Patriots Sign WR Stallworth

[gibbs4president]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2794615

ESPN.com. news services

The Patriots continued their offseason spending spree, adding wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to their 2007 haul, a league source told ESPN.com's Michael Smith.

Stallworth will sign a six-year contract. The deal is believed to be worth a little more that $30 million with close to $12 million guaranteed.

Stallworth, who played last season in Philadelphia after being acquired from the New Orleans Saints, also was being courted by the Eagles, Dolphins and Titans.


Stallworth, 28, had 38 catches for 725 yards and five touchdowns for the Eagles in 2006. A first-round choice of the Saints in the 2002 draft, he has 233 career receptions for 3,516 yards and 28 touchdowns in 68 games, including 44 starts.

League and union officials are investigating a Philadelphia Inquirer report that Stallworth is in the NFL's substance-abuse program, sources from both parties told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli.

Citing unnamed sources, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday that Stallworth is a participant in the league program, and that he could be subject to suspension if he suffered a repeat violation of its conditions. The newspaper also reported that a breach of the program's confidentiality agreement can warrant a league fine, and NFL and NFL Players Association officials began to seek out possible sources for the leak on Monday.

The Patriots have been busy this offseason, adding coveted linebacker Adalius Thomas, ranked No. 2 on ESPN.com's list of free agents, as well as Dolphins kick returner/receiver Wes Welker, tight end Kyle Brady and backup running back Sammy Morris.

[fredp45]

As much as folks say about the Pats and how they build and who they get for their team, this signing is weird. This is certainly not a guy I'd expect Bill to want.

They also signed Kyle Brady -- that guy has to be near 40 years old. I vaguely remember him playing for Penn State...but only vaguely. I didn't even realize he was still around.

Thomas was a good signing...I will give them that. I was suprised they went that high for a free agent.

[1niksder]

As much as folks say about the Pats and how they build and who they get for their team, this signing is weird. This is certainly not a guy I'd expect Bill to want.

They also signed Kyle Brady -- that guy has to be near 40 years old. I vaguely remember him playing for Penn State...but only vaguely. I didn't even realize he was still around.

Thomas was a good signing...I will give them that. I was suprised they went that high for a free agent.

This is what happens when people don't pay attention, obviously Kraft left The Combines and got on Redskin 1 by mistake and "the Danny" went to Gillette Stadium... Now doesn't all this make more sense

[PulpExposure]

As much as folks say about the Pats and how they build and who they get for their team, this signing is weird. This is certainly not a guy I'd expect Bill to want.

They also signed Kyle Brady -- that guy has to be near 40 years old. I vaguely remember him playing for Penn State...but only vaguely. I didn't even realize he was still around.

Thomas was a good signing...I will give them that. I was suprised they went that high for a free agent.

Though 12 million guarenteed means they'll be playing 1 million for every game he suits up for them over the next two years. Guarenteed

[Irn-Bru]

how much did Branch sign for with SEA?

[SeanTaylorJr.]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

[gibbs4president]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

This only gets spun this way because it's the Patriots. If the Redskins had overpaid for any of those players, except maybe Thomas, it would have been a huge deal and people would have speculated that the old Snyder is back to his old tricks.

If they perform then great. But I'm not going to praise their spending, especially for the huge deals for Welker and Stallworth.

[brad7686]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

This only gets spun this way because it's the Patriots. If the Redskins had overpaid for any of those players, except maybe Thomas, it would have been a huge deal and people would have speculated that the old Snyder is back to his old tricks.

If they perform then great. But I'm not going to praise their spending, especially for the huge deals for Welker and Stallworth.

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

[SeanTaylorJr.]

Only one of these deals could possibly be thought of as overpaying, thats Stallworth, but i have a strange feeling he will earn his money if Reche and Jabar Gaffney did what they did with brady. And Adalious Thomas is a proven player in the same system that will deliver for sure, there is no price for a player that will undoubtedly help your team a great deal.

[funbunchfever]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

This only gets spun this way because it's the Patriots. If the Redskins had overpaid for any of those players, except maybe Thomas, it would have been a huge deal and people would have speculated that the old Snyder is back to his old tricks.

If they perform then great. But I'm not going to praise their spending, especially for the huge deals for Welker and Stallworth.

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Why can't you overpay for Thomas, Stallworth and Welker. Stallworth may have big play ability but he is VERY injury prone. (ARE is a much better value IMO) And Thomas was one piece to a very good defense. You just never know with those free agents. Look at the other guys who left Baltimore as free agents. (E. Hartwell)

[gibbs4president]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

This only gets spun this way because it's the Patriots. If the Redskins had overpaid for any of those players, except maybe Thomas, it would have been a huge deal and people would have speculated that the old Snyder is back to his old tricks.

If they perform then great. But I'm not going to praise their spending, especially for the huge deals for Welker and Stallworth.

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

They aren't above average players? What exactly is your definition of an "above average" player?

[PulpExposure]

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Donte Stallworth and Brandon Lloyd have both had the same number of 1000 yard seasons and pro bowls. Zero.

Tell me Donte is an elite or above average player now.

[1niksder]

As much as folks say about the Pats and how they build and who they get for their team, this signing is weird. This is certainly not a guy I'd expect Bill to want.

Never expected them to sign a guy that's in the SAP
But the deal they gave him protects them if he is suspended, just didn't think they'd take a chance like that.

They also signed Kyle Brady -- that guy has to be near 40 years old. I vaguely remember him playing for Penn State...but only vaguely. I didn't even realize he was still around.

Brady is a locker room guy that can still block, the Jags would have re-signed him if no one else had picked him up. They are treating this move as a lost.

Thomas was a good signing...I will give them that. I was suprised they went that high for a free agent.

Yeah surprise is a good way to put it but he seems to be someone that will fit.

[Skins2daGrave]

Stallworth will have a monster season next year, i've always liked him (except for this season ) and with Tom Brady throwing him the ball, i think he'll emerge as one of the best, that is if he can stay relatively healthy

[brad7686]

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Donte Stallworth and Brandon Lloyd have both had the same number of 1000 yard seasons and pro bowls. Zero.

Tell me Donte is an elite or above average player now.

He got to play with mcnabb last year before he got hurt and would have been near the league lead

[gibbs4president]

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Donte Stallworth and Brandon Lloyd have both had the same number of 1000 yard seasons and pro bowls. Zero.

Tell me Donte is an elite or above average player now.

He got to play with mcnabb last year before he got hurt and would have been near the league lead

The only problem I have with that is he gets hurt EVERY year. His talent isn't what's in question here. But could he be dangerous on that team? Definitely. He was dangerous on the Eagles. But he got hurt, again.

[Mursilis]

All the Patriots moves this offseason have been solid. Thomas is a perfect fit for a LB core in need of a revamping. In terms of the recievers, they actually have two real receivers now in welker and stallworth that are dangerous and give Tom Brady some weapons. As for Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady, those are true Patriot players, blue collar guys that will set a good example for everyone and get whatever they need to do done. Kudos to the Pats for showing some initiative and going after players that will help them out, and seeing past the money and draft picks that it cost them; seeing this is very refreshing, and they sould be a super bowl favorite at this point.

This only gets spun this way because it's the Patriots. If the Redskins had overpaid for any of those players, except maybe Thomas, it would have been a huge deal and people would have speculated that the old Snyder is back to his old tricks.

If they perform then great. But I'm not going to praise their spending, especially for the huge deals for Welker and Stallworth.

This only gets spun this way because it's a team which wins consistently. With their success in the past 5-6 years, they've earned a lot more benefit of the doubt than the 'skins have. That's why they can spend like that and not draw more criticism.

[PulpExposure]

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Donte Stallworth and Brandon Lloyd have both had the same number of 1000 yard seasons and pro bowls. Zero.

Tell me Donte is an elite or above average player now.

He got to play with mcnabb last year before he got hurt and would have been near the league lead

The only problem I have with that is he gets hurt EVERY year. His talent isn't what's in question here. But could he be dangerous on that team? Definitely. He was dangerous on the Eagles. But he got hurt, again.

And that's the thing. Because he cannot stay healthy, he cannot be considered an elite or even an above-average player.

His production is rather bleh. Some people don't produce because they're not talented. He doesn't produce because his hamstring always hurts.

[brad7686]

You can't overpay for Adalius Thomas or Donte Stallworth. You can however overpay for Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and Adam Archuleta, because they are not and never were elite or even above average players.

Donte Stallworth and Brandon Lloyd have both had the same number of 1000 yard seasons and pro bowls. Zero.

Tell me Donte is an elite or above average player now.

He got to play with mcnabb last year before he got hurt and would have been near the league lead

The only problem I have with that is he gets hurt EVERY year. His talent isn't what's in question here. But could he be dangerous on that team? Definitely. He was dangerous on the Eagles. But he got hurt, again.

And that's the thing. Because he cannot stay healthy, he cannot be considered an elite or even an above-average player.

His production is rather bleh. Some people don't produce because they're not talented. He doesn't produce because his hamstring always hurts.

I would rather overpay for a potential gamebreaker with injury concerns than severely overpay for a slow safety and two slot receivers.

[SeanTaylorJr.]

for FunBunchFever, bottom of 1st pg. and others

Donte Stallworth is a huge big play threat, exactly what the patriots need, and usually those don't come cheap. If you looked at the term of the contract too, it could be for however long they want him for (1 to 6 years), so it is rather low risk. As to his being "VERY" injury proned, he has suited up and played in exactly 85% of the games in his career, thats not really that bad is it?

And then you have the courage to question adalious?? kidding, but first, if he is the "slow safety" you refer to, he is neither. He is listed by the way as a DE, and he ran a 4.59 40 officially at the combine. look, he comes from a great D that loves versatility, and where is he going? a great D that loves versatility!! Lance Briggs is a"just one piece to a really good Defense", should teams stay away from him too?

Finally you cite E. Hartwell, not so sure that that was a good example since he played in roughly 40% of his games with ATL after leaving BAL, so I don't feel anyone can call him a bust or anything like that, just bad luck.

Just because of the Redskins poor FA activities in the past, that doesn't meen every team is like that. Tell me one bad personnel move the PATS have made, just one, please! Trust there track record, there is nothing wrong with finding a player you love, and can help you, and spending a little money (of which they have a lot) on them.

[gibbs4president]

Chad Brown. That's one.