Free Agent WR Battle: Sidney Rice v. Malcom Floyd

[Deus Irae]

Rice:

6'4"
200 lbs
Will be 25 years old
4.51 40 yard dash at the combine
4 NFL seasons, 48 games
146 catches
Career high in catches is 83
14.6 YPR
Coming off injury year which significantly limited his game and his numbers (17 catches in a 6 game season)


Floyd:
6-5
201 lbs
Will be 30 years old
Did not run at the combine
6 NFL seasons, 62 games
Career high in catches is 45
134 catches
17.3 YPR
Has only played 1 16 game season in the NFL
Coming off an injury year that was still his second highest catch total as a pro (37 catches in an 11 game season)


Which would you rather see the Patriots target?

 

[patsfan-1982]

Malcom Floyd is a 6.5 Deion Branch, Sidney Rice could be a true #1 hands down Rice.

 

[supafly]

I voted Floyd, just due to realistic expectations, and much lower cost. I think he could end up one of those mid-level targets.

However, there's no doubt that Rice is the much better player, with much better upside. I just question whether or not it is a remote possibility.

 

[jsull87]

I voted Rice because i think he is the randy moss type route runner and larger body. I personally don't think floyd would make my patriots roster. Not when Tate and Edelman are the punt and Kick returners.

 

[supafly]

Malcom Floyd is a 6.5 Deion Branch, Sidney Rice could be a true #1 hands down Rice.

Just out of curiosity, why do feel that Floyd is "a 6' 5" Deion Branch?"

I'm not really seeing the comparison.

Floyd is not even as close to the player that Rice is, but he can still stretch the field, and offers a viable downfield threat (17.3 ypc)--and at a much lower cost. Branch runs more short/intermediate routes.

 

[supafly]

I voted Rice because i think he is the randy moss type route runner and larger body. I personally don't think floyd would make my patriots roster. Not when Tate and Edelman are the punt and Kick returners.

That's another good aspect of the situation, who would this player replace?

 

[BlueThunder]

If they are going to go after a WR...Rice fo sure...

But someone will have to go from the current corps of Pats WR's

Welker,Edelman,Branch,Tate or Price....

 

[ausbacker]

Rice:

6'4"
200 lbs
Will be 25 years old
4.51 40 yard dash at the combine
4 NFL seasons, 48 games
146 catches
Career high in catches is 83
14.6 YPR
Coming off injury year which significantly limited his game and his numbers (17 catches in a 6 game season)


Floyd:
6-5
201 lbs
Will be 30 years old
Did not run at the combine
6 NFL seasons, 62 games
Career high in catches is 45
134 catches
17.3 YPR
Has only played 1 16 game season in the NFL
Coming off an injury year that was still his second highest catch total as a pro (37 catches in an 11 game season)


Which would you rather see the Patriots target?

Sidney Rice because I think age plays on his side but after watching Malcolm Floyd closely in 2010, he'd be a more than handy addition with excellent big play potential.

He helped out some errant Rivers throws dramatically.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Malcom Floyd is a 6.5 Deion Branch, Sidney Rice could be a true #1 hands down Rice.

Can we afford Rice?

 

[BlueThunder]

Can we afford Rice?

That's an entirely separate issue

 

[HomerSchooled]

I voted Floyd, just due to realistic expectations, and much lower cost. I think he could end up one of those mid-level targets.

However, there's no doubt that Rice is the much better player, with much better upside. I just question whether or not it is a remote possibility.

I'm with you. Rice is obviously a better player, but our corps is already strong, and Floyd would offer what we need as at a reasonable price. Plus, we'd be taking him away from a Conference rival in San Diego.

Truthfully, I'd rather devote our resources elsewhere and skip WR in Free Agency. Despite the performance in the play offs, I'm pretty comfortable with our group. It's lacking star power and an overwhelming talent, but the depth is solid, and I'd hate to add someone and have to cut either Tate or Edelman or Price. I'd wait until 2012 to address the position, when Welker and Branch are FAs. I'd re-sign one, then dip into a fine receiver free agent class. Fitzgerald, Bowe, Colston, B. Lloyd, V. Jackson, R. Wayne, Desean Jackson, S. Johnson... they can't all get franchise tagged.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

If they are going to go after a WR...Rice fo sure...

But someone will have to go from the current corps of Pats WR's

Welker,Edelman,Branch,Tate or Price....

I expect Branch will be gone after this year, one way or another.

 

[Frick]

Neither one, I am looking for a pretty decent improvement from:

1. OC: Another year will bring more confidence and he'll figure out how to integrate the 2 gems we have at TE into a starring role in the offense.

2. TEs: They were very good last year and next year - watch out, they're going to get better.

3. Taylor Price: Can't prove it, but I just feel he'll be our next David Givens.

4. The young RBs: Will take a lot of pressure off the receiving corps.

5. I'm willing to wait a year to sign a disgruntled receiver from Arizona.

 

[Snake Eyes]

Neither one, I am looking for a pretty decent improvement from:

1. OC: Another year will bring more confidence and he'll figure out how to integrate the 2 gems we have at TE into a starring role in the offense.

2. TEs: They were very good last year and next year - watch out, they're going to get better.

3. Taylor Price: Can't prove it, but I just feel he'll be our next David Givens.

4. The young RBs: Will take a lot of pressure off the receiving corps.

5. I'm willing to wait a year to sign a disgruntled receiver from Arizona

Oh, that is music to my ears, I'm thinking if we signed Floyd to a flexible and more backloaded deal where we could move on from him if Fitz becomes available, or hang onto Floyd if Fitz or a better option isn't available, we'd be in good shape.

 

[Rob0729]

Malcom Floyd is a 6.5 Deion Branch, Sidney Rice could be a true #1 hands down Rice.

Floyd and Branch couldn't be more of two different types of WR if they tried. Floyd is a deep threat and Branch is a short to middle range route runner.

 

[Rob0729]

5. I'm willing to wait a year to sign a disgruntled receiver from Arizona.

Steve Breaston is available this year and he isn't a deep threat WR.

Oh, you mean Larry Fitzgerald. You mean the guy that the Cards will franchise next year and the Pats would have to give up two first round picks to get? The guy is going to be 28 the end of next month. You don't give up two first round picks for a receiver one year away from 30 even the caliber of Fitzgerald. There is very little chance of him being a Patriot. If you are waiting for him, you might have to wait three or four years or longer like never.

 

[Rob0729]

I would say Floyd just because the Pats are probably not going to pay Rice what he is going to get.

Personally, I might want to take a shot at James Jones. I think he is a better fit for the Pats. He might come at a reasonable price. He is versatile. He can stretch the field and battle with the bigger CBs in the league for the ball, but he also is good route runner over the middle. He isn't as talented as Rice, but he might be a much better value.

 

[Deus Irae]

Steve Breaston is available this year and he isn't a deep threat WR.

Oh, you mean Larry Fitzgerald. You mean the guy that the Cards will franchise next year and the Pats would have to give up two first round picks to get? The guy is going to be 28 the end of next month. You don't give up two first round picks for a receiver one year away from 30 even the caliber of Fitzgerald. There is very little chance of him being a Patriot. If you are waiting for him, you might have to wait three or four years or longer like never.

Will Fitzgerald get an extension?

All signs are pointing in that direction. His contract expires after 2011 and he could opt not to sign with an eye on hitting free agency. He has a clause in his contract that won't allow him to be franchised, so he is holding some leverage here.

NFL.com news: QB situation continues to linger for transitioning Cardinals

 

[ausbacker]

Steve Breaston is available this year and he isn't a deep threat WR.

Oh, you mean Larry Fitzgerald. You mean the guy that the Cards will franchise next year and the Pats would have to give up two first round picks to get? The guy is going to be 28 the end of next month. You don't give up two first round picks for a receiver one year away from 30 even the caliber of Fitzgerald. There is very little chance of him being a Patriot. If you are waiting for him, you might have to wait three or four years or longer like never.

He also strikes me as the type of person that values loyalty and is a one team player.

 

[supafly]

I would say Floyd just because the Pats are probably not going to pay Rice what he is going to get.

Personally, I might want to take a shot at James Jones. I think he is a better fit for the Pats. He might come at a reasonable price. He is versatile. He can stretch the field and battle with the bigger CBs in the league for the ball, but he also is good route runner over the middle. He isn't as talented as Rice, but he might be a much better value.

I agree with Floyd as better value, I think we all know that Rice is a better player--but at what financial cost?

I like the J.Jones talk too, that'd be a nice option that may be realistic.

Steve Breaston is available this year and he isn't a deep threat WR.

He certainly could be a 'deep threat WR.' He has pretty darn good speed, and a 15.3 ypc ave last yr. I don't know why he couldn't be? He has the same size as James Jones, and a better ypc average last yr (15.3 to Jones' 13.6). In 2008 he had almost 80 catches.

I do agree that Floyd and Jones would be better options, but I wouldn't mind Breaston in the least if that's the route Belichick takes. It may be the most cost efficient way to go. Any 3 of these could provide us some more ways to keep the defense honest, and provide a deeper, downfield threat.

All in all, I just don't see it--unless there's an early injury of course, and then all 3 of these will likely be gone anyway, so it won't matter. Unless of course, there's a major move made (Welker trade/Branch cut), or Belichick is preparing for next yr and beyond.