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[seanq]

Source: Michael Felger @ Boston Herald

Whatever the Patriots [team stats] are selling in free agency, players are obviously buying.

The Pats agreed to terms with their sixth player in 10 frantic days of shopping yesterday, adding free agent receiver Kelley Washington to their revamped receiving corps.

Washington, who is looking to re-start his career after four disappointing seasons in Cincinnati, agreed to come to Foxboro despite a suddenly crowded depth chart that includes fellow newcomers Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker, as well as returning players Reche Caldwell [stats] and Jabar Gaffney [stats]. Chad Jackson, who underwent ACL surgery soon after the AFC title game loss, also is still in the fold, while veteran Troy Brown [stats] is considering retirement.

The Pats certainly seem to have gotten Washington on amenable contract terms. Reportedly, Washington will receive a $300,000 signing bonus but nothing else in the form of guaranteed money. The deal could stretch to five years and be worth a maximum of $22 million, but the Pats must pick up an option bonus in 2008 worth $4 million for it to be more than a one-year deal.

The Pats agreed on a similarly structured contract during the weekend with Stallworth, who must be paid $11 million in bonuses and salary after the 2007 season or his six-year contract becomes a one-and-done proposition.

Why would Washington, who reportedly turned down an offer from the Dolphins, choose the Patriots? After all, hes going to have to fight just to get on the roster, and once hes there, it will be hard for him to put up big numbers considering the depth chart and the Pats penchant for spreading the ball around.

Apparently, the answer was very simple. Catching passes from Tom Brady [stats] is a valuable commodity.

I am happy to be part of such a great franchise and to have the opportunity to help them get back and win another Super Bowl, Washington said in a statement. The privilege to play with arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady, and to be coached by someone like Bill Belichick is a blessing. I am very excited about contributing to the New England Patriots [team stats].

[nastynate184]

Two underachieving UT wr's in one FA period

[seanq]

True, though hopefully the Patriots coaches and leaders can get at least one of them (one of the three counting Chad Jackson) performing up to their potential this year. With all of them competing for their pro careers hopefully there will be enough motivation.

Besides, it could be worse. They could have acquired Moss instead and had two underachieving Raiders WRs in two years! :P

[BengalStripes]

He's a good pick up for the Pats. He was just overshadowed by Ocho Cinco and TJ. He filled in nicely when Chris Henry was out.

[Chrisbob]

Add in Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gafney (who played well in the post season I thought) and the Pats have got 5 deep at the position. the question is now, can these guys, who all have a slight concern, put it together and is there enough to go round to make good use of them?

[nastynate184]

Originally Posted by seanq

True, though hopefully the Patriots coaches and leaders can get at least one of them (one of the three counting Chad Jackson) performing up to their potential this year. With all of them competing for their pro careers hopefully there will be enough motivation.

Besides, it could be worse. They could have acquired Moss instead and had two underachieving Raiders WRs in two years! :P

touche..... doug gaberial had a good couple of games for the pat's

[SteveRobWhatever]

There are big time doubts Chad Jackson will be ready for the 2007 season after blowing out his knee. Good pickups IMO for the Pats. Neither one is an All-Pro but they will be a solid 1-2 punch and certainly be an upgrade to the best they fielded last year.