TE Rico Gathers, Free Agent (1 Viewer)

[Bronco Billy]

Do you have a link to any of these reports? I havent seen them 

It took all of 5 minutes of a google search to find these - and there are plenty more.

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/08/19/jerry-jones-angst-rico-gathers-comes-looking-guy-not-roster-kept-roster

"At a point, and I'm not so sure that we're at that point, if he can be consistent on a personal basis then I'll give him the time he needs to make those kinds of plays," Jones said. "We talk about redzone plays and being a weapon in the redzone, he's certainly that.

"He's making those [highlight catches] because of his obvious talent and physical advantage, size, leaping-ability, strength, hands, all that. He blocks well when he's blocking the right man. ... He's got enough there, but the angst comes when you're sitting there looking at the guy that's not on the roster because you kept him on the roster."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/Article/Jerry-Jones-numbers-Rico-Gathers-days-with-latest-comment-120817904/Amp/

Now, two years later, a lot has transpired and not much of it is positive.

Over the course of his stint with the team, Gathers has admitted he wasn't focused on football and it wasn't until the Cowboys refused to re-activate him following a cleared concussion in Week 7 of his second season that he found his moment of clarity. 

The writing has been on the wall for months now, from head coach Jason Garrett stating how Gathers' "needs more football" to the player himself admitting he "doesn't understand" what they want from him in the blocking game, along with the confession that the "running game isn't my strong suit".

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wfaa.com/amp/article%3fsection=sports&headline=rico-gathers-not-yet-the-tight-end-the-cowboys-hoped-for&contentId=287-560654708

"He just needs to get better," head coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday. "We're really not talking about him as making the 53-man roster right now, like we’re not talking about anybody in that regard. We're talking about coming in here and getting better every day."

The challenge for Gathers, who had previously not played football since he was 13 years old, isn't so much the pass-catching aspect of playing tight end. In fact, Gathers caught seven passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games last year before sustaining a concussion that kept him on injured reserve for the entire season. However, the blocking part of playing tight end is where Gathers could need improvement.

Said Garrett: "The demands of him at the position are pretty unique. You have to be able to be a run player. You have to be someone who understands protections and routes and adjustments and all of that. You certainly do your best as coaches to put him situations where he can grow in each of those areas as you defense what his role might be to help you and so he was showing some elements of being able to help us until he had the injury."

 

[Bronco Billy]

And why are you fixated on these assignments and responsibilities. 

Seriously?  Because that’s what it takes for him to get on the field.  To understand to run the correct route correctly, to understand what he has to do on the play when he’s in the game, to understand when and who he has to block and when and where he has to go out when he does - that’s kind of important, don’t you think?

 

[Football Jones]

From everything I've heard, Rico has been working hard in TC. There was some talk he wasn't focused during his rehab last year, but it looks like he got the message.

Bottom line, the Cowboys are making a mistake slow-playing his development because of in-line responsibilities. Most HCs would absolutely be seeing what they have in Rico as a playmaker.

Period.

 

[pinequick]

Seriously?  Because that’s what it takes for him to get on the field.  To understand to run the correct route correctly, to understand what he has to do on the play when he’s in the game, to understand when and who he has to block and when and where he has to go out when he does - that’s kind of important, don’t you think?

For a guy who apparently can't run onto the field without tripping over his shoelaces... he sure keeps showing up on the highlight tapes.  Dude must just be really, really lucky.

 

[BigTex]

From everything I've heard, Rico has been working hard in TC. There was some talk he wasn't focused during his rehab last year, but it looks like he got the message.

Bottom line, the Cowboys are making a mistake slow-playing his development because of in-line responsibilities. Most HCs would absolutely be seeing what they have in Rico as a playmaker.

Period.

We really don’t know what’s been going on. Some years ago they drafted a talented TE by the name of Bennett and how many teams did he bounce around to? Any player coming from Baylor has some type of baggage.

Tex

 

[Steelers4Life]

I understand 100% why he's not the every down, starting TE.  Can't block, can't be that guy.

But what I don't understand is why a team like the Cowboys, with awful WRs and 3 other TE's who don't look to be anything more than 7 yard curl types, can't find ways to utilize him by lining him up to run routes in the slot or splitting him out wide in passing and especially red zone situations.  Who cares if the defense knows that he's going to run a route in those situations?  Let them try and defend him and watch him take coverage away from other guys.  He's a mismatch no matter where you stick him physically, and even if he can't block on the line, there are plenty of ways to utilize a talent like that.

Can't imagine why the Cowboys have been stuck in neutral for so long.  Getting him onto a roster that WOULD utilize him that would could pay big dividends.  Unfortunately the Cowboys aren't that organization.

 

[Bronco Billy]

For a guy who apparently can't run onto the field without tripping over his shoelaces... he sure keeps showing up on the highlight tapes.  Dude must just be really, really lucky.

I think that statement is unbecoming of your intellect.

 

[pinequick]

I think that statement is unbecoming of your intellect.

It's kind of up there with you watching the clip posted above and screaming, "BUT HE CAN'T BLOCK!!"  To each his own...

 

[Bronco Billy]

From everything I've heard, Rico has been working hard in TC. There was some talk he wasn't focused during his rehab last year, but it looks like he got the message.

Bottom line, the Cowboys are making a mistake slow-playing his development because of in-line responsibilities. Most HCs would absolutely be seeing what they have in Rico as a playmaker.

Period.

You believe that’s the bottom line because you simply refuse to be open to other possibilities.  That’s a shame.

 

[Bronco Billy]

It's kind of up there with you watching the clip posted above and screaming, "BUT HE CAN'T BLOCK!!"  To each his own...

I never screamed.  I offered alternative explanations of why he can’t get on the field - all substantially more complex than just that he can’t block, supported by evidence from numerous sources and consistent with my own experiences.  If you refuse to accept that those alternatives could exist, that’s your fault.

.

 

[JohnnyU]

I never screamed.  I offered alternative explanations of why he can’t get on the field - all substantially more complex than just that he can’t block, supported by evidence from numerous sources and consistent with my own experiences.  If you refuse to accept that those alternatives could exist, that’s your fault.

.

Besides the blocking issues and experience what are the other concerns with Gathers?

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I understand 100% why he's not the every down, starting TE.  Can't block, can't be that guy.

But what I don't understand is why a team like the Cowboys, with awful WRs and 3 other TE's who don't look to be anything more than 7 yard curl types, can't find ways to utilize him by lining him up to run routes in the slot or splitting him out wide in passing and especially red zone situations.  Who cares if the defense knows that he's going to run a route in those situations?  Let them try and defend him and watch him take coverage away from other guys.  He's a mismatch no matter where you stick him physically, and even if he can't block on the line, there are plenty of ways to utilize a talent like that.

Can't imagine why the Cowboys have been stuck in neutral for so long.  Getting him onto a roster that WOULD utilize him that would could pay big dividends.  Unfortunately the Cowboys aren't that organization.

I agree

 

[Football Jones]

It's just plain stubbornness. It's a shame Garrett doesn't have the sense to see what Rico can do against the 1s in preseason games. Jordan Reed can't block his way out of a wet paper bag, yet has been a difference-maker (when healthy). Rico obviously isn't as advanced as Reed as a receiver, but Rico has tools Reed doesn't.

As a Cowboys fan, I'm hoping Garrett's handling of Rico is an attempt (however futile) to motivate him to be an all-around TE like Jason Witten, but Rico can do things a HOF TE like Witten can only dream of.

It's frustrating, but there was a recent report that Rico moved up to 3rd team so maybe they'll get there slowly. 

 

[Football Jones]

You believe that’s the bottom line because you simply refuse to be open to other possibilities.  That’s a shame.

What I said is without a doubt the truth.

It's safe to say the VAST majority of HCs (must less the simple majority as I mentioned) would be seeing what they have in Rico as a playmaker against opposing 1s.

That is the bottom line.

 

[zed2283]

Just more hard-headed coaching, keeping guys with big talent like Christine Michael and Rico off the field even though they produce when given the opportunity, just to make some small-minded coaching point.

Yes, I own them both. 

 

[smbkrypt24]

What I said is without a doubt the truth.

It's safe to say the VAST majority of HCs (must less the simple majority as I mentioned) would be seeing what they have in Rico as a playmaker against opposing 1s.

That is the bottom line.

I think its also safe to say the only reason he won't make the Hall of Fame or is thought of as a Hall of Famer right now is because of the Dallas coaching and their hard headedness.  I can not believe they are so old school they would be willing to keep a Hall of Famer off the field.

Without a doubt I speak the truth.  

 

[Football Jones]

I think its also safe to say the only reason he won't make the Hall of Fame or is thought of as a Hall of Famer right now is because of the Dallas coaching and their hard headedness.  I can not believe they are so old school they would be willing to keep a Hall of Famer off the field.

Without a doubt I speak the truth.  

LOL. Old school indeed.

A more open-minded & imaginative coaching staff would see what they have in Rico against opposing 1s, purely as a playmaker in specific packages. The buck stops with Garrett so he gets the blame.

The difference in the best HCs is they take advantage of what players CAN do, not what they can't. By all means develop Rico's blocking & refine his receiving skills, but don't be so stubborn you won't find ways to optimize his best traits.

Nobody really knows what Rico can do, but even an idiot can see the upside he's got as as a situational Joker.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

He still has more upside than goedert, or any other tight end in this years draft. So he still has that going for him 

 

[Bronco Billy]

Besides the blocking issues and experience what are the other concerns with Gathers?

Go back and read the rest.  It’s all there.  I’m through trying to have a rational discussion about a TE who is struggling to make a team with one of the worst TE corps in the NFL, when all he has done for those who are so high on him is beat future burger flippers in PS.

 

[Football Jones]

Rico could get cut, but I don't believe the Clapper is quite that dumb (although he could be). 

 

[modogg]

There was a recent report that Rico moved up to 3rd-string (not sure who he passed). Depth charts are notoriously inaccurate during TC.

I'll admit Garrett might have a plan with Rico, but it's criminal to not see what he can do against the 1s as a receiver in preseason. Keep harping on the blocking, Clapper, even to the possible detriment of your team.

To make it clear, I'm not banging the table for Rico as an NFL player or FF player. Nobody really knows what he can do as a playmaker, but his ceiling is sky-high (albeit with a low floor) & the Cowboys need to be finding out if he can help their receiving corps.

i might have to draft Rico in one of my fantasy leagues, just so i have a reason to keep coming back to this thread. It is utterly amazing to me that we are talking about an NFL team that has no TE with NFL catches (might be inaccurate, but i know there are no more than 10 combined catches in the NFL), and you guys are talking about a dude who just bumped up to 3rd string. I can't even fathom the idea that a team has TEs with no NFL experience, and we are fawning over a chump who we are celebrating because he is now TE3. 

At least it sounds like the team has somebody with half a brain working with them. Can't blame them for trying to bring somebody/anybody in to play TE. Just a shame guys would rather not get paid then join this dumpster fire:   https://sports.yahoo.com/brent-celek-rather-retire-play-181853807.html

 

[modogg]

Just more hard-headed coaching, keeping guys with big talent like Christine Michael and Rico off the field even though they produce when given the opportunity, just to make some small-minded coaching point.

Yes, I own them both. 

Tarik Cohen owners have a right to make this point (hopefully just last year and not this upcoming year). Rico Gathers's owners really are not in that same boat

 

[JohnnyU]

Rico could get cut, but I don't believe the Clapper is quite that dumb (although he could be). 

Dallas doesn't like Gathers, but they don't want anyone else to have him either.  If they put him on their practice squad someone could steal him.  What are the rules regarding when another team can get a player off another team's practice squad?

 

[cockroach]

For a guy who apparently can't run onto the field without tripping over his shoelaces... he sure keeps showing up on the highlight tapes.  Dude must just be really, really lucky.

Maybe it's because he's playing in the preseason against other players that also won't be on the field on Sundays this Fall.  

 

[Football Jones]

Dallas doesn't like Gathers, but they don't want anyone else to have him either.  If they put him on their practice squad someone could steal him.  What are the rules regarding when another team can get a player off another team's practice squad?

I believe if a team tries to claim someone off the PS, the original team either has to put him on the 53-man roster or allow the claiming team to acquire him.

That's how it used to be, anyway.

 

[pinequick]

Maybe it's because he's playing in the preseason against other players that also won't be on the field on Sundays this Fall.  

A player can only be on the field when the coach puts him in, so I won't wager what he can/can't do against higher-level competition.  But we can agree that the clip above looked like a mismatch in Gathers' favor.  So it sure might be interesting to find out what happens if he were allowed to play up, particularly on a team basically devoid of ANY proven downfield receiving threats (and none that are the physical mismatch that he is).

 

[Football Jones]

i might have to draft Rico in one of my fantasy leagues, just so i have a reason to keep coming back to this thread. It is utterly amazing to me that we are talking about an NFL team that has no TE with NFL catches (might be inaccurate, but i know there are no more than 10 combined catches in the NFL), and you guys are talking about a dude who just bumped up to 3rd string. I can't even fathom the idea that a team has TEs with no NFL experience, and we are fawning over a chump who we are celebrating because he is now TE3. 

At least it sounds like the team has somebody with half a brain working with them. Can't blame them for trying to bring somebody/anybody in to play TE. Just a shame guys would rather not get paid then join this dumpster fire:   https://sports.yahoo.com/brent-celek-rather-retire-play-181853807.html

Hey, Brent, nobody is offering you a contract.

I like how Celek decided to retire, but only after he didn't receive any offers.

LOL.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Hey, Brent, nobody is offering you a contract.

I like how Celek decided to retire, but only after he didn't receive any offers.

LOL.

If celek wanted to continue playing he could.  He’s not great, but he’s certainly a more competent te than quite a few floating around the league.  Let’s not kid ourselves 

 

[Chaka]

Aren't there a bunch of TEs in this league who can't block worth a damn, and are simply receiving threats?  Why can't Rico be that guy in Dallas?

And why are you fixated on these assignments and responsibilities.

Besides the blocking issues and experience what are the other concerns with Gathers?

I am really surprised about how people view this guy.

In the simplest terms the concern any reasonable coaching staff would have is if he doesn't know how to read a defense, and be on the same page with his QB in those reads, then he will make mistakes that lead to INTs if he is in the pattern or sacks if he stays in to block. Those are drive killers, game killers, season killers and coaching staff killers.

All the athleticism and freakish size in the world won't change that.

 

[Football Jones]

What amazes me about this thread is posters commenting on how people could be high on a guy like Rico. Who's high on Rico? LOL. If somebody said he's close to a sure thing, I missed it. The "complaining" posts are a waste of space. 

I've repeatedly said Rico is only a stash, but absolutely love the cost-to-upside ratio. FFers want to discuss Rico, which is why this thread is popular, because of that very cost-to-upside ratio.

It's not rocket science.

 

[Football Jones]

If celek wanted to continue playing he could.  He’s not great, but he’s certainly a more competent te than quite a few floating around the league.  Let’s not kid ourselves 

A lot of old guys could play if they would take what they're worth.

Bottom line, Celek isn't worth what he wants. Likely not even close.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Do you have a link to any of these reports? I havent seen them 

It took all of 5 minutes of a google search to find these - and there are plenty more.

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/08/19/jerry-jones-angst-rico-gathers-comes-looking-guy-not-roster-kept-roster

"At a point, and I'm not so sure that we're at that point, if he can be consistent on a personal basis then I'll give him the time he needs to make those kinds of plays," Jones said. "We talk about redzone plays and being a weapon in the redzone, he's certainly that.

"He's making those [highlight catches] because of his obvious talent and physical advantage, size, leaping-ability, strength, hands, all that. He blocks well when he's blocking the right man. ... He's got enough there, but the angst comes when you're sitting there looking at the guy that's not on the roster because you kept him on the roster."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/247sports.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/Article/Jerry-Jones-numbers-Rico-Gathers-days-with-latest-comment-120817904/Amp/

Now, two years later, a lot has transpired and not much of it is positive.

Over the course of his stint with the team, Gathers has admitted he wasn't focused on football and it wasn't until the Cowboys refused to re-activate him following a cleared concussion in Week 7 of his second season that he found his moment of clarity. 

The writing has been on the wall for months now, from head coach Jason Garrett stating how Gathers' "needs more football" to the player himself admitting he "doesn't understand" what they want from him in the blocking game, along with the confession that the "running game isn't my strong suit".

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wfaa.com/amp/article%3fsection=sports&headline=rico-gathers-not-yet-the-tight-end-the-cowboys-hoped-for&contentId=287-560654708

"He just needs to get better," head coach Jason Garrett said Tuesday. "We're really not talking about him as making the 53-man roster right now, like we’re not talking about anybody in that regard. We're talking about coming in here and getting better every day."

The challenge for Gathers, who had previously not played football since he was 13 years old, isn't so much the pass-catching aspect of playing tight end. In fact, Gathers caught seven passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games last year before sustaining a concussion that kept him on injured reserve for the entire season. However, the blocking part of playing tight end is where Gathers could need improvement.

Said Garrett: "The demands of him at the position are pretty unique. You have to be able to be a run player. You have to be someone who understands protections and routes and adjustments and all of that. You certainly do your best as coaches to put him situations where he can grow in each of those areas as you defense what his role might be to help you and so he was showing some elements of being able to help us until he had the injury."

Really reaching with those links.  

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Double post.

Totally ridiculous that we can no longer delete posts.

none of us can see it if you hide it.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

A lot of old guys could play if they would take what they're worth.

Bottom line, Celek isn't worth what he wants. Likely not even close.

Or he just won the super bowl and doesn’t want to hang on for another year at the vet minimum playing for a ####ty franchise. Who knows 

 

[Deamon]

I am really surprised about how people view this guy.

In the simplest terms the concern any reasonable coaching staff would have is if he doesn't know how to read a defense, and be on the same page with his QB in those reads, then he will make mistakes that lead to INTs if he is in the pattern or sacks if he stays in to block. Those are drive killers, game killers, season killers and coaching staff killers.

All the athleticism and freakish size in the world won't change that.

Agree.  I mean you shouldn't be that surprised... the one leading the charge is known for his circular arguments and inability to budge. 

I feel like 95% of those arguing for the guy either own him or are a fan of his team.  But people arguing for him are putting themselves in 'win win' positions.  If he's a stud, it's "I was right"... if he's cut in Dallas, it's "Jason is dumb"... if he's not picked up by ANY other NFL team after being cut (I think this is a high possibility), then it's "Oh theres 32 dumb coaches out there that I'm smarter than".  What would it take for the Rico lovers to admit that he's not a good nfl te and won't be?  The griphold on him is concerning. 

 

[Hankmoody]

Dallas doesn't like Gathers, but they don't want anyone else to have him either.  If they put him on their practice squad someone could steal him.  What are the rules regarding when another team can get a player off another team's practice squad?

I believe if a team tries to claim someone off the PS, the original team either has to put him on the 53-man roster or allow the claiming team to acquire him.

That's how it used to be, anyway.

Close.  Players on PS are paid Free Agents and can sign with anyone, any time.  They can allow the team whose PS they are on to match/beat the offer but are not required to.

 

[Football Jones]

Close.  Players on PS are paid Free Agents and can sign with anyone, any time.  They can allow the team whose PS they are on to match/beat the offer but are not required to.

Thanks for the info. 

I wasn't quite sure how it worked now.

 

[Football Jones]

Agree.  I mean you shouldn't be that surprised... the one leading the charge is known for his circular arguments and inability to budge. 

I feel like 95% of those arguing for the guy either own him or are a fan of his team.  But people arguing for him are putting themselves in 'win win' positions.  If he's a stud, it's "I was right"... if he's cut in Dallas, it's "Jason is dumb"... if he's not picked up by ANY other NFL team after being cut (I think this is a high possibility), then it's "Oh theres 32 dumb coaches out there that I'm smarter than".  What would it take for the Rico lovers to admit that he's not a good nfl te and won't be?  The griphold on him is concerning. 

What part of 'stash' do you not understand? I know you're a Philly fan, but get a grip. LOL. We all know a stash may not & likely WON'T pan out.

People are interested & the thread has become popular because Rico is the exact kind of prospect who can potentially make a big difference for your team because he's cheap with a high ceiling (which means you didn't pay much for a difference-maker if he hits).

Anybody can see the upside, including you (if you look). I'm guessing the thread will stay popular until we know more about his fate.

 

[need2know]

He won't catch 10 passes for any team this year

 

[BigSteelThrill]

He won't catch 10 passes for any team this year

Then better keep him out of Pittsburgh. He'd catch that in the playoffs alone.

 

[Football Jones]

Then better keep him out of Pittsburgh. He'd catch that in the playoffs alone.

That would be an ideal landing spot if Rico can develop to his full potential.

Can you imagine Rico along Antonio/JuJu/Washington/Bell/Samuels?

 

[RushHour]

I'm a Rico truther (I guess) but even I recognise that the odds of him doing anything are getting slim. I think he'd be better off on another team but even if that happens, that's a new playbook to learn, he'll have to start at the bottom of a depth chart (presumably) and get chemistry with new QBs. That will take time. He's right on the cut bubble of me in dynasty, but I want to see where he is at the end of final cuts before I make a decision on him. 

The upside is pretty huge here really - we saw it last preseason. Now you might say he performed against scrubs, but he still impressed. I don't like the extra weight he's put on and he's never going to be an all around great TE, but there are teams out there who are fine with their receiving TE weapons being average or even below average at blocking. It doesn't work for the Cowboys I suppose because of their run heavy focus, but that doesn't mean another team might not see more potential. My concern would be that he hasn't looked amazing enough as a pass catcher to outweigh the negatives. 

 

[Faust]

Cowboys 2018 training camp: Rico Gathers got a first-team rep in today’s practice

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Cowboys 2018 training camp: Rico Gathers got a first-team rep in today’s practice

damn.

/signed a Steeler fan.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Cowboys 2018 training camp: Rico Gathers got a first-team rep in today’s practice

Same link...

Calvin Watkins ✔ @calvinwatkins

Rico Gathers got 1 snap with 1-team. He’s still not making the 53.

 

[modogg]

Cowboys 2018 training camp: Rico Gathers got a first-team rep in today’s practice

well here it is, this is what we have been waiting for. I pick 12th in a 14 team league. Roll the dice and hold out hope i can draft Rico in the 2nd round.  :IBTL:

 

[modogg]

He won't catch 10 passes for any team this year

pretty sure i would confidentially bet he won't catch 10 passes in the regular season for his career

 

[pinequick]

well here it is, this is what we have been waiting for. I pick 12th in a 14 team league. Roll the dice and hold out hope i can draft Rico in the 2nd round.  :IBTL:

No way he's still there after the turn in Round 2.  No way.

 

[Football Jones]

Cowboys 2018 training camp: Rico Gathers got a first-team rep in today’s practice

Hmm, hot routes are typically adjustments made by the QB & receiver. Maybe Rico is smart enough to understand the basic principles of the art of playing receiver after all. Interesting.

I get people being on board with thinking Rico will never amount to anything because he very well may not (the percentages are WAY against him), but you have to be deaf, dumb, & blind not to realize the potential (especially given the Cowboys receiving corps) which makes bashing people for being highly interested in him as a simple FF stash border on bizzare.

It's one of the strangest takes I've ever seen & there's quite a few people making these comments. It's just plain foolishness.

 

[Deamon]

Hmm, hot routes are typically adjustments made by the QB & receiver. Maybe Rico is smart enough to understand the basic principles of the art of playing receiver after all. Interesting.

I get people being on board with thinking Rico will never amount to anything because he very well may not (the percentages are WAY against him), but you have to be deaf, dumb, & blind not to realize the potential (especially given the Cowboys receiving corps) which makes bashing people for being highly interested in him as a simple FF stash border on bizzare.

It's one of the strangest takes I've ever seen & there's quite a few people making these comments. It's just plain foolishness.

You think Rico has potential?  Nice hot take... didn't know you felt this way.  Can you post that 14 more times?