Why the Gabriel deal is especially good.

[patsox23]

This is a really good move because it gives BB/Pioli leverage (or at least restores leverage) in any trade talks re: Branch (or any other receiver, for that matter). With no Branch, no Givens, all the crisis/upheavel right now at that position, it would have been easy for teams to play hardball with the Pats.

Now that we've traded for a decent, young WR with upside, it at least gives the appearance that we're not so totally screwed that people can ask for the moon. So even if we were to deal for MORE help at WR, we're in a far better position. The first (possibly only) domino to fall in "operation WR" is Gabriel, and we stole him for a 5th.

Unbelievably solid move.

 

[363839]

I just wonder why Al Davis would do this.
Is he really this senile or are we all missing something?

 

[Crowpointer]

This is a really good move because it gives BB/Pioli leverage (or at least restores leverage) in any trade talks re: Branch (or any other receiver, for that matter). With no Branch, no Givens, all the crisis/upheavel right now at that position, it would have been easy for teams to play hardball with the Pats.

Now that we've traded for a decent, young WR with upside, it at least gives the appearance that we're not so totally screwed that people can ask for the moon. So even if we were to deal for MORE help at WR, we're in a far better position. The first (possibly only) domino to fall in "operation WR" is Gabriel, and we stole him for a 5th.

Unbelievably solid move.

I agree. This is a message to any future agents dealing with us in a hardball fashion because they think they have us over a barrell.