When Jabar Gaffney was released by the Redskins, we predicted that he wouldn’t be out of work too long.
We also wondered if the Patriots might be interested in reuniting with a guy who made a big catch against the Ravens to help the team keep their 2007 run at an undefeated regular season alive. It might be a good week to play the lottery because it looks like we were on to something on both fronts.
Gaffney told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he will be signing a deal with the Patriots soon. Gaffney played for the Pats from 2006-2008, catching 85 passes for 1,059 yards and eight touchdowns. His production spiked after leaving New England, he has 187 catches over the last three years, but he was a reliable target for Tom Brady when he was in New England.
The Patriots have added Brandon Lloyd, Donte’ Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez to a receiving group that already included Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco and Julian Edelman. Wes Welker will also be back, whether he signs his franchise tender or a long-term deal, and that makes for a crowded depth chart. Gaffney likely moves ahead of some of the other veterans and his arrival might lead someone like Ochocinco to ask for a release so that he can find a place he’s likelier to see the field in 2012.