PFT: Pats will decline Stallworth's option, cut by Friday deadline

[pats1]

http://beta.profootballtalk.com/2008/02/17/pats-to-pass-on-stallworth-option/

PATS TO PASS ON STALLWORTH OPTION
Posted by Mike Florio on February 17, 2008, 7:44 p.m.

A league source tells us that the New England Patriots already have advised receiver Donte’ Stallworth that they won’t be picking up the $6 million option due to be paid to him on or before February 25.​

As a result, the Pats will be required to cut Stallworth by 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 22. Unless, of course, they work out a new deal with him before then.​

Stallworth was signed by the Pats before the team acquired Randy Moss. The decision not to keep Stallworth suggests that the team will retain Moss, possibly by applying the franchise tag to him and then trying to work out a long-term deal.​

The deadline for applying the franchise tag is February 21.​

​

 

[JDP111]

'Tis Chad Jackson's time to step up.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Looks like Moss is definitely coming back.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Bye Donte ... no complaints on his efforts. We really don't employ an offense thatutilizes YAC which sucks for him.

 

[LoganMankinsPancakeBlocks]

Looks like Moss is definitely coming back.

I do think Moss is coming back, but I don't think you can really say it's definite because of this.

Whether Moss was coming back or not, $6M is just too much for someone like Stallworth and the $6M option was considered a lock to declined before the season even started.

 

[JDP111]

Bye Donte ... no complaints on his efforts. We really don't employ an offense thatutilizes YAC which sucks for him.

Wes Welker is all about the YAC....

 

[Pats726]

Maybe they will work out a deal? Makes some sense...not for that large amount..Washington..possibly back Stallworth less likely...

 

[Disco Volante]

Expected, bye Donte.

Great YAC, but never had the best hands.

 

[upstater1]

'Tis Chad Jackson's time to step up.

If we don't retain Stallworth, we need someone else opposite Randy other than Jackson. He'll need to break in as a 4th receiver before he's trusted with a starting position.

 

[JDP111]

I don't disagree; however, I believe that Jackson has the ability, and this will be his opportunity to win that job in training camp.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I do think Moss is coming back, but I don't think you can really say it's definite because of this.

Whether Moss was coming back or not, $6M is just too much for someone like Stallworth and the $6M option was considered a lock to declined before the season even started.

Why not? If they didn't have Moss pretty much figured out, I don't see them letting Stallworth go. For them to cut Stallworth, imo, that must mean that they've at least made very good progress with Moss.

 

[Hardboiled]

'Tis Chad Jackson's time to step up.

You think Jackson will replace Stallworth?
Or will Jackson possibly replace Gaffeny who will replace Stallworth?

 

[JDP111]

I believe that Chad Jackson will be our #3 wide-out next year.......

 

[patsfaninpa]

I believe that Chad Jackson will be our #3 wide-out next year.......

I think Gaffney will come back as our 3rd wr. I think Chad will be used in a role similiar to Stallworth. Stretch the field opposite Moss. Should be lethal on those wr screens. Has the size/speed to be dangerous on those.

 

[LoganMankinsPancakeBlocks]

Why not? If they didn't have Moss pretty much figured out, I don't see them letting Stallworth go. For them to cut Stallworth, imo, that must mean that they've at least made very good progress with Moss.

Because Stallworth is not worth nearly that much and was our #4 receiver towards the end of the year (#4 isn't that bad on the Pats since they often got shotgun and 4 wide/Faulk in, but it's not worth $6M).

It was known that it was a one year and done situation when they signed Stallworth and this really is not surprising at all.

 

[Hok]

Here's to hoping we're able to retain both Moss and Gaffney. A top four of Moss/Welker/Gaffney/Jackson is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Donte can go to a team like the raiders or the jaguars is my guess and get paid double more than likely then what the pats are willing to offer.
I agree if we take a receiver in the middle rounds it won't be much of a drop off.
I really liked the raiders receiver last year they drafted and was hoping we'd go after him.
I haven't really paid any attention looking at receivers but can anybody give me a list of guys who are good after the catch and strong that can be had to the middle to late rounds of the draft thanks.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

They must be fairly confident they can get Moss signed.

Still, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if they could work out something with Donte. I don't see a #2 WR on the roster capable of stepping up as the #1 if something keeps Moss out of the lineup. CJ is the great unknown, Caldwell is a FA as will Washington be unless they get something done with him in the next 10 days or so.

 

[satz]

Must have missed chad jackson being unstopable for 2 yrs and improving to the pt of betting on his great and tremendous ability.

 

[JDP111]

Must have missed chad jackson being unstopable for 2 yrs and improving to the pt of betting on his great and tremendous ability.

No. You're right. Donte' Stallworth lit it up to the point that he deserves to get paid that heavily weighted amount of money vs. the cap. and you know, Jackson, who we spent a second round pick on, doesn't even need to bother showing up anymore.