I know a lot of people, maybe even everybody, will say this is crazy. And it'll probably never happen. But I've thought about it for a while and I think it'd make sense to at least try to get TO on the team next year. Especially since this year's WR FA and draft classes are pretty weak and the chances of retaining Givens aren't that high.
Here's how why I think it would work:
1) This would be by far the best Coach/QB combo TO has ever been with. It is also probably the strongest and most veteran locker room that would be able to put TO in his place.
2) TOs stock is as low as it could possibly go right now. So this is part of the buy low, sell high strategy. TO could probably be had for a late round pick. And his contract would have to be totally redone and heavily incentivised with team-oriented goals. So the finanacial risk would be small enough that the Pats could just release - or suspend - him at any point without significant cap implications. The potential reward, on the other hand, is really astronomical becase TO is still one of the 5 most talented and productive WRs in the NFL.
3) TO might be an ass, but he's not an idiot. He has to understand that this might be his last chance to stay in the NFL. And what better way to rehab your image than on the most selfless team in the league.
4) Even with the Eagles, TO was a model citizen in his first year. As long as the Patriots are winning and TO is playing, he will keep quiet. And with his talent, as long as he's quiet, why wouldn't he be playing?
5) The Pats have some expereince dealing with supposed malcontents in Corey Dillon and Terry Glen. And while those 2 situations worked out very differently, the 1 thing that was constant was the team's ability to disregard the distractions and concentrate on playing the game.
So I say get TO in here, give him the incentive-laden contract, back him up with some combination of cheap vets and young WRs, and let him go to work.
Here's how why I think it would work:
1) This would be by far the best Coach/QB combo TO has ever been with. It is also probably the strongest and most veteran locker room that would be able to put TO in his place.
2) TOs stock is as low as it could possibly go right now. So this is part of the buy low, sell high strategy. TO could probably be had for a late round pick. And his contract would have to be totally redone and heavily incentivised with team-oriented goals. So the finanacial risk would be small enough that the Pats could just release - or suspend - him at any point without significant cap implications. The potential reward, on the other hand, is really astronomical becase TO is still one of the 5 most talented and productive WRs in the NFL.
3) TO might be an ass, but he's not an idiot. He has to understand that this might be his last chance to stay in the NFL. And what better way to rehab your image than on the most selfless team in the league.
4) Even with the Eagles, TO was a model citizen in his first year. As long as the Patriots are winning and TO is playing, he will keep quiet. And with his talent, as long as he's quiet, why wouldn't he be playing?
5) The Pats have some expereince dealing with supposed malcontents in Corey Dillon and Terry Glen. And while those 2 situations worked out very differently, the 1 thing that was constant was the team's ability to disregard the distractions and concentrate on playing the game.
So I say get TO in here, give him the incentive-laden contract, back him up with some combination of cheap vets and young WRs, and let him go to work.
Put down that pipe and back away from your stash, didn't they tell you that stuff will mess up your mind? Why prove it!!! 
