Chad Jackson has a torn ACL (1 Viewer)

[trader jake]

link

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a rookie season in which he battled injuries and was limited to 13 catches, receiver Chad Jackson has another significant hurdle to clear in his second year with the Patriots.

Jackson, the team's highly touted 2006 second-round draft choice, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the Colts Jan. 21, according to a league source.

The injury will affect Jackson's preparations for 2007, limiting his ability to develop a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady in offseason drills. No specific timetable for Jackson's return is known.

I know Tom Brady has worked miracles with some below average wide receivers but the Pats are getting real thin. The odds are they will lose Daniel Graham in free agency and now Jackson's sophmore season is in limbo?

 

[trader jake]

FBG's thread

Thought this was big enough news to merit a thread, but was being discussed in the Jackson stud or dud thread. I guess we know the answer...for now.

 

[prymetyme25]

link

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a rookie season in which he battled injuries and was limited to 13 catches, receiver Chad Jackson has another significant hurdle to clear in his second year with the Patriots.

Jackson, the team's highly touted 2006 second-round draft choice, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the Colts Jan. 21, according to a league source.

The injury will affect Jackson's preparations for 2007, limiting his ability to develop a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady in offseason drills. No specific timetable for Jackson's return is known.

I know Tom Brady has worked miracles with some below average wide receivers but the Pats are getting real thin. The odds are they will lose Daniel Graham in free agency and now Jackson's sophmore season is in limbo?

A guy just offered me him in a trade!!!

 

[trader jake]

A guy just offered me him in a trade!!!

I'd turn down the trade.PS - You're welcome.

 

[Couch Potato]

A guy just offered me him in a trade!!!

I'd turn down the trade.PS - You're welcome.

Unless Tiki Barber was the player wanted in return.

 

[BringItOn]

A guy just offered me him in a trade!!!

I'd turn down the trade.PS - You're welcome.

Unless Tiki Barber was the player wanted in return.

Yeah, I would counter with Tiki and Priest Holmes...

 

[Bri]

can they trade him for a pick(any pick)?

 

[Mister CIA]

All this covert Team-Patriot action makes me want to bet my money on games, AND, patronize the game's sponsors.

ETA - spellcheck complete.

 

[Kit Fisto]

link

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a rookie season in which he battled injuries and was limited to 13 catches, receiver Chad Jackson has another significant hurdle to clear in his second year with the Patriots.

Jackson, the team's highly touted 2006 second-round draft choice, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the Colts Jan. 21, according to a league source.

The injury will affect Jackson's preparations for 2007, limiting his ability to develop a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady in offseason drills. No specific timetable for Jackson's return is known.

I know Tom Brady has worked miracles with some below average wide receivers but the Pats are getting real thin. The odds are they will lose Daniel Graham in free agency and now Jackson's sophmore season is in limbo?

Although it's dissapointing, I'm not really concerned. The Pats were a first down away from another SuperBowl with the WRs they have now. Jackson wasn't a contributor.With 2 first-rounders and 30 mil under the cap, I have faith they'll bring someone in.

 

[Warpig]

Donte...Donte...answer the phone, it's the New England Patriots

 

[Fullback Fro]

Jabar Time fellas.

 

[Couch Potato]

Jabar Time fellas.

An awesome sky hook.

 

[PatsWillWin]

link

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a rookie season in which he battled injuries and was limited to 13 catches, receiver Chad Jackson has another significant hurdle to clear in his second year with the Patriots.

Jackson, the team's highly touted 2006 second-round draft choice, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the Colts Jan. 21, according to a league source.

The injury will affect Jackson's preparations for 2007, limiting his ability to develop a rapport with quarterback Tom Brady in offseason drills. No specific timetable for Jackson's return is known.

I know Tom Brady has worked miracles with some below average wide receivers but the Pats are getting real thin. The odds are they will lose Daniel Graham in free agency and now Jackson's sophmore season is in limbo?

Although it's dissapointing, I'm not really concerned. The Pats were a first down away from another SuperBowl with the WRs they have now. Jackson wasn't a contributor.With 2 first-rounders and 30 mil under the cap, I have faith they'll bring someone in.

Sucks, but to say the Patriot WR's are "a mess" is a bit misleading since this guy made pretty much no impact last season.

 

[Beaumont]

Jabar Time fellas.

The issue to me is when they bring in a FA WR (say, Bennett, Stallworth, whoever) does Gaffney or Caldwell go to the bench more ...I may be in the minority here but I think Gaffney continues to get a whole lotta playing time, possibly more than Caldwell, as he did a lot of good things for them in the running game and as a possession receiver ...

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I think they NEED to bring in another WR

via free agency.

I think Drew Bennett would be the ideal move.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sucks, but to say the Patriot WR's are "a mess" is a bit misleading since this guy made pretty much no impact last season.

No way - you could tell how much they missed him in the Chargers playoff game. I mean, if they had him around, maybe Brady throws it 60+ times instead of just 50+.

 

[Kleck.]

Chad Jackson, WR NENews: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Chad Jackson's torn ACL wasn't as major as most ACL tears are. Sources tell the paper that he can be back on the field in time for training camp. Analysis: This is good news for those owners in dynasty leagues that have Jackson. If he's healthy and playing during the preseason without limitations, he'd be a sleeper candidate in '07, worth a late-round pick as a possible 600-to-700-yard receiver for Tom Brady.

 

[zamboni]

Chad Jackson, WR NENews: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Chad Jackson's torn ACL wasn't as major as most ACL tears are. Sources tell the paper that he can be back on the field in time for training camp. Analysis: This is good news for those owners in dynasty leagues that have Jackson. If he's healthy and playing during the preseason without limitations, he'd be a sleeper candidate in '07, worth a late-round pick as a possible 600-to-700-yard receiver for Tom Brady.

I can't see 600-700 yards with Watson, Stallworth, Welker, et al on board.

 

[aposulli]

Chad Jackson, WR NENews: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Chad Jackson's torn ACL wasn't as major as most ACL tears are. Sources tell the paper that he can be back on the field in time for training camp. Analysis: This is good news for those owners in dynasty leagues that have Jackson. If he's healthy and playing during the preseason without limitations, he'd be a sleeper candidate in '07, worth a late-round pick as a possible 600-to-700-yard receiver for Tom Brady.

I can't see 600-700 yards with Watson, Stallworth, Welker, et al on board.

Probably not this year, but he still has the talent to become a good NFL #2 or even 1a or 1b in a WCO. If Jackson flashes his potential this year as the guy they thought he'd be when they got him in the 2nd, then I suspect they may let Stallworth go. Brady's #2WR has consistently produced 700+ yards with the exception of one year.

 

[Bri]

Chad Jackson, WR NENews: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Chad Jackson's torn ACL wasn't as major as most ACL tears are. Sources tell the paper that he can be back on the field in time for training camp. Analysis: This is good news for those owners in dynasty leagues that have Jackson. If he's healthy and playing during the preseason without limitations, he'd be a sleeper candidate in '07, worth a late-round pick as a possible 600-to-700-yard receiver for Tom Brady.

I can't see 600-700 yards with Watson, Stallworth, Welker, et al on board.

Probably not this year, but he still has the talent to become a good NFL #2 or even 1a or 1b in a WCO. If Jackson flashes his potential this year as the guy they thought he'd be when they got him in the 2nd, then I suspect they may let Stallworth go. Brady's #2WR has consistently produced 700+ yards with the exception of one year.

IIRC Stallworth makes a (relatively)small amount in 07 but will get something like 5-6 mil bonus in March of 08 and a 5-6mil salary in 08. Salary will probably dictate they let him go nevermind Chad

 

[Spike]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

 

[David Yudkin]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

 

[cstu]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

I imagine they think their WR's are good enough to get them through this season and they hope Jackson is 100% by next season and Welker becomes a solid #2 for them. Drafting a WR won't surprise me at all since this is a very deep draft and they could get a very good player in the 3rd.

 

[KTM]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

I seriously doubt they let 1yr of injuries to one player change their minds about how they spend thier draft picks this year, or any year for that matter. If a player is there that they like, they're gonna take him. If that player's a WR, do you think they'll think "Oh shoot! Remember?! Chad was hurt all last year, let's pass on this guy since I'm sure that history will repeat itself here."

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

So you don't see CJax / Welker as a 1/2 combination for 2008 and beyond?More importantly, I think that WR is so deep this year that they can wait until Rounds 2 and 3 and get WRs that slip. LB (an old group) should be their first choice IMHO.

 

[Bri]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

So you don't see CJax / Welker as a 1/2 combination for 2008 and beyond?More importantly, I think that WR is so deep this year that they can wait until Rounds 2 and 3 and get WRs that slip. LB (an old group) should be their first choice IMHO.

BB+Pioli like experienced LBers and don't seem to think rookies can contribute too much initially in BB's scheme. Something along those lines has been said by each BB and Pioli at times in the past. While not the system and just the NFL in general, WRs are not so different. Most of them too don't contribute much their rookie year.I can see why they like the low risk decent reward guys like Caldwell and Washington however they've gotta take a chance on some premier talent IMO. Jackson might be a bust(or look like one after just a year) but....do it again. LB is too key a position and they're old with some great influences to pair up with a youngster

 

[trader jake]

Good news for Jackson. Even if he's not 100% this year it certainly will help his long-term prospects to see any game action this year.

What players on the Pats roster are free agents after this season? Whatever position those guys play will probably be the ones BB & Pioli fill during rounds 2-4. They usually try to cover their backs...so that they don't feel "forced" to overpay for a veteran once he becomes an UFA. Round 1 is always BPA.

 

[David Yudkin]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

So you don't see CJax / Welker as a 1/2 combination for 2008 and beyond?More importantly, I think that WR is so deep this year that they can wait until Rounds 2 and 3 and get WRs that slip. LB (an old group) should be their first choice IMHO.

The Pats were obviously disappointed that Jackson had a pretty rough rookie campaign. I know it's tough to blame a guy that got heard, but from what I saw/heard the team was a little disappointed in that he did not show enough in practice (mostly due to injury). So extrapolating on my part, I don't think that they saw enough of Jackson to tell if he can be a bonafide WR1 or WR2 for the future, thus making their stance on WR planning hard to decipher. I'm personally not sure Welker is either a WR1 or WR2 and may be best suited as a third receiver.So to answer your question, no . . . I don't think the Pats would be sold on Jackson and Welker heading forward past 2006. I'm sure they hope Stallworth shows something, but IMO if he does well they still can't keep him due to his huge roster bonuses set for next year and could only hope he renegotiates. Maybe either Washington or Gaffney can show enough for a full season to bridge the gap, but I'm pretty sure that the team would not say they are set at WR for the next several years. Add Caldwell plays well at times but misses easy catches in clutch situations.

 

[Kleck.]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

I agree. There could be some nice WR value for New England in the 1st, but they have done more with less at the WR position than arguably any team in the NFL. I see them going defense with both 1sts, LB and S.

 

[David Yudkin]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

I agree. There could be some nice WR value for New England in the 1st, but they have done more with less at the WR position than arguably any team in the NFL. I see them going defense with both 1sts, LB and S.

As may have been mentioned, the Pats have traditionally avoided investing early picks in LB and have felt that it's too risky to take someone that they have to teach a whole new system and really have to be a hybrid player to succeed. The logic is that other teams typically shy away from guys that are tweeners (not true DL and not true LB) and that they can snag someone in later rounds or bring in as a free agent.I do agree that they need to shore up an aging LB corps . . . I'm just not sure if taking a LB in the first is how they will attack it. If I had to guess, they'll go DB/DB in the first with Samuel potentially gone in a year, Harrison hard to rely on health wise, and Wilson coming off a season ending injury. If they don't see someone that wows them at DB, next choice might be WR. And I would not be shocked if they took Zak Deossie in the 3rd.

 

[Boston]

I really hope the Pats don't use a #1 on a WR. This team is very close and adding two defenders (if they keep both #1's) is the best bang for the buck both short term and long term. Right now the Pats have Stallworth, Welker, Gaffney, Caldwell, Washington, Jax and most likely Troy Brown on the roster. As far as 2007 goes they should be in good shape. Going forward only Jax and Welker are signed long term although they hold options on Stallworth and Washington. If Washington and/or Stallworth work out they can always redo their deals as far as the bonus money is concerned. If the Pats want to resign Gaffney or Caldwell I really don't see that being an issue as both should be pretty affordable. Adding another WR means they'll have eight who have good shots at making their roster with only Welker and Troy being legit special teamers (and Troy is more situational). Unless they are really sold on a rookie WR I see them looking elsewhere...yet, it is the Pats and anything is possible.

As far as Jackson is concerned there have been rumors of injuries, immaturity and intelligence. What the actual story is still not definetly known (my guess is it's a combo of all three) but something was up in 2006. The Pats were begging for WRs and still didn't trust Jackson for anything more than a handful of plays a game. Right now he's an unknown entity. There's obvious physical talent (he blew people away in mini-camp) there but it's not translating to the field as it doesn't appear BB or Brady have confidence in him. Right now it's anyone's guess what the Pats will get from him in 2007.

 

[Bri]

Chad Jackson, WR NENews: The Boston Herald reports Patriots WR Chad Jackson's torn ACL wasn't as major as most ACL tears are. Sources tell the paper that he can be back on the field in time for training camp. Analysis: This is good news for those owners in dynasty leagues that have Jackson. If he's healthy and playing during the preseason without limitations, he'd be a sleeper candidate in '07, worth a late-round pick as a possible 600-to-700-yard receiver for Tom Brady.

The referenced article was shady at best. Jackson still got a new ACL. Much of that article hinged on the fact that his ACL wasn't torn so badly which is irrelevant if he's getting a new ACL. Who cares really how badly the old one was or wasn't torn if it's been replaced? The other ligaments and tendons seemed fine and that's good news but.....

 

[cstu]

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/...rticleid=191794

Encouraging news on Jackson’s knee

By Albert Breer/MetroWest News/ Patriots Notebook

Friday, March 30, 2007 - Updated: 12:54 AM EST

There are few dirtier phrases in football than “torn ACL.”

But in the case of Patriots [team stats] receiver Chad Jackson, that term may not be all that it seems. According to multiple sources close to the 2006 second-round pick, the degree of the tear in Jackson’s knee was very slight compared to most cases.

The injury happened on a kickoff in the AFC Championship Game against the Colts and did not involve contact. In the days following the injury, word is that Jackson thought he had torn his ACL, but the swelling was so minimal that most around him doubted it.

An MRI detected the tear. Reconstructive surgery cannot be performed until after the swelling goes down, so Jackson was able to have the operation quickly.

Sources say that Jackson will be running by the time the Patriots hold their veteran minicamp in June and should be cleared for contact by the opening of training camp in mid-July. But the thought is that, with the two-week trip involving the China Bowl in Beijing looming over camp, Jackson will return to the field after the team’s first two preseason games, both against the Seahawks.

These are all projections, of course.

Dr. Paul Weitzel, an orthopedic surgeon for the Boston Sports and Shoulder Center, which works with the Celtics [team stats], said that the lack of swelling occurs in less than 10 percent of ACL tears. Basically, it signals a lack of bleeding into the knee, which allows a player to regain full range of motion quicker. And since full range of motion must be achieved before reconstructive knee surgery is performed, that accelerates the recovery timetable.

But, Weitzel added, the rehabilitation process remains at 6-12 months, meaning that the lack of swelling only works to cut the time between the injury and the surgery. After surgery, the rehab process is the same, whether the patient had swelling before the surgery.

“We replace, not repair, the ligament,” said Weitzel. “The big difference comes in whether the ACL is competent or not after the injury. If it’s not, it needs to be replaced.”

Weitzel confirmed the sources’ assertion that Jackson should be running by June and could be cleared by July, but added that the receiver would be “relearning his knee” at the beginning. With replaced fibers in his leg, Jackson would have to regain coordination there, and the speed at which one does that (projected at 12-18 months after surgery) is usually the difference between an athlete who recovers quickly and one who doesn’t.

A hamstring injury cost Jackson almost all of last year’s training camp, and a groin ailment suffered in practice sidelined him for the first two games of December. The ACL injury is the latest hit, though Weitzel emphasized a string of injuries to start a pro career is not that uncommon and shouldn’t derail Jackson’s rehab in the least.

“Going from a college season to a professional season, there’s a jump in hours of activity and demands,” Weitzel said. “Some take longer to adapt, and that adaptation is manifested sometimes in injuries. Once they get the conditioning down, they’re usually just fine.” [continue]

 

[Donnybrook]

http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/...rticleid=191794

Encouraging news on Jackson’s knee

By Albert Breer/MetroWest News/ Patriots Notebook

Friday, March 30, 2007 - Updated: 12:54 AM EST

There are few dirtier phrases in football than “torn ACL.”

But in the case of Patriots [team stats] receiver Chad Jackson, that term may not be all that it seems. According to multiple sources close to the 2006 second-round pick, the degree of the tear in Jackson’s knee was very slight compared to most cases.

The injury happened on a kickoff in the AFC Championship Game against the Colts and did not involve contact. In the days following the injury, word is that Jackson thought he had torn his ACL, but the swelling was so minimal that most around him doubted it.

An MRI detected the tear. Reconstructive surgery cannot be performed until after the swelling goes down, so Jackson was able to have the operation quickly.

Sources say that Jackson will be running by the time the Patriots hold their veteran minicamp in June and should be cleared for contact by the opening of training camp in mid-July. But the thought is that, with the two-week trip involving the China Bowl in Beijing looming over camp, Jackson will return to the field after the team’s first two preseason games, both against the Seahawks.

These are all projections, of course.

Dr. Paul Weitzel, an orthopedic surgeon for the Boston Sports and Shoulder Center, which works with the Celtics [team stats], said that the lack of swelling occurs in less than 10 percent of ACL tears. Basically, it signals a lack of bleeding into the knee, which allows a player to regain full range of motion quicker. And since full range of motion must be achieved before reconstructive knee surgery is performed, that accelerates the recovery timetable.

But, Weitzel added, the rehabilitation process remains at 6-12 months, meaning that the lack of swelling only works to cut the time between the injury and the surgery. After surgery, the rehab process is the same, whether the patient had swelling before the surgery.

“We replace, not repair, the ligament,” said Weitzel. “The big difference comes in whether the ACL is competent or not after the injury. If it’s not, it needs to be replaced.”

Weitzel confirmed the sources’ assertion that Jackson should be running by June and could be cleared by July, but added that the receiver would be “relearning his knee” at the beginning. With replaced fibers in his leg, Jackson would have to regain coordination there, and the speed at which one does that (projected at 12-18 months after surgery) is usually the difference between an athlete who recovers quickly and one who doesn’t.

A hamstring injury cost Jackson almost all of last year’s training camp, and a groin ailment suffered in practice sidelined him for the first two games of December. The ACL injury is the latest hit, though Weitzel emphasized a string of injuries to start a pro career is not that uncommon and shouldn’t derail Jackson’s rehab in the least.

“Going from a college season to a professional season, there’s a jump in hours of activity and demands,” Weitzel said. “Some take longer to adapt, and that adaptation is manifested sometimes in injuries. Once they get the conditioning down, they’re usually just fine.” [continue]

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

So he had ACL replacement surgery - and this story is pretty much - is that it?

I think it is possible that someone heard that the injury wasn't as bad as it could have been (i.e. only the ACL, no meniscus or other ligament damage) and got excited and wrote a story?

 

[cstu]

So he had ACL replacement surgery - and this story is pretty much - is that it?I think it is possible that someone heard that the injury wasn't as bad as it could have been (i.e. only the ACL, no meniscus or other ligament damage) and got excited and wrote a story?

I think the initial positive story was based on the lack of swelling which allowed him to go into surgery soon after his happened, as well as it "only" being the ACL. It seems they are pushing for him to be ready by the season, but I think that's the best case scenario.

 

[PMENFAN]

If nothing else, I would think the situation with having moved up to get Jackson will sour Belichick & Co to the point where the won't even consider a WR in the first round as I've seen in some mock drafts.

IMO, they have to at least consider it if there is someone that falls to them that they grade out as a decent value/prospect. They still have no WR corps to speak of beyond 2007. Caldwell only has a year left on his contract, Stallworth and Washington basically have one year deals no matter what they have in terms of years signed under contract, Jackson is hurt, and Troy Brown is older than dirt. There's NO WAY that Stallworth will get $11-12 million next year like his contract provides for and Washington also has a similar roster bonus clause (albeit on a smaller scale) that will probably get him cut before next season unless they like him and he reneogtiates. The only one that has any true shelf life is Welker, and I doubt they will hang their hat on him turning into a major force at WR.

IF the cap goes up, and IF the rumors of Stallworth being in the testing program are falst, and IF he pans out to his potential, I could see them teating the $12 million for one year, because then then the last three years are cheap for a guy that can be a legitimate #1. That's a lot of IFS, and I don't think he'll be back, but there's an outside chance. The other possibility is a trade. He'll be under contract, with what amounts to about $5-6 million a year IIRC, or solid value for a #1, over the last 4 years, after you eat that 2nd year. It was a good deal, with the bonus in year 2. Not a typical Rosenhaus deal, but a brilliant deal from the teams perspective. My initial thought was the same as you , but the more I ponder it, I think they can and will work it to their advantage; IF Stallworth lives up to his potential.