Snarf, I feel ya. I think the frustration on this point comes from a model of assigning value and paying to that value, and otherwise not ponying up. Basically, the Pats' receivers are bargains, because as you put it, Brady "makes them good." (Either that, or they're just phenomenal finds, if you look at bang for the buck.)
That's the model we're working with. So the "how about..." depends on the leaguewide valuation of the Wide Receiver position coming into line with the Pats' valuation of that position. It is always possible the gap may narrow, if the finger points toward the WR position among the Pats personnel types.
But I don't think that's the case... we used a #2 pick on a WR this year, and we picked up Caldwell and Gaffney super-cheap. They're worth working with. By the way, Caldwell can also burn upfield; I believe he is sub 4.4., for what it is worth. I mention this because I read something disparaging about NE receiving speed the other day, and it looked pretty clear the guy was just piling on.
Anyhoo, there is that issue of dropping the ball, something you might not have had Derrick Mason wanted to play for the Pats. But he didn't. And Javon Walker got a better offer. And so on.
It's not that the Pats won't do it, it's that they won't do it at the wrong price.
So far we have you, the guys who want to spend the money on Asante, one or two forward looking people who are concerned about Wilfork and Watson, and the Grahambo contingent vying for the salary cap dollars.
"Proven" talent is on the pricey side. That's why we tend to turn players into "commodities" right in New England, and let somebody else pay the big check later. Usually the Redskins LOL...
PFnV
