Even though Stallworth is injury prone, based on the contract it's still a good signing. A good deep threat receiver with exceptional hands.
Not to mention they shored up with Wes Walker, Kyle Brady and Sammy Morris who will all play parts.
Good for the Pats.
I was curious so I checked out his stats. Out of the last 44 games he has missed 4. He played all sixteen games in 2004 and 2005. He played in 12 last year. Over his career he has played in 68 games and missed 12. Including his rookie year. He has played in more games then Dieon Branch in the same amount of time. He has twice the td's of branch and a better average. He is also making less money then Branch. Maybe a beter situation will keep that sore hammy he had for 4 games last year feeling nice and healthy. Either way I like this signing because it is a one year deal with no risk. A win win situation really. They get him for peanuts, and have the ability to cut him loose in 08 if it does not work out. They will only keep him if he turns out to be a pro b bowl caliber player with Brady. If that where to happen they would have gotten a deep threat replacement for Branch at less $$ and netted a first rounder in the process. He also took less money to play here then the Titans where offering him. You have to respect that.
I really like the Wes Welker move. Watching him play in Miami he is a little shit, who always killed us. He led his team in receptions and will be a perfect replacement for Troy Brown. Brings the exact same skill set with the added ability to return kicks. Will work in the slot, return kicks and pick up first downs.
Sammy Morris is a nice vetran guy to flank Maronry, Faulk and Evans. With Maroney stepping up to take the full load this year, Sammy is a great back to compliment The sophomore's and Kevin Faulk. Got him for a good deal, and will really be able to utalize his short yardage abilities... Corey counted for almost five million against the cap for 08. Grabbing Morris for cheap money was a good move imo. Corey did a lot for us, and I loved him as a player. It was quit evident he needed to restructure after this season tho. He is not the same back anymore. Pioli said the pats cut him after he refused to take a lesser role to Maroney. The retirement crap was spin put out by his agent, cant blame him tho. I wish him well.
Kyle Brady was a good pick up to be a number 3 blocking tight end. With Watson being "the guy" and the emergence of David Thomas last year Brady will be a nice compliment to both those guys. Brady is here to block and at 6'6 280 should do a good job of it. Graham got 15 million from Denver in guaranteed money over 5 years. Graham was a good player, but there is no way he is worth that much to us. In our system anyway. I wish him well tho, he is a good player and deserves to cash in. I think the emergence of the rookie Thomas sured up the position some what. Along with Watson he has great hand and is very athletic.
Adalius Thomas is self explanatory... Belichick basically created the hybrid lb position. He is perfect for our defense. Big fast and versitile. Can drop into coverage, as well as rush the passer. has played all 5 defensive positions including corner! They love versatile players who can do multiple things. The reason I liked this signing so much was he could have made more money elswhere but choose to sign in NE. That and his ability and great charector. He is a great guy to develop a young lb behind, which they will pick up in the draft. Not to mention lb was such a weakness for us this year he is a immediate fix while a guy is drafted and developed. Tully is a good backup, but he was not starter in our system. Thomas is the perfect solution while a guy is drafted and developed. I hope they bring back Jr for added depth, and to help coach up whatever rookie we draft. Cant go wrong for the vet minimum.
Asante Samuel was franchised and looks close to being signed... A shut down corner who had a huge year for us. He was on the news yesterday and spoke about his negotiations. One got the feelings he would be signed to a long term deal soon. he seemed upbeat and very positive about the negotiations.
They used free agency very effectively this year to get the "immediate needs". Now it is time to draft. Pioli, Belichick and the pats staff are some of the best at evaluating and drafting talent. You need to draft well to back up the solid fa additions. They need to look at the cornerback position, the ss position, and the linebacker position. I expect them to draft a few wr's also, since the draft is so deep in them. They have nine picks and 2 first rounders this year. They draft well so I hope the trend continues.
All the core players where locked up last year with the cap money and they still have about 8 million in cap space this year, after these moves. With all our core players locked up and tendered, it was cool to have almost 30 million in cap space to fill holes and get better. I look forward to the season. Have a .530 scedule tho, so we are going to need all the new talent!