It certainly appears as though the NEP are viewing Amendola/Welker as a swap, whether we as fans agree with it or not. Exactly how it works out remains to be seen, but he certainly has a lot of potential, has experience in this system, and will likely see a good amount of targets from Brady. He's certainly being groomed and set up to succeed.
I think you are right here. Even if the offense is about to shift priorities, this is essentially a switch from Welker to DA. However allow me to nitpick a bit on your use of the word "potential". I believe he has proven his skills. From what I've read, when he is on the field, his numbers are very "Welker-like" and in some areas, even better. So it is not a matter of "potential, but rather a matter of durability.
They paid Amendola 6 million aav on a long-term deal, and offered Welker a measly short term slap in the face, so yes--it as though they wanted Amendola.
This is a total mis-characterization. First later reports had DA's deal at 5 for $28MM, so less than $6MM/yr. But you and I both know that unless he produces at a Welker-like level he's never going to see most of that $28MM.
And finally, when are you going to get it that the Pats DIDN'T offer Welker a "short term slap in the face". They actually offered him a better deal than the one he got. They offered him a deal that realistically offered a little more money, and potentially a LOT more money. But more importantly they offered him a deal that isn't likely to put him back on the street at the end of this season. The only "slap" to Wes in this was the slap of reality when it became clear that the Pats had gauged the market for Wes Welker correctly.
The fact that they had him basically lined up from the legal tampering period over the weekend and signed him the day before letting Welker go pretty much proves this. Unless they re-sign Edelman who could potentially play some snaps in the slot should Amendola get hurt, I highly doubt that they'll be using any resources on the slot WR position in the draft, not to mention that Tavon Austin won't last out of the early 20's.
The Pats had to line up DA during the legal tampering period, because of the gap between the agent and the team was that big. If they had gauged the market for Welker wrong, then they would need his replacement, and it seemed clear that DA would be gone within the first 2 days of FA.
I agree that even if Austin were available he wouldn't be taken now. Actually I'm not as big a fan of Austin as some here. I'm put off by his size and a couple of scouting reports that questioned his hands, and limited route running experience. I'm looking for size in a WR. I'd love a guy who could take the top off the defense, but given a choice for THIS offense, I'd take an "Anquan Boldin", over a "Wes Welker"
I'd still like to see Edelman added as some insurance to this position, ST ability, and someone who is familiar with our system and can continue to try and progress outside of the numbers too.
Agree here
BTW- what do you think about the Pats only going with 4 true WR's this season (plus Slater) Its fairly certain that they will keep 4 TE's so keeping 6 WR's seems excessive. Herandez and Vareen give them 2 hybrid possibilities to make up for a 5th WR. I don't know what do you think?
As to the OP
1. Sign the Pass Rusher. (Abraham or Carter) Andy will be insufferable if he don't get one.
2. Re-sign Edelman
3. Sign Martin - I like his potential. He could be the kind of guy who might be on the verge on being an impact player. While in the same token, he could wind up being just a JAG. However, impact DT's are just so rare, you have to take a shot even when there's only a chance to get one.
4. Sign Sanders - Not super excited about this prospect. In my mind its either sign Sanders or draft a WR in the first round. The Sander's deal looks slightly better, because although I wouldn't get my "big" receiver, I'd get one the Pats feel is on the verge of "breaking out". He's had 3 years of NFL development already. Any new WR, would likely need a year or two to develop into his true potential. Remember the best rookie WR the Pats have had under BB, was Deion Branch, and he only had about 420 yds receiving. (2nd best was Julian
)
If we do those 4 things, the draft, small as it is, will be pure luxury. A chance to add 2 very good players who won't be counted on for anything.
