Is WR/TE suddenly a need?

[Bruins29]

But Matthews is more than camp fodder he is looking at a minimum of 2 to 3 mil a season.

Yeah, he is a good player. I think they still try to get a good value guy at about that range...so that kind of investment wouldn't surprise me,

 

[Kdo5]

SMH. For being a veteran poster, your memory of this team is lacking. The Patriots went years without "top tier talent" among their Wide Receivers and had some of the toughest offenses to defend against when they had Troy Brown, Deion Branch, David Givens and David Patterson as their WRs.

We've also had years like 2006/2013 where our receiving group was weak, and clearly impacted our offensive output.

How is hogan injury plagued?

I just saw the stat above and I'd retract on that a bit but our best WR IS injury prone and returning from a torn ACL. That

 

[mgteich]

They need a number 3 receiver. If either Edelman or Hogan get hurt (like last year), the pats are screwed.

I suppose. We've won with lots worse #3 receivers than one of Mitchell, Dorsett, Patterson and Britt.

 

[Bruins29]

I just saw the stat above and I'd retract on that a bit but our best WR IS injury prone and returning from a torn ACL. That

OK but JE's injuries have nothing to do with Hogans injury history or lack of one other than last year's shoulder injury.

 

[mgteich]

But Matthews is more than camp fodder he is looking at a minimum of 2 to 3 mil a season.

Tha depends on the guaranteed money. $2m means little if the roster bonus was only a $200K or so.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

He is among the 7-to-make-5, or really 4-to-make-2.

Edelman, Hogan locks
Patterson- near lock, but role on O limited

Mitchell, Dorsett, Britt, and McCarron, fighting for 2 spots.

They won't give up on Mitchell after 2 years. Rookie year learning our system he was fine...injuries derailed year 2.

Look for him to try and fill the Dola role. But he will not be cut this year. Almost 0.0 chance at that

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

It’s a long term need, yes.

But for next year... if Gronk and Jules are still on board, then I say that it’s not a huge need for next year.

Jules has only played 16 games twice in his career. He is getting older and most lileky will be hurt at some point almost like every year.

And Gronk is another wildcard with injuries.

Hogan is the one you can rely on to play the most games.

If Jules and Gronk go down for 4 or more games. This team is in trouble as of now. I would like a Matthews signing to help when/if they go down

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Tha depends on the guaranteed money. $2m means little if the roster bonus was only a $200K or so.

Matthews is consistent. Not really injury prone and the last 3 years yards have been almost the same..same with TDs past 2 years

 

[TheRainMaker]

Every position on the team has a need. Contracts are going to expire, players age, players regress, the current players at that position aren't very good. The real question is whether it's a priority? Yes, but they have bigger needs that need to be addressed first (LT, LB, anyone that can rush the passer). The Pats need a WR due to Edelman's age and injury, Mitchell can't be trusted due to his injury history and could Hogan's shoulder linger into next year? And Cooks was traded who was their leading WR. Although I don't think Cooks fit in well, he was a legitimate deep threat but was not one dimensional. In addition, the Pats can struggle against teams that can play exclusively man to man defense and trading Gronk will really put pressure on the current group. I believe they will add another WR which could come as early as the 1st round or trade for a veteran player.

 

[supafly]

But Matthews is more than camp fodder he is looking at a minimum of 2 to 3 mil a season.

I think you’re looking at double that, considering his first three years, current market value at WR, and level of teams looking at signing him.

Green Bay, NE, Tennessee, even Arizona—these aren’t basement dwelling teams looking to sign a 2-3m dollar a year WR. If that’s really his market, then Belichick should’ve already signed him. 6’3” WRs who average 63 catches a year on their rookie deals don’t normally go for 2-3m.

 

[luuked]

Green Bay, NE, Tennessee, even Arizona—these aren’t basement dwelling teams looking to sign a 2-3m dollar a year WR. If that’s really his market, then Belichick should’ve already signed him. 6’3” WRs who average 63 catches a year on their rookie deals don’t normally go for 2-3m.

If he was fine with a vintage NE WR contract (i.e. bargain basement) he would have been signed already. I suppose the Cooks trade was already kinda in the works when Matthews visited.

 

[maineman209]

Then why Visit with Jordan Matthews?

Why not? At the very least, it's an opportunity for the Pats to directly scout a potential opposing player. For Matthews, it might be an opportunity to demonstrate that he's recovered from his knee and ankle surgeries.

 

[maineman209]

What did Belichick say after the sb against the falcons? We needed to get faster at the receiver position. Secondaries are getting faster and we just took a hit with the Cooks trade. Edelman's coming off a major injury and is getting older. Mitchell's always injured. Got to bring in some speed.

Dorsett has 4.33 speed (same as Cooks).

McCarron ran a 4.41. Patterson ran a 4.42.

Matthews ran a 4.46.

 

[maineman209]

They won't give up on Mitchell after 2 years. Rookie year learning our system he was fine...injuries derailed year 2.

Look for him to try and fill the Dola role. But he will not be cut this year. Almost 0.0 chance at that

The concern is not just about Mitchell's knee injury in 2017. He had two knee injuries his last couple college seasons that required three separate surgeries.

 

[oceansizer]

To many iffs about our WR corp. If Jules stays healthy, if Hogan stays in the club after FA, if Mitchell can handle Dola's duties, if Dorsett is the next Cooks. All these examples make me feel that we definitely need a help in that area. I prefer the idea of signing a veteran in FA, bit I do not mind taking a WR in the draft as well.Assuming WR from the draft as a developmental prospect learning the system I give up taking someone in first round. I just can't see a good fit with a pick 23rd or 31st. In my opinion Ridley or any WR from this draft is worth using such high picks.

 

[maineman209]

I think you’re looking at double that, considering his first three years, current market value at WR, and level of teams looking at signing him.

Green Bay, NE, Tennessee, even Arizona—these aren’t basement dwelling teams looking to sign a 2-3m dollar a year WR. If that’s really his market, then Belichick should’ve already signed him. 6’3” WRs who average 63 catches a year on their rookie deals don’t normally go for 2-3m.

The knee and ankle surgeries he had in mid-December may be reducing his current market value. Matthews himself claims that the surgeries were to repair injuries that had dogged him since his last season with the Eagles in 2016. He could be getting relatively cheap 1-year, prove-it offers everywhere.

 

[supafly]

The knee and ankle surgeries he had in mid-December may be reducing his current market value. Matthews himself claims that the surgeries were to repair injuries that had dogged him since his last season with the Eagles in 2016. He could be getting relatively cheap 1-year, prove-it offers everywhere.

Possibly, but I still think a one year, prove it deal could fetch him 4-5m. We’ll have to see. I could be way off, but that’s where I’d value him, particularly with at least 4 teams in the hunt.

 

[mgteich]

Possibly, but I still think a one year, prove it deal could fetch him 4-5m. We’ll have to see. I could be way off, but that’s where I’d value him, particularly with at least 4 teams in the hunt.

hmm

I didn't evaluate Matthews highly before the Cooks trade. I have re-evaluated his value to us.
I suppose the $5M hit is OK considering the savings by trading Cooks. However, a 2-3 year deal would be better, with a lower 2018 cap.

 

[VJCPatriot]

WR is always a need, the problem is that we suck at drafting WRs. So it's better if BB identifies a value target to steal via trade.

As for TE, Gronk's situation is uncertain so yes it's a need. Whether it's him wanting to retire or his inconsistent health issues... Yes TE would be a nice position to address.

It all depends on where the value falls though. At least the Pats are loaded for this draft, two 1sts, two 2nds, and a 3rd round pick.

 

[scott99]

I think WR is a concern. Edelman will be 32, and coming off of major knee surgery. I know it’ll be practically a full year, but age+surgery= concerned. Mitchell, I wouldn’t even put him on the list as someone who will ever be a major contributor like he was his rookie season. It’s a shame, because he’s VERY talented. But he’s toast as far as being dependable. Dorsett has been a bust, may flash sometimes, but invisible most times, 5th receiver at best. Britt is very intriguing, if he can learn the offense and gain Brady’s trust, he can be an interesting weapon. Patterson is mostly a return man, but I can see them using him more as a receiver now that Cooks is gone, he can certainly stretch the field, but has been a bust as a receiver so far.

Tons of questions in the WR department. All very talented, but lots of questions.