Patriots WR '09 Review and '10 Preview

Wide Receivers:

• Randy Moss caught 83 balls for 1264 yards and a league high 13 TDs. Yes, his motor could be questioned at all times but he remains a pivotal part of the passing game. He is due $6.4 million in the final year of his three year contract and he was quoted this past weekend saying he expects this to be his season in New England. Remember what he did in 2007 when he was playing for a contract? 98 catches, 1498 yards, and 23 TDs.


• Wes Welker's season obviously ended in the worst way possible. He most likely will not be ready for the start of next season, so look for the team to get Brady some help at this position (hopefully better investments than Joey Galloway). Welker, who was going to ask for a new contract before going down, still has two years remaining on the 5-year $18.1 million pact he signed in 2007.


• Julian Edelman will help fill the void of Welker. He showed more than enough skill, and with a full off-season of rest, learning, and conditioning he can only get better. Despite his late season successes, we'd feel better if he were still the third option going into next season. Drafted only last year, Edelman still has three seasons on his rookie deal that will pay him $395,000 next year.


• This is where the drop-off occurs. Sam Aiken is clearly a better special teamer than receiving target and he was an invisible man in the Wild Card loss. He will be back because he signed an extension during the season through 2011 for small money, but it would be nice to have a more viable option behind Moss if anything were to happen to the 33 year old.


• Isaiah Stanback saw some limited action at WR, but is unproven. He is versatile, and is listed as the team's third QB at times.


• Rookie speedster Brandon Tate lasted only two games after missing the first 6 weeks recovering from a torn ACL/MCL in college. He could be a weapon if healthy, but needs to prove he can stay healthy.


• Matt Slater is nothing more than a special teamer. He did not catch a pass all year and is probably replaceable after not showing much in each of his first two seasons.


• The team needs a major upgrade at the position, especially with the likelihood of Welker being out a while. Brady may be missing someone like a Jabar Gaffney, and could use two solid veterans added to this bunch.

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