Lloyd was an OK #2 with over 900 yards. Edelman was an OK #4 emergency WR and a top punt returner. Apparently, our first shot at "better" was to choose Jones to replace Branch. I have no words for choosing Amendola over Welker.
The patriots will sign another half-dozen receivers and draft one. We need a base set of receivers that understands the offense.
I think your point certainly rings true. I wonder however, why these 2 WRs haven't been brought back--considering that we're all in agreement that they can be had for pennies on the dollar.
The only logical explanation is that Belichick does not care to bring them back, at least at the price that they wish to have. The deeper we get into FA, the thinner the market will be, and at least one or both of these players will appear to be viable additions for
some team out there. It appears that many here undervalue both players' worth and think that they're just going to give up and come back to NE due to lack of interest from 31 other teams. I think as we get into the next month or two, there will be a team out there who snatches them up, even if the offers are insignificant.
It's not like these are situations that resemble a heavy negotiation period like Vollmer or maybe even Talib. Their worth is pretty much assumed and understand by both parties involved. These are low level signings. The negotiating window is quite small.
Edelman may have already been replaced, considering his main contribution was on ST. Amendola returned punts every single time for STL, I would expect Belichick to have him do the same here. Leon Washington has also been brought in for returns, and Josh Cribbs was heavily explored to open free agency. While we don't have too much to go on in terms of Edelman's future, the little hints that we do have don't exactly favor him at the moment.
