Stallworth

[DaBruinz]

Jennings and Holmes are both in positions where they were counted on to be contributors, Chad Jackson (in his second year) was never asked to do so. Jennings and Holmes (if I'm not mistaken here ) have also not had surgery on either one of their ACLs. Chad Jackson has. Jackson also missed most of TC last season because of a nagging hamstring injury (and most of what I've heard is that he was rushed back from it prematurely). Jackson has not had one legit training camp in his time as a pro and has not been asked to do the things that Holmes and Jennings have been asked.

It's still premature to assume that a WR who was widely considered the best talent at his position before the draft, and who has missed critical amounts of time in the developmental process because of injuries (and who is only 22) will be nothing when given the opportunity. I'm not saying he will be Jennings (who is very, very good, in my opinion), but it's still early to write him off.

If, after this offseason, he doesn't show anything in the upcoming campaign, then I can understand the write off. Until then, far, far too premature.

I'd rather see the Patriots restructure Stallworth, sign Moss, retain Welker (duh), and keep Jackson (who could replace Gaffney as the fourth receiver), but Stallworth's cap hit is just shy of $6.5 mil next year, which is manageable. I don't think Gaffney is crucial to this team (he's good, but not a must have) and at some point you have to take advantage of rookie contracts in the "middle class."

Kelly Washington will not make the team with a $5.5 mil hit next year, though. I'd love to see him restructured (or cut and re-signed), but barring that, he's a goner. Which is too bad.

Everything you said was right on except for the part about Kelley Washington. He doesn't have a 5.5 million cap hit next year. According to Miguel, Washington's hit is only 1.76 million because the bonus was re-classified as an OPTION bonus, not a ROSTER bonus. Meaning that it would be spread over the last 4 years of Washington's contract.

 

[DaBruinz]

Good lad.

I'm a little concerned about my daughter, who has suddenly announced that she's not interested in the Superbowl and is planning to wear...gulp...a Manny Ramirez shirt to our SB party instead of her rockin' Pats tie-dye.

Is it just a phase? Or should I seek professional help?

I think that you should "accidently" make sure that the Ramirez shirt is in the WASH. Literally... so that she CAN'T wear it.

 

[DaBruinz]

Try this concept on for size: Goodbye Donte, hello ocho cinco! Stranger things have happened...

No thanks. No Chad Johnson for the Patriots. Not to mention that Chad is NOT a free agent and the Patriots have more important issues.. OH and that Johnson would be more expensive than Stallworth.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

No thanks. No Chad Johnson for the Patriots. Not to mention that Chad is NOT a free agent and the Patriots have more important issues.. OH and that Johnson would be more expensive than Stallworth.

Have you not read his cap numbers?

 

[primetime]

Everything you said was right on except for the part about Kelley Washington. He doesn't have a 5.5 million cap hit next year. According to Miguel, Washington's hit is only 1.76 million because the bonus was re-classified as an OPTION bonus, not a ROSTER bonus. Meaning that it would be spread over the last 4 years of Washington's contract.

Then there's no way Washington isn't back next year. He's too valuable to the team as a special teamer, and that's not a lot of money at all.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Then there's no way Washington isn't back next year. He's too valuable to the team as a special teamer, and that's not a lot of money at all.

Additionally, Washington can definitely be a WR contributor next year (I think he can be as productive as Gaffney was this year). He wasn't needed this year as we unexpectedly stayed healthy at WR but with some guys likely leaving next year the depth chart will change. Washington has the physical ability, clearly gets the team concept and will know the offense heading into next year.

 

[ATippett56]

I reall hope Sunday is not his last game with the Pats. Of course I would prefer to have Moss if it came down to a choice, but I love Stallworth's great attitude and YAC ability.

I'll be rockin' a new Stallworth jersey at the SB in honor of my 4 year old boy, whose favorite number is 18 (because that's the only # he can reach on the elevator in our apt building).

Say goodbye to Donte Stallworth and say hello to Randy Moss for another three years. You seriously don't expect Moss to come cheap after his record breaking season.

 

[bradmahn]

Everything you said was right on except for the part about Kelley Washington. He doesn't have a 5.5 million cap hit next year. According to Miguel, Washington's hit is only 1.76 million because the bonus was re-classified as an OPTION bonus, not a ROSTER bonus. Meaning that it would be spread over the last 4 years of Washington's contract.

I stand corrected. In that case I don't think it's entirely out of the question to figure that Washington and Stallworth could both be back next year. Coupled with Wes Welker and a developing Chad Jackson and that receiving corps is already better than anything Brady had at any point in the '06 season (although a little shallow).

And I expect Moss to be back as well to keep it the best in the league. :rocker:

 

[bradmahn]

Say goodbye to Donte Stallworth and say hello to Randy Moss for another three years. You seriously don't expect Moss to come cheap after his record breaking season.

If winning with the New England Patriots and Tom Brady means as much to Randy as he says they do (and that he has made plenty of money already ), I think he would take a four year deal that has annual salaries between $6.5 - $7 million per year. Better receiver with a better contract than say, uh, that guy out in Seattle.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I expect :

Moss
Welker
Gaffney
Washington
Jackson

I'm not 100% confident in Gaffney returning but I have a feeling we'll make him a good enough offer to avoid FA. I think there's an outside chance we pick up Stallworth's option and let Moss go if their contract numbers are way off. It's a little tricky, though, as we have to decide on Stallworth before we can re-sign Moss. I assume the two sides are allowed to talk contract, though.

 

[Dragda]

Good lad.

I'm a little concerned about my daughter, who has suddenly announced that she's not interested in the Superbowl and is planning to wear...gulp...a Manny Ramirez shirt to our SB party instead of her rockin' Pats tie-dye.

Is it just a phase? Or should I seek professional help?

I raised a Colts fan and a Raiders fan. I brainwashing the grandkids.

 

[ATippett56]

If winning with the New England Patriots and Tom Brady means as much to Randy as he says they do (and that he has made plenty of money already ), I think he would take a four year deal that has annual salaries between $6.5 - $7 million per year. Better receiver with a better contract than say, uh, that guy out in Seattle.

Your nuts if Randy Moss will only accept $6.5 - $7 million per year. Randy Moss is not stupid.

 

[bradmahn]

Your nuts if Randy Moss will only accept $6.5 - $7 million per year. Randy Moss is not stupid.

We'll agree to disagree. No sense in arguing over this because there is no way to settle it until a contract is signed, but I don't think it's out of the question. I'm pretty sure that (or up to 7.5) would make him among the highest paid WRs in the league. If anyone has a good site where I could find those numbers, though, that would be great.

 

[ATippett56]

We'll agree to disagree. No sense in arguing over this because there is no way to settle it until a contract is signed, but I don't think it's out of the question. I'm pretty sure that (or up to 7.5) would make him among the highest paid WRs in the league. If anyone has a good site where I could find those numbers, though, that would be great.

http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=120

 

[MoLewisrocks]

http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=120

In a way you're proving his point. The top paid WR in the league by contract average is Harrison, but he will now never see the heavily backloaded end of that deal that averaged $9M. TO's deal averaged around $7.5M and is entering it's final season (which should be a humdinger...).

Randy will turn 31 later this month. WR's on the other side of 30 don't usually get blockbuster deals unless you want to end up in a Harrison situation (he's 35 now after signing a mega deal at 32 and still signed through 2011 or age 39 ). And despite this years record setting performance, Randy still travels with some baggage that somewhat limits his market to teams with a HOF QB who will make it a point to befriend and support him. I think he'll stay for an incentivized 5 year finish your career in style deal with an AAV in the $7.5M range. That still beats the $9M deal you will never see because you can't stand playing for an Oakland, and puts him in the top 3-4 by contract on this team. He won't top Seymour or Brady who are at $8-10M AAV. There are a few teams with pretty good QB's and money to burn on WR's, but even most of those have other player issues or QB durability/consistency issues that could make a Randy prone to bouts of loss driven misery. I think he gets that.

 

[Run DMC]

http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=120

Boy, did Seattle get phukked on that Branch deal or what? :singing:

 

[ATippett56]

Randy will turn 31 later this month. WR's on the other side of 30 don't usually get blockbuster deals unless you want to end up in a Harrison situation (he's 35 now after signing a mega deal at 32 and still signed through 2011 or age 39 ).

Tell that to Adalius Thomas.

And despite this years record setting performance, Randy still travels with some baggage that somewhat limits his market to teams with a HOF QB who will make it a point to befriend and support him.

So what? Moss stirs the drink in the Patriots passing game not Donte Stallworth.

I think he'll stay for an incentivized 5 year finish your career in style deal with an AAV in the $7.5M range. That still beats the $9M deal you will never see because you can't stand playing for an Oakland, and puts him in the top 3-4 by contract on this team. He won't top Seymour or Brady who are at $8-10M AAV. There are a few teams with pretty good QB's and money to burn on WR's, but even most of those have other player issues or QB durability/consistency issues that could make a Randy prone to bouts of loss driven misery. I think he gets that.

I seriously think he will receive a three year deal similar to Richard Seymour.

 

[Satchboogie3]

Randy cares more about winning than money. He'll be be back next year.

 

[SoCal Pmen]

I think Randy will definitely be back. Gaffney and Donte are question marks. Regardless, I don't think the Pats will just sit there and not reload if they lose one or both. Who knows, maybe Ocho Cinqo could be in the cards.

 

[sebman2112]

Tell that to Adalius Thomas.So what? Moss stirs the drink in the Patriots passing game not Donte Stallworth.I seriously think he will receive a three year deal similar to Richard Seymour.

Huh? AD was 29 when he signed his contract with NE, and didn't turn 30 until August. Also, Adalius wasn't a top level starter his entire career, who'd suffered a lot of wear and tear. In took a few years for him to develop into the player NE signed in free agency.

AD also plays a much different position, and if you look at the contract figures he actually signed with NE for less than he could have received somewhere else. That contract expires when he's 34, and the salary cap should grow substantially by 2011. It's a very different situation, sorry.