Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
As roster cuts came down Monday, several intriguing names were sent packing. One of the most notable names that was cut was veteran receiver Donte Stallworth. Stallworth, who has had two separate stints with the New England Patriots in his career, is a dependable receiver.
Although he is not as young as he used to be, (he is 32 and will be 33 in November) he is still quick and possesses good hands. He knows the system better than most receivers currently on the team.
He would bring a proven commodity to a receiving core that is largely inexperienced. Tom Brady would then have a familiar face that he can trust, helping to ease the transition from an experienced, to a rookie-based receiving core.
Stallworth, as you might recall, was a part of the record-setting offense the Patriots had in 2007. In that season, he provided 46 catches for 697 yards and three TDs.
He then returned to the team last season starting one game, catching a 63-yard touchdown pass against the Houston Texans in that contest. Unfortunately for him, he was placed on injured reserve soon after with an ankle injury.
He was then released after the season and picked up by the Washington Redskins. He was then cut from the team today.
With Stallworth seemingly healthy now, and with much uncertainty regarding the Patriots’ receiving core, the team would be wise to bring in the veteran.
It would not cost the team much more than the veteran minimum and it would be worth the money to bring in a smart, experienced receiver like him.
Do you think the Patriots should bring Stallworth back? Should they stick with who they have at the receiver position? Why or why not? Feel free to comment on the subject in the “comments” section below.
