Quote:
Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha
As I think you agree, there's a difference between being a bust (see Archuletta) and being overpaid (see ARE). ARE produced points on special teams, threw several bombs as a QB, caught 30+ passes (which was a lot for our passing attack), and added a threat to the offense that defenses had to respect. And no it is not ridiculous to cite his special teams play in evaluating the merits of his contract. Field position matters and if you disagree, then talk to any football coach at any level.
Moreover, he was in the first year of his deal on a team with a new offensive coordinator, a bad QB situation, and, for the most part, a run first mentality. So, call me crazy but it's a little premature to call him a bust or evaluate the merits of his contract.
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As a receiver, Randle El wasn't very good. He was adequate, but any receiver who couldn't have made at least 30 catches with the exact same role in the offense that ARE had probably shouldn't be in the NFL.
Randle El's true value to this team is in his versatility. We don't need a special player to play across from Santana Moss to have a great offense. Any decent player will do (ARE fits that bill). But Randle El brings a threat to run the ball (we can line him up in the backfield), a threat to throw the ball, and is one of the better punt returners in the game today. For those reasons, you want him on the field as much as possible even if he's only an adequate receiver.
I don't think that justifies a $10 million signing bonus, but he's certainly not a bust. I think we knew that he was only going to be a replacement level WR when we got him. If only we knew the same about Lloyd before, because he's a guy who brings little versatility and a big attitude to this team.
I like receivers who have versatility. I don't want to give money to a guy who lines up close to the Gatorade cooler, touches the ball 2-3 times a game, doesn't block well, and complains about his role in the offense. I want my receiver to be a player and earn his salary.