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A closer look at the Patriots’ signing of Anthony Gonzalez 03.17.12 at 6:21 pm ET
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Anthony Gonzalez signed with the Patriots on Saturday. (AP)

When you talk about wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, everything must be prefaced with the statement: “If he’s healthy…”

The addition of the 27-year-old Gonzalez is an intriguing move for the Patriots. If the 6-foot, 193-pound slot receiver is over his knee problems — he’s fought through several injuries the last three years, and has only played 11 games since the end of the 2008 season — he projects as a backup for Wes Welker.

When healthy, he’s known as a good route runner who is shifty enough to create separation — in 2008, he recorded career highs with 57 receptions for 664 yards and four touchdowns. (In five seasons with the Colts — 40 games — the high school teammate of Patriots’ backup quarterback Brian Hoyer has 99 career receptions for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns.)

If Gonzalez has enough to contribute, the player who stands to be the most impacted when it comes to offensive snaps is Julian Edelman, who has ostensibly been the backup slot receiver since he first arrived in 2009. However, Edelman has played fewer and fewer snaps at the spot over the last few seasons, even moving over to the defensive side of the ball down the stretch in 2011. If Gonzalzez is healthy, a full-time move to defensive back (while continuing his work as a returner) could be in the cards for Edelman.

There is no financial information on the contract — and his injury problems make him a huge question mark — but on the surface, the addition appears to be a positive, low-risk, potentially high-reward decision for the Patriots.

Read More: 2012 NFL Free Agency, Anthony Gonzalez, Brian Hoyer, Julian Edelman Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://twitter.com/chickenbaconran james flannery

    When healthy, he could be every bit as good as Wes Welker. I think it’s a low-risk move.

  • http://twitter.com/chickenbaconran james flannery

    When healthy, he could be every bit as good as Wes Welker. I think it’s a low-risk move.

  • Shmoeman11

    He’s another Julian Edelman…. we didn’t need this. We needed speed. Why are the Patriots assembling so many similar players. No diversity at WR right now. 

  • Nicnac1955

    good when not hurt !! has he had concussions,not sure

  • Anonymous

    Could be Welker insurance?  Maybe negotiations aren’t going so hot.  It looks like they aren’t draftng WR which is good, cuz they’ve blown a lot of draft picks on bad talent.  

  • Gman

    This begs the question–could Welker be on the trading block?

  • Chrisindanvers

    Actually, I believe it is a solid signing. Low risk, high reward. Besides, when you think back to Josh McDaniel’s record setting offense in 2007, they utilized four wide receivers successfully. Jabbar Gaffney has a similar skill set to this – run a route and get separation. Not bad if he can stay healthy.

  • Slugo

     ”When healthy, he could be every bit as good as Wes Welker. I think it’s a low-risk move.”

    Are you kidding me? He has had less receptions in 5 YEARS than Welker had this year alone. He’s a slight upgrade to Edelman at best.

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  • Zach Starzyk

    Aren’t we all new england fans lucky? Were all arguing about a back up wide receiver and how we dont get enough talent but at the same time the pats just went 14-2 and barely lost in the superbowl.

  • Patsfanvero

    I guess I agree with you, we need a real burner that can stretch the field who isn’t a head case  like Moss or T.O. We already have guys that can catch the ball across the middle.

  • Moneyball

    The Pats aren’t trading Brady’s binky.

  • Wfp1935

    Good pick for low cost, if he stays healthy, you hit a winner.

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