Opinion: Bring back Reche "Bug Eyes" Caldwell

[BradyManny]

He's a FA, we could sign him for cheap. I think we're going to have to focus our $$ on Moss and then the defense this offseason, so honestly, I think Gaffney might price out.

CJax is our 3, and I believe he'll be an upgrade over Stallworth in terms of the total package. But as insurance, what better guy could there be then Reche?

Caldwell was extremely good at making his catches matter & finding the first down marker, he was very David Givens esque in that manner. We could definitely use another guy on 3rd down who can make that happen, as teams will continue to pay more attention to Moss/Welker.

 

[Disco Volante]

When I think of guys that can make it happen, I don't think Reche Caldwell.

 

[signbabybrady]

He's a FA, we could sign him for cheap. I think we're going to have to focus our $$ on Moss and then the defense this offseason, so honestly, I think Gaffney might price out.

CJax is our 3, and I believe he'll be an upgrade over Stallworth in terms of the total package. But as insurance, what better guy could there be then Reche?

Caldwell was extremely good at making his catches matter & finding the first down marker, he was very David Givens esque in that manner. We could definitely use another guy on 3rd down who can make that happen, as teams will continue to pay more attention to Moss/Welker.[/QU

he would prolly be a cheap option and he has a worked with Tom so there is some things that would make sense.

But would he wnat to come back after we showed him no love a year after he led the team in receptions. Also if we let him go last year after that what was the reason and has it changed.

 

[BradyManny]

But would he wnat to come back after we showed him no love a year after he led the team in receptions. Also if we let him go last year after that what was the reason and has it changed.

I see your point about him maybe feeling slighted - but on the flip side, by far his best season was here, so I'd feel he'd be eager to come back.

As for what's changed - depth at receiver position has changed. I don't know if Gaffney will be able to return and Stallworth is almost a near-certain goner. Furthermore, as I said, while our #3 has #1 upside (CJ), he's also a bit of an unknown commodity and basically red-shirted his first two seasons.

So a nice insurance policy at the #4 spot, as well as someone who can be a 3rd down option would make sense and that points to Caldwell. Caldwell was cut mainly b/c he lacked any ST ability, and we can use the #5 - or even #6 if we carry one again - to fill that need, and let Caldwell be the #3/4.

 

[eom]

after last year's playoff loss I never want to see brady throw him another ball.

 

[Keegs]

If this team lets Gaffney go and then decides to go pick up Caldwell to replace him, then they do not deserve to win another Superbowl.

 

[BradyManny]

Because he dropped one pass that ended up not even making a difference? And again, we wouldn't be bringing him back as our #1 option, but likely our #4 and as insurance for CJax's development.

 

[oldskool138]

Ricochet Caldwell? No thanks...even at short money.

 

[brdmaverick]

does anyone think Givens will be available?

 

[BradyManny]

does anyone think Givens will be available?

I think his career might be over, too many brutal injuries. Reche is the safer bet, IMO.

 

[Rob0729]

Caldwell gets a bad wrap for two dropped balls. I think he would be a good addition for depth if we signed him. His lack of ability to play on special teams will likely make the Pats pass on him. But with the Pats likely to dump both Stallworth and Washington and potentially to resign Moss and Gaffney, he might be a good 4th or 5th WR who knows our system already.

 

[pheenix11]

If this team lets Gaffney go and then decides to go pick up Caldwell to replace him, then they do not deserve to win another Superbowl.

Amen brother

 

[dhamz]

If this team lets Gaffney go and then decides to go pick up Caldwell to replace him, then they do not deserve to win another Superbowl.

I don't see any chance Caldwell comes back but what makes you think the team is "letting Gaffney go"? He is an unrestricted free agent. They have no say whether he goes or not.

Gaffney is far from a sure bet to be back. I'm sure the Pats would love to resgin him at the right price, the question is how their price compares to what he can get on the market.

He has bounced around the league in his career, has not achieved financial security, and he is likely to never hit the open market in better position than he is right now. It is very possible someone overpays him and that he takes it.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

does anyone think Givens will be available?

He might be but his body hasnt been in great shape over the lasy few years.

 

[Sicilian]

Caldwell gets a bad wrap for two dropped balls. I think he would be a good addition for depth if we signed him. His lack of ability to play on special teams will likely make the Pats pass on him. But with the Pats likely to dump both Stallworth and Washington and potentially to resign Moss and Gaffney, he might be a good 4th or 5th WR who knows our system already.

That may be the problem though... if we're going to replace washington, wouldn't we want someone who could contribute on special teams?

And if we're going to replace Stallworth (roster spot wise), I'm not entirely comfortable with Gaffney or Jackson as our #2 (non-slot), and I don't think Caldwell is much better.

If we're not going to bring in someone big (which I don't think we need to), I say let Gaffney and Jackson battle it out for a starting spot, and sign a depth guy who can play special teams, either returning kicks or on coverage, like washington.

 

[nittanylions52]

It all depends on who is coming back. If Gaffney, Stallworth and Moss return, the point is pretty much moot. If none return (not likely), then it might be a good idea to get someone else who Tom Brady is familiar with. It's hard to say how confident Bill is in Chad Jackson. It depends on what goes down in free agency

 

[Rob0729]

If this team lets Gaffney go and then decides to go pick up Caldwell to replace him, then they do not deserve to win another Superbowl.

The Pats can't let a free agent go. He has the choice to sign with whatever team he wants. Besides, the Pats have already chosen Gaffney over Caldwell once. So if Caldwell is here and not Gaffney next season, it will likely be Gaffney's choice. He may decide he wants to go somewhere where he has a legitimate chance to start. Or he may want more money than the Pats are willing to pay a #3 or #4 WR.

 

[Keegs]

Everyone moans about the playoff loss being his fault, but would we have made it there if it wasn't for the catch-and-run to set up the FG in the Divisional game? I doubt it.

We would have made it there b/c another receiver would have stepped in and made that routine catch.

And most of them wouldn't have ran out of bounds afterwards.

can we all stop pretending that it was a diving one-handed catch?

 

[Keegs]

For the record, when i say "let him go" i'm referring to the Pats Not keeping him, however that happens

they should have no problem signing mr. gaffney if they want him on the team.

 

[BradyManny]

Caldwell gets a bad wrap for two dropped balls. I think he would be a good addition for depth if we signed him. His lack of ability to play on special teams will likely make the Pats pass on him. But with the Pats likely to dump both Stallworth and Washington and potentially to resign Moss and Gaffney, he might be a good 4th or 5th WR who knows our system already.

Exactly.

Sure, Gaffney is better, we chose Gaffney over him once. But Gaffney might cost 3x what Caldwell will, and with not a lot of wiggle room in the cap, you take what you can get. Caldwell would be an excellent #3/4 and wouldn't take any time to adjust to Brady and the system he's already been in.