Do we need a TE or will Watson resign?

[carolinatony]

Isn't his contract up after this year? If we lose him I image we need to draft one. Didn't BB draft a TE like 3 years in a row.

With Gostkowski and big Vince needing to be resigned or frachised what are your thoughts on Watson. He has been good but not the all-pro some of us thought or wished for.
Does he help the offense enough for what we want or should we look for a upgrade next year.
thanks

 

[mayoclinic]

Isn't his contract up after this year? If we lose him I image we need to draft one. Didn't BB draft a TE like 3 years in a row.

With Gostkowski and big Vince needing to be resigned or frachised what are your thoughts on Watson. He has been good but not the all-pro some of us thought or wished for.
Does he help the offense enough for what we want or should we look for a upgrade next year.
thanks

Personally I hope Watson re-signs for reasonable money. I think he's happy on the Pats, and Brady likes him. I think we'll make a reasonable offer, but obviously not break the bank. But I think he's good at helping to stretch the field and has become a good blocker and solid TE, and I'd rather keep him and use the draft for other needs.

If we don't resign Watson then we certainly need a TE. Jermaine Greshman is the premier guy who can stretch the field. Not sure where he'll go post injury yet - could be top 25, but may fall to the late 1st/early 2nd round. Certainly an option if Watson doesn't re-sign, but again, I'd rather focus on the pass rush and running game.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Personally I hope Watson re-signs for reasonable money. I think he's happy on the Pats, and Brady likes him. I think we'll make a reasonable offer, but obviously not break the bank. But I think he's good at helping to stretch the field and has become a good blocker and solid TE, and I'd rather keep him and use the draft for other needs.

If we don't resign Watson then we certainly need a TE. Jermaine Greshman is the premier guy who can stretch the field. Not sure where he'll go post injury yet - could be top 25, but may fall to the late 1st/early 2nd round. Certainly an option if Watson doesn't re-sign, but again, I'd rather focus on the pass rush and running game.

Even if Watson resigns, I think it's at least 50-50 the Pats take a TE in the first four rounds.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Even if Watson resigns, I think it's at least 50-50 the Pats take a TE in the first four rounds.

I do not see us resigning Watson,however I do see us taking a TE in this draft, even if we sign a free agent replacement for Watson.

 

[dryheat44]

I do not see us resigning Watson,however I do see us taking a TE in this draft, even if we sign a free agent replacement for Watson.

It's hard to see Belichick giving Watson close to what he could get as a free agent. I'm sure Pioli would love to have him. Mangini would probably make an offer. He would also upgrade the position in Arizona, St. Louis, Miami, Carolina, Cincinnati, off the top of my head.

I have to believe Gresham is on Belichick's short list right now, and there'll be some undervalued veterans that he could bring in.

 

[Marqui]

I really hope we resign Watson, becuase he and Baker seem like the perfect TE combination us. Watson for long range offense/solid blocking, and Baker for excellent blocking/short range offense.

 

[mayoclinic]

I really hope we resign Watson, becuase he and Baker seem like the perfect TE combination us. Watson for long range offense/solid blocking, and Baker for excellent blocking/short range offense.

Agreed. I think Watson will stay for reasonable money.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

I think that a TE will be drafted regardless of Watson re-signing or not. I would prefer he stays, the less turnover the better. He is a nice threat down the seem. I think if Gresham is stil around when the Pats pick in the 2nd round, it would be a "no-brainer".

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Agreed. I think Watson will stay for reasonable money.

This is Watson's only chance for a fat signing bonus. He is 28 or 29 years old. Why would he not put his family's financial security as the first and foremost consideration for this contract?

 

[everlong]

This is Watson's only chance for a fat signing bonus. He is 28 or 29 years old. Why would he not put his family's financial security as the first and foremost consideration for this contract?

^^^ That.

The other option and it probably requires signing both Mankins and Wilfork in advance is a one year franchise tag if they cannot draft somebody they like. Before somebody kills me it was only $4.46 for the tag this year for TEs. I think if he would sign a 4/18 they would do it so paying the tag isn't out of the question.

I wish they could retain Watson. He's finally become the player they wanted this year. If they draft a guy you're looking at one year minimum for that person to come up to speed. Baker is the insurance policy but he's not the physical asset that Watson is.


Tight ends
Player Total
Tony Gonzalez $5,031,375
L.J Smith $4,522,000
Kellen Winslow $4,449,584
Antonio Gates $4,200,000
Jason Witten $4,105,000
» Franchise: $4.46 million.