Patriots: Revisiting the 2007 Offseason

2. Signed Donte’ Stallworth to essentially a one-year, $3.6 million contract. The negotiated contract for Stallworth had flexibility to be just a one season “rental,” which was the final result, or it very well could have been a six-year, $33.1 million deal

Obviously, depth at receiver was a concern for the Patriots during the 2007 offseason, and a team high 760 receiving yards was not going to be acceptable the next season. Following the departure of New England’s leading receiver in 2006, Caldwell, the Patriots were looking for a deep threat, as they had not yet traded for Moss.

3 sources of worry on Patriots roster

Stallworth’s contract was negotiated to be beneficial for both sides. The deal lasted just one season, but if not for Welker’s outburst, Stallworth might have remained a second option for many more years. In his year with the Patriots, Stallworth was more than just serviceable. Stallworth proved to be a quality third option at receiver for the Patriots, totaling three touchdowns and 697 yards.

32 offseason additions, 32 interesting facts

Although the acquisition did not quite impact the Patriots in the future years, Stallworth was an important factor in one of the greatest offenses ever to step foot on a football field. The offense that had relied on Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney the previous year turned into a juggernaut of Moss, Welker, and Stallworth.

Next: 1. Signing Adalius Thomas