I think a lot depends on what Givens thinks he's worth. There was some speculation in Boston that he would probably be looking for 4 or 5 years and $20-25 million. On the surface, I'm not sure he's worth that much, but there's probably a team that will give him money close to that. And if that's what he really wants, then he will not be a Patriot.
Totally agree about the money aspect. The Pats have been haggling with him for two years and nothing has gotten done. I've never heard any numbers but that would indicate money will be a key factor in his decision (isn't it always). As far as the Pats go if they haven't signed up by now I'd be very surprised if he resigns. A few things about Givens:*It's a thin WR class so Givens is hitting the market at the right time. If Wayne resigns or gets franchised by the Colts that's even better news for him.
*I like Givens a lot. He's sort of a mini-Hines Ward in that he's a physical WR who's not afraid to throw his body around. He's made some very big catches for the Pats over the years. He's also very well like by his teammates.
*A knock on Givens is he gets dinged up a lot. He has never played a full 16 games in a season.
*I'm pretty sure the Pats have planned for him to leave since last summer. People forget but the Pats made a strong push for Derrick Mason last summer. They actually offered more than the Ravens.
*Givens is a very difficult player to put a dollar figure on. He's good but I have my doubts about him being a quality #1. There's not a team in the NFL he won't help but his overall value will be directly tied to his contract. A team could regret overpaying for him.
*As stated I have to believe the Pats have a plan in place for WR. If they lose Givens (and it appears to be the case) that leaves them with one very good WR and not much more. Davis can help but he's not top three material. Troy Brown is nothing more than a depth guy. Bethel is garbage and Sam is MIA. That means you can expect to see at least two and maybe three more new WRs on the Pats in 06. As far as who it is nothing would surprise me from going after a stud to a sort of WR by committe situation. The guy I think is the best fit is Moulds if he is cut. A Moulds-Branch-Watson trio would be pretty potent. Add in Graham, a decent #3 and that is some quality firepower. I think WR was not a big plus for the Pats this year. It is a unit that needs to be upgraded as a whole.