My question isn't so much that Mary is coming back, but rather why claim him on the waiver wire. So we have to ask the question who is behind the Pats on the waiver wire list. I'm guessing only the Eagles and Pittsburgh, though I might be wrong. So if that's the case, do either have a need for an injured TE who is going to retire at the end of the season?
Another question is, IIRC, the Pats are now going to loss a 5th round comp pick for the right to have Bennett for about 6 games (I don't expect Bennett to be healthy for the next 2 weeks) If we had signed him as a FA after him going through waivers, I don't think we would have lost that comp pick
Miguel at BSJ gave a great view of what the cap consequences of signing him means. IIRC we only have to pay about half his salary with the Packers and that means about $500K. We are also on the hook for several million starting next year, but NONE of that money is guaranteed. So if he does retire after this season or the Pats release him, about $500K is what he's going to cost on this year's cap space....which is nothing.
It will be interesting to see what corresponding moves the Pats will make to create a roster spot and how he will fit into the offensive strategy. Will we carry 4 TE's.
BTW- DI is correct. Allen is the better blocker to begin with, and the gap is even bigger now given Bennett's shoulder issues, which seem chronic. So lets forget about that comparison. Bennett is back to improve the red zone offense PERIOD. He's back to be a receiver more than just a 2 way TE.
I like that Bennett is coming back. I wish we hadn't lost that comp pick in the process, because I don't think it was necessary.
