NESN: Larry Fitzgerald could be available via trade

[JackBauer]

I will give you the Colts, but the Saints?!? The Saints' leading WR (Marques Colston) had 70 catches (27th in the league), 1074 yards (18th), and 9 TDs (10th). The Saints in 2009 didn't have close to an elite WR. Also, their defense didn't have a lot of deficiencies just not spectacular.

Adding Fitzgerald doesn't foreclose improvement, but it almost guarantees modest improvements over significant improvements. The Pats will not have tons of picks if they trade for Fitzgerald. To get a deal done, they will most likely go from three picks in the top 33 picks to one. To make a significant trade like that, a new deal would have to be in place to do so. That means that Fitzgerald would be the highest paid WR in the league limiting the cap dollars available.

Hey if people are happy with an explosive and dynamic regular season team with an elite offense that can't win a Super Bowl, support this trade. I'd rather build the best TEAM in the league where the defense can win games when the offense has games like they just had vs. the Jets. This team has not won a Super Bowl without a top defense.

People are too much in love with offense and offensive skill players. The Pats have tons of playmakers on offense (Brady, Welker, Gronk, Branch, Hernandez, Woodhead, BJGE), but few on defense. That is where they need to make a big splash if they are going to make a high profile acquisition. There are plenty of free agent WRs this year who can improve the offense without giving up the farm like you will have to for Fitzgerald.

This is a moot argument because the likelihood of Belichick giving up what it takes to get Fitzgerald is next to zero.

Why not sign one of the legion good but not elite FA wideouts (e.g. Sims-Walker), instead of dealing picks for elite talent? That would make much more sense.

 

[JackBauer]

If you could get Fitzgerald for no more than the lower 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick, that would be a trade worth serous consideration, since he'll only be 28 years old in August and should be a top talent throughout the duration of his next contract at least most of his next contract. It would still leave plenty of picks to deal with the OLB/DE/OL/RB questions, and there would still be the huge pool of free agents to go to, as well.

The key for the Patriots offseason is to be sure that Light and Mankins are returning. That's the linchpin for everything.

Good point. That's why I don't expect to see the Patriots bringing in Asomugha any time soon (the fact that he's primed to become one of, if not the highest paid defensive player in the league notwithstanding).

Kraft should really just park the Brinks truck outside Mankins' house, as he's proven his worth. And right now Koppen and Connelly are far too mediocre to afford severely weakening the only remaining strength on the interior line. I think they could live without Light, though ideally he's brought back for another year. Unfortunately this draft looks weak, at best, for top line OT talent.

 

[UofApatsfan]

The Pats have tons of playmakers on offense (Brady, Welker, Gronk, Branch, Hernandez, Woodhead, BJGE)

I'd love to hear about all the plays these playmakers made against the Jets.

 

[DW Toys]

If you could get Fitzgerald for no more than the lower 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick, that would be a trade worth serous consideration, since he'll only be 28 years old in August and should be a top talent throughout the duration of his next contract at least most of his next contract. It would still leave plenty of picks to deal with the OLB/DE/OL/RB questions, and there would still be the huge pool of free agents to go to, as well.

The key for the Patriots offseason is to be sure that Light and Mankins are returning. That's the linchpin for everything.

Great post sir.
DW Toys

 

[UofApatsfan]

I will give you the Colts, but the Saints?!? The Saints' leading WR (Marques Colston) had 70 catches (27th in the league), 1074 yards (18th), and 9 TDs (10th). The Saints in 2009 didn't have close to an elite WR. Also, their defense didn't have a lot of deficiencies just not spectacular.

Don't be a moron and only go by stats (and even if you do go by stats, Colston's 2009 murder the stats of any receiver on New England this year). Colston is a physically gifted freak who is a threat to make a great catch without needing a perfect throw and a threat to break a tackle and get yards after the catch. When Drew Brees needs a critical red zone or 3rd down reception, he has Colston as his pacifier to look for. No receiver on New England can provide Brady with a consistent ability to come up with a big catch on 3rd down no matter who's covering him.

 

[JackBauer]

Don't be a moron and only go by stats (and even if you do go by stats, Colston's 2009 murder the stats of any receiver on New England this year). Colston is a physically gifted freak who is a threat to make a great catch without needing a perfect throw and a threat to break a tackle and get yards after the catch. When Drew Brees needs a critical red zone or 3rd down reception, he has Colston as his pacifier to look for. No receiver on New England can provide Brady with a consistent ability to come up with a big catch on 3rd down no matter who's covering him.

Yeah, if you cherry pick stats from certain years you can certainly make that argument.

But then you'd have to acknowledge that Wes Welker's receiving stats (aside from receiving touchdowns) murder Colston's.

Colston is a good WR, but he's not elite, so Rob's point stands.

 

[Marqui]

No receiver on New England can provide Brady with a consistent ability to come up with a big catch on 3rd down no matter who's covering him.

Do the Steelers/Packers have that?

 

[satz]

Fitz has said he wants to be the highest player or atleast at 18 million a yr.

boo....

 

[Rob0729]

I agree with your point completely that improving in the trenches is WAY more important than going out and getting Fitz, but it's also time to realize that this isn't the same NFL as when New England won 3 championships. Look at the championships won in 2000 and 2002 by Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson. You're never again going to see a 3 year period where two different quarterbacks that mediocre win superbowls. You can't win with an average offense that has as little at receiver as New England does now-a-days.

Maybe no elite, top 5 receiver has won a superbowl recently, but every recent superbowl team has had a pretty good receiver who could be counted on for a big catch when it was needed.

2009: Colston
2008: Holmes
2007: Plaxico
2006: Wayne

So while I agree they don't need to break the bank for someone like Fitz, they do need something more at receiver than a bunch of undersized, physically inferior guys who get by with great route running and a great work ethic. It should be something they go after in free agency though. My choice would be Sidney Rice as he's a younger cheaper poor man's version of Fitz but he might also be too expensive.

There are a lot of WRs who can relieve the issues of needing a big outside target than going for Fitzgerald. Some free agent possibilities are:

- Vincent Jackson - The Chargers might let him walk than franchise him. Got some personal issues, but an elite caliber WR.
- Sidney Rice - Had an elite year in 2009. Down injury filled year last year. Could be free if the Vikes need to franchise Chad Greenway over him.
- Steve Smith (Giants) - One year removed from a 1,220 season. Won't be franchised. Injury concern though.
- Steve Breaston - Good fast outside receiver.
- Malcom Floyd - Big, tall, down the field receiver.
- Mike Sims-Walker - Shown flashes of elite skills, but has not been consistent. Is that because of him or the offense around him?
- Santonio Holmes - Likely to stay a Jet, but it would make this team better while hurting the Jets to sign him
- Braylon Edwards - If the Pats can get him cheap, otherwise pass because he drops too many balls. If the Pats can get him cheap though, he will likely stay a Jet

 

[Rob0729]

Why not sign one of the legion good but not elite FA wideouts (e.g. Sims-Walker), instead of dealing picks for elite talent? That would make much more sense.

That is my thinking. See my last post.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Don't be a moron and only go by stats (and even if you do go by stats, Colston's 2009 murder the stats of any receiver on New England this year). Colston is a physically gifted freak who is a threat to make a great catch without needing a perfect throw and a threat to break a tackle and get yards after the catch. When Drew Brees needs a critical red zone or 3rd down reception, he has Colston as his pacifier to look for. No receiver on New England can provide Brady with a consistent ability to come up with a big catch on 3rd down no matter who's covering him.

In the last 4 years, NE has finished 2nd, 8th, 7th and 2nd in 3rd down conversions.

Last year not withstanding, why is Welker not this person? Why aren't the TEs these players next year?

I do think for 3rd downs, this team is overly-reliant on the pass. I'd like to see more sucess running the ball on 3d and 3s and 3rd and 4s. Having the defense respect that ability will pay dividens in the passing game and give the team confidence running the football in tough situations in the playoffs.

 

[DW Toys]

I'd love to hear about all the plays these playmakers made against the Jets.

Well played. Becuase of our smurfs, Rex is no genius but he figured clog the middle to take away Hernandez (done) and Gronk (semi done) and make the surfs win the game. The smurfs could not get open. Game, set, match. The sacks for the most were coverage sacks. The O Line was not evil that game.

If anyone has the nads to say that Moss would not have helped just in this one game, I will giggle.

Both AFC East Teams with 8 minute drives in the second half of their playoff lost because they could not score the TD to finish. We score there, the game is different.

If the Pats do not have the desire to truly make an offer for one outstanding WR like Fitz with so many draft choices that will NEVER play here with our roster as it is, I seriously see them asking Moss back on the very, very cheap with incentives. Even a Stallworth who would be less money and already knows where the bathrooms are at the Razor, or Ochocinco (I am now Johnson) can be just enough to let the Offense stay as is (pending resigning of Mankins and Light, plus one decent new Drafted OL guy and a RB).

It all goes back to a major screw up by the Pats F.O. and letting Boldin go to the Ravens. Does Revis or Cromagnonartie man beat up on Boldin? Nyet! No, it just cost us either picks or FA bidding for 2011 because someone got their ass beat by Ozzie last off season. They had already told Moss he was not in long term plans...Woops! Maybe they should have rethought that unless there was more than appeared. Still get Branch but.....Branch, Welker and Moss are certainly better than Branch, Welker and Tate.
DW Toys

 

[JackBauer]

Well played. Becuase of our smurfs, Rex is no genius but he figured clog the middle to take away Hernandez (done) and Gronk (semi done) and make the surfs win the game. The smurfs could not get open. Game, set, match. The sacks for the most were coverage sacks. The O Line was not evil that game.

If anyone has the nads to say that Moss would not have helped just in this one game, I will giggle.

Both AFC East Teams with 8 minute drives in the second half of their playoff lost because they could not score the TD to finish. We score there, the game is different.

If the Pats do not have the desire to truly make an offer for one outstanding WR like Fitz with so many draft choices that will NEVER play here with our roster as it is, I seriously see them asking Moss back on the very, very cheap with incentives. Even a Stallworth who would be less money and already knows where the bathrooms are at the Razor, or Ochocinco (I am now Johnson) can be just enough to let the Offense stay as is (pending resigning of Mankins and Light, plus one decent new Drafted OL guy and a RB).

It all goes back to a major screw up by the Pats F.O. and letting Boldin go to the Ravens. Does Revis or Cromagnonartie man beat up on Boldin? Nyet! No, it just cost us either picks or FA bidding for 2011 because someone got their ass beat by Ozzie last off season. They had already told Moss he was not in long term plans...Woops! Maybe they should have rethought that unless there was more than appeared. Still get Branch but.....Branch, Welker and Moss are certainly better than Branch, Welker and Tate.
DW Toys

I'll say it: Moss likely wouldn't have made a difference. Boldin, maybe, though Boldin and Branch had very similar receiving numbers this season.

 

[Rob0729]

I'd love to hear about all the plays these playmakers made against the Jets.

You are talking one game. You also assume that Fitzgerald would have been the difference in a win and loss. You don't know that. Maybe if the Pats had Haloti Ngata or Tamba Hali (two other free agents that might be tagged that the Pats could use picks that they would have to give up for Fitzgerald to acquire) they might have won. A big reason the Jets won was that Sanchez had all day to throw a lot of the game.

 

[Deus Irae]

There are a lot of WRs who can relieve the issues of needing a big outside target than going for Fitzgerald. Some free agent possibilities are:

- Vincent Jackson - The Chargers might let him walk than franchise him. Got some personal issues, but an elite caliber WR.
- Sidney Rice - Had an elite year in 2009. Down injury filled year last year. Could be free if the Vikes need to franchise Chad Greenway over him.
- Steve Smith (Giants) - One year removed from a 1,220 season. Won't be franchised. Injury concern though.
- Steve Breaston - Good fast outside receiver.
- Malcom Floyd - Big, tall, down the field receiver.
- Mike Sims-Walker - Shown flashes of elite skills, but has not been consistent. Is that because of him or the offense around him?
- Santonio Holmes - Likely to stay a Jet, but it would make this team better while hurting the Jets to sign him
- Braylon Edwards - If the Pats can get him cheap, otherwise pass because he drops too many balls. If the Pats can get him cheap though, he will likely stay a Jet

Fitzgerald is as close to a sure thing as is available, though.

Jackson - one incident away from a year-long suspension
Rice- coming off of injury, and only has one good season in his career, to date
Smith - injury concern, and not a real speed/deep threat
Breaston - Classic case of a WR3 living off of his WR1 and WR2
Floyd - turns 30 in September, has career highs of 45 catches and 776 yards
Sims-Walker - Marked decline from last year to this year, despite team's significant improvement
Holmes - Dumbass, and on the edge of a year-long suspension
Edwards - One of the more overrated players in football. Dumbass. Anti-Patriots in terms of attitude


The only Fitzgerald issues right now would seem to be trading compensation and signing costs. Both are significant issues, but ones that would be dealt with the moment the trade was made and the contract signed. That's different from all the other options you listed. I'm not saying your idea doesn't have merit, or wouldn't work (Heck, I've mentioned Jackson mysef). I'm just noting the potential issues.

 

[Deus Irae]

I'll say it: Moss likely wouldn't have made a difference. Boldin, maybe, though Boldin and Branch had very similar receiving numbers this season.

Moss makes a huge difference. Let's not kid ourselves here. Moss' corpse would have had more impact against the Jets than Tate did. Hell, your corpse (or mine) might have made more of an impact.

 

[Rob0729]

Don't be a moron and only go by stats (and even if you do go by stats, Colston's 2009 murder the stats of any receiver on New England this year). Colston is a physically gifted freak who is a threat to make a great catch without needing a perfect throw and a threat to break a tackle and get yards after the catch. When Drew Brees needs a critical red zone or 3rd down reception, he has Colston as his pacifier to look for. No receiver on New England can provide Brady with a consistent ability to come up with a big catch on 3rd down no matter who's covering him.

LOL! You can't read my post properly and you call me a moron. I guess I would rather be a literate moron than a illiterate "smart guy" like you.

So are you saying that if a receiver performs better than any WR the Pats had this year, they are elite? There is a lot of leeway between the Pats WRs production this year and Larry Fitzgerald.... And a lot of free agent WRs fit that build.

Colston is not an elite WR. Never have been. If you are saying the Pats need a WR on par with Coltston, there are several free agents out there this offseason who fit that bill. Colston is not Fitzgerald.

So you are basically supporting my argument that the Pats can afford to upgrade the WR position, but don't need to break the bank for a guy like Fitzgerald. Yet, you are calling me a moron for making that point.

 

[RobertWeathers]

A big reason the Jets won was that Sanchez had all day to throw a lot of the game.

Pretty wild that in 6 postseason games, Sanchise is 4-2 with a Qb rating of 94.3.

 

[JackBauer]

Moss makes a huge difference. Let's not kid ourselves here. Moss' corpse would have had more impact against the Jets than Tate did. Hell, your corpse (or mine) might have made more of an impact.

I think it depends a lot on what Moss you're getting. Is it the "can't hack it on any team, bitter because he hasn't received a contract extension that the Patriots will never give him" Moss? If so, I doubt the impact would have been very significant.

 

[ivanvamp]

Fitzgerald is as close to a sure thing as is available, though.

Jackson - one incident away from a year-long suspension
Rice- coming off of injury, and only has one good season in his career, to date
Smith - injury concern, and not a real speed/deep threat
Breaston - Classic case of a WR3 living off of his WR1 and WR2
Floyd - turns 30 in September, has career highs of 45 catches and 776 yards
Sims-Walker - Marked decline from last year to this year, despite team's significant improvement
Holmes - Dumbass, and on the edge of a year-long suspension
Edwards - One of the more overrated players in football. Dumbass. Anti-Patriots in terms of attitude


The only Fitzgerald issues right now would seem to be trading compensation and signing costs. Both are significant issues, but ones that would be dealt with the moment the trade was made and the contract signed. That's different from all the other options you listed. I'm not saying your idea doesn't have merit, or wouldn't work (Heck, I've mentioned Jackson mysef). I'm just noting the potential issues.

The WR I really want is Floyd. He may be coming up on 30 and not ever have huge stats, but consider:

(1) He would not likely cost a lot due to the two factors above;
(2) He really can be explosive: career 17.3 ypr; 19.4 ypr last year;
(3) We could likely get him on a 2-3 year deal which would allow a guy like Tate or Price more time to develop;
(4) The guy is a physical freak: 6'5", 201 lbs. Gives us three really nice, big, end zone targets (Floyd, Hernandez, Gronk); and
(5) It weakens a rival (SD).

He also wouldn't cost anything in a trade, but he's really good. His numbers aren't all-world because SD has had Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates.