Patriots and Stallworth agree to deal

**MightyVikes12391** · 03-11-2007, 09:21 AM

another one down...

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

**Purple Floyd** · 03-11-2007, 09:48 AM

So does that mean they don't want Moss? I guess he will have to wear Green and Gold after all.

The Patriots are going all out to win the SB this year. They could be scary

**cogitans** · 03-11-2007, 10:04 AM

Pretty expensive wouldn't you say?

$30mio with $12mio guaranteed. That's crazy.

**Purplexing** · 03-11-2007, 10:23 AM

No one has mentioned the clause likely to be written into his deal.... i.e. behavioral issues clause.

I highly doubt the Patriots, or any other non-desperate team would sign someone on the NFL list of 'closely monitored players who have a history of substance abuse or behavioral issues' without safeguarding themselves from future incidents.
I think the $12m guaranteed is not really completely guaranteed; if he transgresses, I would believe the Patriots might be able to recoup a pro rate portion of the signing bonus.

Let me use an example; if a 10 year vet with a history of problems signed a deal with a $12m 'guaranteed signing bonus', and was subsequently caught violating a
league rule regarding controlled substances for the 3rd or 4th time of his career, he would essentially be forced to retire.
But he would keep the $12m if it were not for clauses that teams would require such risky players to sign.

Stallworth is a good signing for the Patriots, if for nothing more than to reduce the number of WRs they need to draft to fill out their WR crew.
But I highly doubt they are going to rely on him as their #1 WR due to his 'prior/ current behavioral issues'.

**Marrdro** · 03-11-2007, 10:30 AM

There is also another cost to be consider here other than $$$......

What if he violates the drug policy again and gets suspended?
Hopefully the team isn't relying on him like we did with respect to a certain WR that will not get named here.
:

**Purplexing** · 03-11-2007, 11:46 AM

I mentioned loss of $12m signing bonus cap space.
You are right regarding the loss of a roster spot during the middle of the season; i.e. he may not be counted on to finish the season, thus he could let down his teammates.

You also mentioned 'a' certain WR that you didn't want to name.
Actually, I can easily think of TWO such unreliable WRs that played for Minnesota.

This is why the Pats traded for Welker, and will likely also draft one or two more WRs.
At THIS POINT, Stallworth is worth the risk to them; i.e. fixed one WR spot with Welker, added a versatile and effective LB/DE, and a decent TE to backup their starters.

**michaelmazid** · 03-11-2007, 12:57 PM

its officially over. Pats will win the SB

**VKG4LFE** · 03-11-2007, 02:09 PM

"UffDaVikes" wrote:

So does that mean they don't want Moss? I guess he will have to wear Green and Gold after all.

The Patriots are going all out to win the SB this year. They could be scary

That is the first thing that came to mind for me too. He better not go to the cheesedicks!