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Clearly the running back situation is not changing, as the draft has made the team extremely well stocked and talented. What do you think the Pats will do at the WR position? Here is the current breakdown (including age):
WRs
Deion Branch- 2.2M- 32- 2011
Wes Welker- 2.2M- 30- 2011
Brandon Tate- 0.5M- 23- 2012
Taylor Price- - 0.5M- 23- 2013
Julian Edelman- 0.5M- 25- 2012
Sort-Of WRs
Matthew Slater- 0.6M- 25- 2011
Aaron Hernandez- 0.5M- 21- 2013
In looking at these options, a few things stand out. A. It's shocking how dominating the Patriots passing game was last season considering relatively low investment in these players. B. Judging by the salary received by Randy Moss in 2008, don't be surprised if Welker digs his heels in, especially considering his amazing production with a low salary for four years.
One other thing makes me wonder if the Patriots will go after a physical gifted wide receiver this offseason: the huge salary cap savings released by trading Moss last year. Moss earned 6.4M last season and averaged 9M annually including signing bonus, from 2008-10.
In other words, Moss earned as much last season as the seven receivers combined in base salary, and more if you prorate the lifetime deal.
It remains to be seen whether Tate or Price will be the game changing playmaker that Belichick wants. The Pats brought in Stallworth and Moss in 2007, Joey Galloway in 2009, and Torry Holt in 2010. Although Branch is a solid receiver who runs great routes, he is not the field stretcher that brings a new dimension to this offense.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a surprise cut this offseason at this position; while a lot of these guys (Edelman, Tate, Price) show good upside, the Patriots have been burned too many times in waiting for young WRs to develop (Chad Jackson, Bethel Johnson). I think the Pats will look at another Torry Holt- type of player, a veteran who still has good speed and would be looking for a contract in the 2.5-3.5M range.
WRs
Deion Branch- 2.2M- 32- 2011
Wes Welker- 2.2M- 30- 2011
Brandon Tate- 0.5M- 23- 2012
Taylor Price- - 0.5M- 23- 2013
Julian Edelman- 0.5M- 25- 2012
Sort-Of WRs
Matthew Slater- 0.6M- 25- 2011
Aaron Hernandez- 0.5M- 21- 2013
In looking at these options, a few things stand out. A. It's shocking how dominating the Patriots passing game was last season considering relatively low investment in these players. B. Judging by the salary received by Randy Moss in 2008, don't be surprised if Welker digs his heels in, especially considering his amazing production with a low salary for four years.
One other thing makes me wonder if the Patriots will go after a physical gifted wide receiver this offseason: the huge salary cap savings released by trading Moss last year. Moss earned 6.4M last season and averaged 9M annually including signing bonus, from 2008-10.
In other words, Moss earned as much last season as the seven receivers combined in base salary, and more if you prorate the lifetime deal.
It remains to be seen whether Tate or Price will be the game changing playmaker that Belichick wants. The Pats brought in Stallworth and Moss in 2007, Joey Galloway in 2009, and Torry Holt in 2010. Although Branch is a solid receiver who runs great routes, he is not the field stretcher that brings a new dimension to this offense.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a surprise cut this offseason at this position; while a lot of these guys (Edelman, Tate, Price) show good upside, the Patriots have been burned too many times in waiting for young WRs to develop (Chad Jackson, Bethel Johnson). I think the Pats will look at another Torry Holt- type of player, a veteran who still has good speed and would be looking for a contract in the 2.5-3.5M range.
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