Beaumont Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Posted on Thu, Mar. 16, 2006 Birds make deal with Gaffney The Eagles added a starting wide receiver last night when they agreed to a one-year deal with unrestricted free agent Jabar Gaffney, who started 50 of 64 games during his four seasons with the Houston Texans. Details of the deal were not immediately available. It remains to be seen if he will move into the starting lineup with the Eagles, who also have receivers Reggie Brown, Todd Pinkston, Greg Lewis, Billy McMullen and Darnerien McCants on the roster. McCants also signed a one-year deal yesterday. Gaffney, 25, is the cousin of Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, and the two played together at the University of Florida. Gaffney and Sheppard were drafted in 2002, with Sheppard going in the first round to the Eagles and Gaffney going with the first pick of the second round to the Texans. Gaffney's father, Derrick, also played in the NFL, spending eight seasons with the New York Jets. The move to acquire Gaffney came just one day after the Eagles released Terrell Owens. Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus also represents Gaffney. Though Gaffney never lived up to the potential of being such a high pick with the Texans, it should be noted that his first year was also Houston's first in the NFL. The Texans have had one of the worst offenses in the league and had trouble throwing the ball because they were unable to protect quarterback David Carr. Gaffney, who was the Texans' No. 2 receiver, had his best year in terms of receiving yards in 2004 when he caught 41 passes for 632 yards and two touchdowns. Last season, he had a career-high 55 catches for 492 yards and two touchdowns. Bob Brookover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 really?..I've heard nothing about this... where was this posted at?... I don't mind this, maybe we can make something out of him.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 So since the TO debacle it looks like the eagles are going back to the sub-par WR formula. Poor Donovan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitzkek Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I think it's a nice signing. He will complement Reggie Brown and Pinky well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 So since the TO debacle it looks like the eagles are going back to the sub-par WR formula. Poor Donovan 1372568[/snapback] Not so fast...Gaffney was the 1st pick in the 2nd round in 2002, and played for a team that I think we can all agree is more inclined to run than pass. Add in the fact that he had David Carr tossing the rock, and perhaps one of the worst O-lines in football protecting the QB (and thus limiting the time for plays to develop), and his mediocre numbers seem warranted. From the snippet on the news last night that he is thrilled to be coming to Philly, and that he will be on the squad with his first cousin Lito Sheppard, he appears to be as motivated as a player could be. I'm not saying he will be the second coming of Steve Smith, but a 60-70 catch, 800-1000 yard, 6-8 TD season is not a stretch. After all, he hauled in a career-best 55 catches last year playing for the Texans. For what they probably paid him for a one-year deal, it could be quite a coup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Not so fast...Gaffney was the 1st pick in the 2nd round in 2002, and played for a team that I think we can all agree is more inclined to run than pass. Add in the fact that he had David Carr tossing the rock, and perhaps one of the worst O-lines in football protecting the QB (and thus limiting the time for plays to develop), and his mediocre numbers seem warranted. From the snippet on the news last night that he is thrilled to be coming to Philly, and that he will be on the squad with his first cousin Lito Sheppard, he appears to be as motivated as a player could be. I'm not saying he will be the second coming of Steve Smith, but a 60-70 catch, 800-1000 yard, 6-8 TD season is not a stretch. After all, he hauled in a career-best 55 catches last year playing for the Texans. For what they probably paid him for a one-year deal, it could be quite a coup. 1372612[/snapback] while I don't think David Carr is a bad QB at all....he showed glimpses of what he can do in 2004......but the OL is as bad, if not worse than the Niners OL... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Pinkston, Brown and Gaffney. Now that'll scare the sh*t out of opposing secondaries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Score 1 Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I've always liked Gaffney since his College days. Look at his numbers last year while Andre Johnson was out and you can see he did OK. I think he had a 10 catch game during that stretch. He'll be a nice complimentary WR for the Eagles. I see him as a definite upgrade to McMullen & Lewis & McCants. Can't compare him to Stinkston as they're different types of WR's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Pinkston, Brown and Gaffney. Now that'll scare the sh*t out of opposing secondaries. 1372619[/snapback] it's better than Pinky/Brown/GLewis....which is better than what we had when we went to the NFCC 3 years in a row.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 0ne Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 it's better than Pinky/Brown/GLewis....which is better than what we had when we went to the NFCC 3 years in a row.. 1372623[/snapback] Moderately better at best. How'd you guys do in those games BTW? :ducks: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Moderately better at best. How'd you guys do in those games BTW? :ducks: 1372633[/snapback] hehe...I don't like to make excuses...but we had too many injuries heading into those games... vs the Rams, T Vincent was hurt...vs the Bucs our safety who's name escapes me tore his groin completely off the bone chasing Jurevicius and kept playing...and the Panthers game, Thrash and Pinky ran the wrong routes time and time again while Westy wasn't playing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 The Eagles need to address WR in the draft for the future. But not in the first or second round. McMullen and McCants are the type of player they need, but just aren't good enough. WCO needs a compliment receiver with size, good hands, and good instincts - not necessarily speed. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Eagles take a shot at another 6' 3"+ WR with decent hands, that came from a relatively decent offensive system in college. Someone like Maurice Stovall, Hank Baskett, John Madsen, Brandon Marshall, Martin Nance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 The Eagles need to address WR in the draft for the future. But not in the first or second round. McMullen and McCants are the type of player they need, but just aren't good enough. WCO needs a compliment receiver with size, good hands, and good instincts - not necessarily speed. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Eagles take a shot at another 6' 3"+ WR with decent hands, that came from a relatively decent offensive system in college. Someone like Maurice Stovall, Hank Baskett, John Madsen, Brandon Marshall, Martin Nance. 1372639[/snapback] I've been drinking the Brandon Marshall koolaid for us to draft this year... Mike Mayock has him ranked the 4th best WR in the draft, but expects him to go in the 2nd/early 3rd I think.... I hope the rest of the NFL doesn't agree...but he's usually on top of things (IE: Aaron Rodgers last year...he called that on the nose..) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Moderately better at best. How'd you guys do in those games BTW? :ducks: 1372633[/snapback] uh, a little better than 14 other NFC teams. With Brown, Pinky, Lewis, McCants and Gaffney at WR, Westbrook out of the backfield, and LJ Smith at TE, McNabb should have no problem finding good-hands targets. And in this west-coast style offense predicated on intermediate routes (10-15 yds), this set of WRs should perform. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 uh, a little better than 14 other NFC teams. With Brown, Pinky, Lewis, McCants and Gaffney at WR, Westbrook out of the backfield, and LJ Smith at TE, McNabb should have no problem finding good-hands targets. And in this west-coast style offense predicated on intermediate routes (10-15 yds), this set of WRs should perform. 1372662[/snapback] I gotta respectfully disagree: Pinky Lewis McCants These guys would all be #4 WR on most teams. I agree that Reid's offense is predicated on intermediate routes, and a variety of targets. I just don't think these guys fit the need. Brown showed flashes and Gaffney may help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 (edited) Not so fast...Gaffney was the 1st pick in the 2nd round in 2002, and played for a team that I think we can all agree is more inclined to run than pass. Add in the fact that he had David Carr tossing the rock, and perhaps one of the worst O-lines in football protecting the QB (and thus limiting the time for plays to develop), and his mediocre numbers seem warranted. From the snippet on the news last night that he is thrilled to be coming to Philly, and that he will be on the squad with his first cousin Lito Sheppard, he appears to be as motivated as a player could be. I'm not saying he will be the second coming of Steve Smith, but a 60-70 catch, 800-1000 yard, 6-8 TD season is not a stretch. After all, he hauled in a career-best 55 catches last year playing for the Texans. For what they probably paid him for a one-year deal, it could be quite a coup. 1372612[/snapback] If you're an Eagles fan, I don't blame you for viewing the glass as half full. But come on now. Gaffney did nothing for the Texans after being severly hyped, then was outshined by a rookie in A. Johnson. D. Carr is not a bad QB. The only valid thing you did say is Texans O line being bad. All that being said, if he hasn't peaked by now, I don't see it happening. I'd say he will be LUCKY to post the numbers you mentioned. Only time will tell, but I'd bet on mediocrity rather than over achievment. Edited March 16, 2006 by Brentastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I gotta respectfully disagree:Pinky Lewis McCants These guys would all be #4 WR on most teams. 1372723[/snapback] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Gaffney did nothing for the Texans after being severly hyped, then was outshined by a rookie in A. Johnson. D. Carr is not a bad QB. The only valid thing you did say is Texans O line being bad. 1372762[/snapback] 1. A. Johnson is/was a Pro-Bowl WR, so I am not surprised he outperformed Gaffney. 2. I should have predicated my comment on Carr with the fact that he was a rookie QB in 2002 playing behind an OL that was terrible, and not much better today. Caper's run-first approach certainly derailed the passing game, and put Carr in too many 3rd-n-long scenarios where he was bound to have problems. I agree I am taking the glass half-full approach, but the stats I posted seem plausible, given the improved situation Gaffney is in (better running game, better QB, pass-first offense, stable coaching staff). If he can haul in 55 catches as the 2nd WR option in a run-first offense, why not 60-70 in a pass-first offense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 If he can haul in 55 catches as the 2nd WR option in a run-first offense, why not 60-70 in a pass-first offense? 1372806[/snapback] The more I think about this, the more I suspect that the Eagles have a targeted WR in mind (either draft or FA). I'm a bit surprised at the one-year deal. That does not instill confidence that the Eagles see this guy as a realistic solution, however it does instill confidence in the idea that the Eagles believe Reggie is the real deal. Here's why - I agree that 55-60 catches is reasonable, maybe a bit optimistinc. Even if he catches 60, he's not really expected to be a #2 WR this year, more of a 1A to Reggie Brown's 1 (and Reggie's a weak 1). Reggie may develop into a moderate #1 in the next couple of years, which is when a Gaffney would make sense. Now, if you have 2 "weak" WR's in a HEAVY pass oriented offense, then you would be relying on depth. That's where the Eagles are in trouble. You can't have your top two WR combine for 120 - 130 catches and 1200 yards in this offense (See Eagles circa 2002-2004). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 You can't have your top two WR combine for 120 - 130 catches and 1200 yards in this offense (See Eagles circa 2002-2004). 1372856[/snapback] I can see the point you are trying to make, and I make no bones about it, Gaffney is not the #1 the Eagles really need, but... (See Eagles circa 2002-2004)---->weren't they years the Eagles were a play or two away from the Super Bowl, with home-field advantage 2 out of 3?? I know they lost all three games, but geez, they looked awfully successful with that philosophy...christ, we had james Thrash/Charles Johnson for two of those runs. for taking a chance on a 25-yr-old WR with plenty of upside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragon Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I can see the point you are trying to make, and I make no bones about it, Gaffney is not the #1 the Eagles really need, but... (See Eagles circa 2002-2004)---->weren't they years the Eagles were a play or two away from the Super Bowl, with home-field advantage 2 out of 3?? I know they lost all three games, but geez, they looked awfully successful with that philosophy...christ, we had james Thrash/Charles Johnson for two of those runs. for taking a chance on a 25-yr-old WR with plenty of upside. 1372874[/snapback] Seriously, I'm not trying to rain on your parade. But 2002 - 2004 the Eagles had a MUCH better defense, a MUCH better run game, and bottom line = they didn't get to the SuperBowl. Hey, I live in Eagles territory and have nothing against them, but I thought the idea of the league was to WIN the Superbowl, not make it to Conference championship games and have your weakness at WR exposed. If you're happy with a playoff appearance - then I think Gaffney will help. If you want the SuperBowl, then Gaffney isn't close to enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebartender Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 vs the Bucs our safety who's name escapes me tore his groin completely off the bone chasing Jurevicius and kept playing 1372636[/snapback] Blaine Bishop, who shouldn't have been playing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 The more I think about this, the more I suspect that the Eagles have a targeted WR in mind (either draft or FA). I'm a bit surprised at the one-year deal. That does not instill confidence that the Eagles see this guy as a realistic solution, however it does instill confidence in the idea that the Eagles believe Reggie is the real deal. Here's why - I agree that 55-60 catches is reasonable, maybe a bit optimistinc. Even if he catches 60, he's not really expected to be a #2 WR this year, more of a 1A to Reggie Brown's 1 (and Reggie's a weak 1). Reggie may develop into a moderate #1 in the next couple of years, which is when a Gaffney would make sense. Now, if you have 2 "weak" WR's in a HEAVY pass oriented offense, then you would be relying on depth. That's where the Eagles are in trouble. You can't have your top two WR combine for 120 - 130 catches and 1200 yards in this offense (See Eagles circa 2002-2004). 1372856[/snapback] Pinkston is the #2...he has very good speed and is tall which allows him to do what he does best...reach for the deep throws.. other than that, he's not that reliable... Brown can run all routes and has good speed... Gaffney is tremendously quick and fast....and as a #3, he won't be seeing the same amount of attention....and not to mention he has McNabb, not Carr throwing to him...who has the far superior OL to boot.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Blaine Bishop, who shouldn't have been playing at all. 1373118[/snapback] Lewis was already outplaying him when he came in anyways... and it's funny...when I talk about this, I keep thinking Lance Shulters...and then saying...THAT'S NOT HIM...WHO IS IT!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDFFFreak Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 I like this signing. Gaffney for 1 year to see what he can do with a QB who has a better O line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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