Pats sign David Terrell

Mr. Laz · 04-04-2005, 11:38 AM

Pats agree to Terrell deal

By Mike Reiss/ MetroWest Daily News
Monday, April 4, 2005 - Updated: 07:20 AM EST

The Patriots [stats, news] made veteran receiver Derrick Mason one of their top targets when free agency began last month. Yet while the Patriots and Mason couldn't strike a deal - he went to the Ravens instead - the defending champions have audibled with an eye on game-breaking threats.

After signing Tim Dwight to serve as a punt returner and reserve receiver last month, the Patriots added another potentially explosive target by agreeing in principle on a one-year contract with free agent David Terrell.

Both moves further create doubt over the possibility of 12-year Patriot Troy Brown [news] returning for the 2005 season.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Terrell, who is entering his fifth season, has had an up-and-down career since being selected by the Bears eighth overall in the 2001 draft - two picks after the Patriots tabbed Richard Seymour [news]. Playing in 52 of a possible 64 regular season games, he's caught 128 passes (an average of 32 per year) for 1,602 yards with nine touchdowns.

But as a former teammate of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady [news] at the University of Michigan, Terrell had a big supporter in Foxboro, as sources said Brady gave team officials his vote of confidence. Brady and Terrell shared tremendous success at Michigan in 1998 and '99, when Brady went 20-5 in two years as a starter. Meanwhile, Terrell racked up 152 receptions for 2,317 yards and 23 touchdowns in three seasons with the Wolverines (1998-2000).

But their careers have taken different paths in the NFL.

While Brady has risen to stardom, Terrell hasn't yet reached his potential and was released by the Bears late last month.

With his size, Terrell brings a different dimension than most of the Patriots [stats, news]' top receivers on the roster. Emerging star Deion Branch [news] is just 5-9, 193, while David Givens [news] (6-0, 215), Dwight (5-8, 180) and Bethel Johnson [news] (5-11, 200) are all on the smaller side. Only 2004 rookie P.K. Sam (6-3, 210) would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Terrell.

After a 34-catch, four-touchdown season in 2001, Terrell broke a bone in his left foot after five games of the 2002 season. He returned in 2003 to make 43 catches, and followed that up with 42 last year, disappointing numbers from such a high draft pick.

In addition, Terrell hasn't helped himself off the field. According to published reports, he was arrested for six traffic charges last November after being pulled over for reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. [continue]

04-04-2005, 11:38 AM	Topic Starter
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Pats sign David Terrell Pats agree to Terrell deal By Mike Reiss/ MetroWest Daily News Monday, April 4, 2005 - Updated: 07:20 AM EST The Patriots [stats, news] made veteran receiver Derrick Mason one of their top targets when free agency began last month. Yet while the Patriots and Mason couldn't strike a deal - he went to the Ravens instead - the defending champions have audibled with an eye on game-breaking threats. After signing Tim Dwight to serve as a punt returner and reserve receiver last month, the Patriots added another potentially explosive target by agreeing in principle on a one-year contract with free agent David Terrell. Both moves further create doubt over the possibility of 12-year Patriot Troy Brown [news] returning for the 2005 season. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Terrell, who is entering his fifth season, has had an up-and-down career since being selected by the Bears eighth overall in the 2001 draft - two picks after the Patriots tabbed Richard Seymour [news]. Playing in 52 of a possible 64 regular season games, he's caught 128 passes (an average of 32 per year) for 1,602 yards with nine touchdowns. But as a former teammate of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady [news] at the University of Michigan, Terrell had a big supporter in Foxboro, as sources said Brady gave team officials his vote of confidence. Brady and Terrell shared tremendous success at Michigan in 1998 and '99, when Brady went 20-5 in two years as a starter. Meanwhile, Terrell racked up 152 receptions for 2,317 yards and 23 touchdowns in three seasons with the Wolverines (1998-2000). But their careers have taken different paths in the NFL. While Brady has risen to stardom, Terrell hasn't yet reached his potential and was released by the Bears late last month. With his size, Terrell brings a different dimension than most of the Patriots [stats, news]' top receivers on the roster. Emerging star Deion Branch [news] is just 5-9, 193, while David Givens [news] (6-0, 215), Dwight (5-8, 180) and Bethel Johnson [news] (5-11, 200) are all on the smaller side. Only 2004 rookie P.K. Sam (6-3, 210) would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Terrell. After a 34-catch, four-touchdown season in 2001, Terrell broke a bone in his left foot after five games of the 2002 season. He returned in 2003 to make 43 catches, and followed that up with 42 last year, disappointing numbers from such a high draft pick. In addition, Terrell hasn't helped himself off the field. According to published reports, he was arrested for six traffic charges last November after being pulled over for reckless driving and driving with a suspended license. [continue]
Posts: 95,626