Slow start is especially explainable if Drake is focused on AJB.
Can’t speak for anyone else. I’ve tried to say he COULD STILL TURN IT AROUND OR GET THERE BY MID-season.
But, my argueing has been more focused about NOT TRADING BOUTTE, than about use of Doubs.
- Hope is not a plan. You can’t give away Boutte with the hope that Doubs and Drake will start clicking. You have to see it first. And even then, I would still put myself in the don’t trade Boutte camp. Play all 3. but that just my opinion.
I am 1000% in the keep him camp.
Reasons to trade him:
He could be a distraction - All speculation, I've seen a guy showing up and working hard.
He won't be here beyond next year - Again, speculation. Chances are no, but nothing is for sure.
We can get a pick - is a 5th rounder really worth the insurance he would provide THIS year?
We would have to cut a young WR with potential - Again, pure speculation. No one knows how the team feels about Chism and the UDFAs on the team. Young WRs with potential are available as UDFAs every year. And there is a very good chance the current guys would clear waivers and make the PS without another team claiming them.
Reason to keep him:
He is a bonafide NFL WR who knows our system and has made plays and fits the strengths of our QB very well.
Injuries happen, he could easily move up the pecking order with an injury and the drop off would be significantly less than throwing a Rookie UDFA out there.
If he signs elsewhere next year, would the comp pick be much different than the 5th or 6th rounder we would get in a trade?
He would help us win THIS year, a year in which we have realistic SB hopes.
This isn't about what Boutte wants, it's about what makes the team better.
Keeping him makes us better.