, but he is a blue collar player who can really run.

Devery Henderson is an underachiever. He's never stepped up when his team has needed it. Not when Horn went down. Not when Stallworth went down. Not when Colston went down. The guy just shows up and earns a paycheck. I don't think his heart is in it, to be honest. Its why I didn't have him on my list.

 

[tombonneau]

Is Clayton really a FA? BB was very high on him in 2004. I know he has fallen off quite a bit after a good rookie season, but he might be worth a shot.

Clayton is a guy I like a lot. Had the great rookie year, then derailed by injuries and a three-year sentence to Gruden's doghouse. I think he'd be a great complementary WR on this team.

Another guy not mentioned that I like a lot is Brandon Jones. He's another young WR kind of sidetracked by injuries, along with being stuck on one of the worst QB'd teams in the NFL. I'd really like to see them bring him in, as he's a real beast after the catch.

 

[tombonneau]

Devery Henderson is an underachiever. He's never stepped up when his team has needed it. Not when Horn went down. Not when Stallworth went down. Not when Colston went down. The guy just shows up and earns a paycheck. I don't think his heart is in it, to be honest. Its why I didn't have him on my list.

I'm sorry, how you can extrapolate something as abstract as "his heart is not in it" simply because he didn't develop into a #1 WR when given the chance? Have you read something about him not being a hardworker are that "into" football? I honestly don't know anything about the guy personally. All I know is he is a vertical threat that a team should not count on as a starting WR, but is good for two or three 80+ yd TDs a season. A total complementary player that could yield great dividends on a pass-happy offense like NE (same as he did in NO).

 

[mmasterkillah]

The guy makes about a million, maybe 1.5 a season.

Underachiever? Yeah, if you are shortsighted and expect too much, or just basing that on his draft status. By that logic, Bryant Johnson, Reggie Williams and Michael Clayton should be removed as well.

He isn't a #1 guy, but "doesn't have his heart in it", is an amazing claim.

I'd assume that you likely know very little about the person that is Devery Henderson based on your assumptions about his game.

He is very one-dimensional (deep threat), but he has no issues with effort and he improved on some of his horrible drops of the past.

 

[matt1073]

What's Claytons deal he had a great rookie year over a 1000 yards is it poor QB play or injuries thats prevented him from dong anything since 04 ?

 

[DaBruinz]

I'm sorry, how you can extrapolate something as abstract as "his heart is not in it" simply because he didn't develop into a #1 WR when given the chance? Have you read something about him not being a hardworker are that "into" football? I honestly don't know anything about the guy personally. All I know is he is a vertical threat that a team should not count on as a starting WR, but is good for two or three 80+ yd TDs a season. A total complementary player that could yield great dividends on a pass-happy offense like NE (same as he did in NO).

Hmm.. Lets see. He's never had more than 32 receptions. Not once. Even during the times when Horn, Stallworth and Colston were out. Also, He was passed on the roster by the likes of David Patten and Lance Moore.

Sorry, but I don't see how 1 great play every 4-5 games makes him worthy of consideration for the Pats. Also, I think you might want to review Henderson. He hasn't had that many 80+ TD receptions.

 

[DaBruinz]

The guy makes about a million, maybe 1.5 a season. His salary means nothing. Its from his rookie contract

Underachiever? Yeah, if you are shortsighted and expect too much, or just basing that on his draft status. By that logic, Bryant Johnson, Reggie Williams and Michael Clayton should be removed as well. Not short-sighted in any way shape or form. The guy has never stepped up when his team has needed him. As for Johnson, Williams and Clayton, I'm not sure how you figure that one since they have uniquely different situations. Not to mention that Johnson DID step up when either Boldin or Fitzgerald went down. Johnson's averaged over 40 catches a season being the #2/#3 guy behind 2 of the best in the league.

He isn't a #1 guy, but "doesn't have his heart in it", is an amazing claim. Really? Considering that the likes of David Patten and Lance Moore passed Henderson on the Saints depth chart, what else would you call it? Not having more than 32 recpetions in a year speaks VOLUMES in my opinion.

I'd assume that you likely know very little about the person that is Devery Henderson based on your assumptions about his game.

He is very one-dimensional (deep threat), but he has no issues with effort and he improved on some of his horrible drops of the past.

I am not attacking his character. I am attacking his want to excel at playing football. He was drafted to be more than a #2/#3 receiver. He's never stepped up when his team has needed him. Not even when less talented people were passing him on the depth chart. If he can't be motivated to play better in that situation, what makes people think he will do so here?

 

[DaBruinz]

What's Claytons deal he had a great rookie year over a 1000 yards is it poor QB play or injuries thats prevented him from dong anything since 04 ?

The QB Carousel that they've had going on in Tampa .

 

[tombonneau]

Hmm.. Lets see. He's never had more than 32 receptions. Not once. Even during the times when Horn, Stallworth and Colston were out. Also, He was passed on the roster by the likes of David Patten and Lance Moore.

Sorry, but I don't see how 1 great play every 4-5 games makes him worthy of consideration for the Pats. Also, I think you might want to review Henderson. He hasn't had that many 80+ TD receptions.

None of this addresses your completely baseless assumption that he has "no heart." Just because a player gets drafted to be a starting WR but doesn't end up as starting WR talent, does not mean they are "heartless." It means maybe, just maybe, his value on draft day was overestimated and he's just a backup WR.

I don't have an easy way to look at his longest receptions, but a quick glance at profootballreference.com establishes he is a big play WR.

The last three years he has averaged 20+ YPC. Last year alone he nearly averaged 25 YPC with 24.8, by far leading the league with anyone having 30+ catches. Next closest with 30+ was Berrian at 20.

Was I engaging in hyperbole saying 2-3 80+ receptions a year as you suggest? Well, last year he had catches of 81 and 84 yards. But why let facts and recent history get in the way?

So I'd suggest maybe next time it's *you* who should review Henderson before assailing his abilities.

 

[DaBruinz]

None of this addresses your completely baseless assumption that he has "no heart." Just because a player gets drafted to be a starting WR but doesn't end up as starting WR talent, does not mean they are "heartless." It means maybe, just maybe, his value on draft day was overestimated and he's just a backup WR. First of all, the person with the baseless assumption here is you. I did not say that Henderson had "no heart". I said that I felt his heart wasn't in it. Secondly, everything I have mentioned points to him not stepping up when needed. Instead of making BS excuses for the guy, just look at the players who have ended up outplaying him. Guys like Lance Moore and David Patten.

I don't have an easy way to look at his longest receptions, but a quick glance at profootballreference.com establishes he is a big play WR.

The last three years he has averaged 20+ YPC. Last year alone he nearly averaged 25 YPC with 24.8, by far leading the league with anyone having 30+ catches. Next closest with 30+ was Berrian at 20.
Was I engaging in hyperbole saying 2-3 80+ receptions a year as you suggest? Well, last year he had catches of 81 and 84 yards. But why let facts and recent history get in the way? The 81 yard reception didn't go for a TD. Henderson didn't have a reception over 54 yards in 2007, and his longest TD reception was 45 yards. In 2006, he had 1 reception over 55 yards for a TD. He didn't have a TD reception over 30 yards in 2005. Now, what were you saying about your hyperbole? or should I just say, your BS?

So I'd suggest maybe next time it's *you* who should review Henderson before assailing his abilities.

You've not shown anything to debunk my opinion that Devery Henderson would be a good fit on the Patriots. In fact, you've done pretty much nothing but misquote me.

Henderson = Stallworth Redux. And, just as a reminder, Stallworth proved that he wasn't worth the money, landing on the bench by the end of the season.

 

[tombonneau]

So, because ONE year he had 2 receptions of 80+ yards, you think that means he's done it every season? I have reviewed Henderson. Watched him play 3-4 times a year. Not impressed.

OH, if you are going to quote me, the lease you could do is quote me correctly. I didn't say he was heartless. I said "I don't believe his heart is in it." That I feel he shows up for his paycheck. NOTHING you've said even come close to debunking that.

Henderson = Stallworth Redux. And, just as a reminder, Stallworth proved that he wasn't worth the money, landing on the bench by the end of the season.

Maybe he doesn't have two 80+ catches every year, but in addition to those he he four 50+ catches. His other big year in 2006 he had four 50+ catches including a 70+ TD. The guy is a big play threat.

I've watched him too. He doesn't have the best hands and drops the occasional easy pass, but it happens **cough** Gaffney **cough**

And what would be wrong with Stallworth Pt 2 at the Henderson's asking price? Or are you saying you don't want Brady to have another 50 TD season? (And yes I know Gaffney outplayed him down the stretch, but that was more a testament to Gaffney than slight of Stallworth).

Finally, you're just playing semantic games with me quoting "heartless" vs. "his heart's not in it." There's no difference and you know it. And if there is, I'd LOVE to hear it explained.

ETA: Well, I see since I responded you've re-edited your post and gone on the vitriolic offensive. I tend not to engage in these sorts of pointless exercises, so I'll just bow out. Thanks though.

 

[DaBruinz]

Maybe he doesn't have two 80+ catches every year, but in addition to those he he four 50+ catches. His other big year in 2006 he had four 50+ catches including a 70+ TD. The guy is a big play threat.

I've watched him too. He doesn't have the best hands and drops the occasional easy pass, but it happens **cough** Gaffney **cough**

The guy is an OCCASIONAL big play threat who doesn't seem to show up unless his number is called.

And what would be wrong with Stallworth Pt 2 at the Henderson's asking price? Or are you saying you don't want Brady to have another 50 TD season? (And yes I know Gaffney outplayed him down the stretch, but that was more a testament to Gaffney than slight of Stallworth).

What would be wrong with Stallworth Part 2? Hmm.. Inability to run routes the way that Brady wants them run? Thereby, not earning any confidence in So, now you are saying that Stallworth was the reason that the Pats and Brady had a 50 TD year?

Finally, you're just playing semantic games with me quoting "heartless" vs. "his heart's not in it." There's no difference and you know it. And if there is, I'd LOVE to hear it explained.

There is nothing semantic about it. One is what I actually typed and the other is what you claim that I typed. As for the actual definitions, yes, there is a difference in that as well. Heartless is cruel or unfeeling. And I am not saying that about Henderson. I am saying that his heart isn't in it. Meaning that I don't believe that football is his first priority.

ETA: Well, I see since I responded you've re-edited your post and gone on the vitriolic offensive. I tend not to engage in these sorts of pointless exercises, so I'll just bow out. Thanks though.

Why are you making things up. There was nothing vitriolic in my response to you. If you think so, the issue is clearly with you.

 

[mmasterkillah]

DaBruinz, "he has no heart" can be used in a variety of contexts, among those, a lack of passion. Your only claim to back up what I consider to be a ridiculous assessment, seems to be his lower than fantastic statistics, specifically his catch total.

Does he not block? Does he not try his best when he does get playing time? Is he known as a poor locker room presence or a slacker in the weight room?

I'd give you all the lenience in the world to hate on his skills as a player, but at no point in his career have I heard anybody question his EFFORT.

Stallworth 296 catches 70 20+ and 13 40+ yarders
Henderson 106 catches 39 20+ yarders 18 40+ yarders.

He is a one-trick pony who would bring a dangerous element to our offense for CHEAP, while never causing any problems and going about his business. If he is more expensive, than fine... that will be the reason we don't sign him.

Keep in mind, he did all of this with less than potent QBs. Drew Brees is lucky to throw a 50 yarder in a perfect world.