09:12 AM EST on Wednesday, March 5, 2008
By SHALISE MANZA YOUNGJournal Sports Writer
The New England Patriots continued to add players yesterday, signing one familiar face and one not-so-familiar.
Jabar Gaffney stats
Jason Webster stats
Last night, the Pats came to terms with wide receiver Jabar Gaffney on a one-year contract. Earlier in the day, New England announced that it signed cornerback Jason Webster.
Gaffney, signed by the Patriots in October 2006 to help a then-thin receiving corps, has filled a couple of roles with New England. He became Tom Brady’s go-to guy in the playoffs, with 21 catches for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Eighteen of those receptions came in the Pats’ first two playoff games.
Last season, with an influx of talent at the position, Gaffney’s receptions went way down as Brady sought out Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. But midway through the season, Gaffney passed the now-departed Stallworth. Twenty-four of his 36 regular-season catches came after the bye week.
And in Week 13, with New England’s undefeated regular season in the balance, Gaffney had his one and only catch — an eight-yard, keep-those-toes-inbounds, game-winning touchdown.
The deal is for one year for a reported $2 million. Gaffney apparently wanted a multiyear deal, but the two sides couldn’t agree to terms on one.
A second-round draft pick of the Texans in 2002 out of Florida, the 6-foot-1 Gaffney is the son of former Jets wideout Derrick Gaffney and a cousin of Eagles corner Lito Sheppard. With former Pat Asante Samuel taking Sheppard’s job in Philadelphia, there have been rumors that Sheppard might be traded to New England.
Speaking of cornerbacks, after parting ways with two veteran corners in the last six days, the signing of Webster brings one back into the fold for New England.
“Jason is an experienced veteran who will add good depth to our secondary,” Pats coach Bill Belichick said in a statement.
Webster, 30, an eight-year veteran, spent nearly all of last season on injured reserve after suffering a broken arm in his one and only game with the Buffalo Bills. Last year’s season-opener was a nightmare start for New England’s AFC East foes. Kevin Everett suffered a life-threatening spinal injury, safety Ko Simpson broke an ankle, linebacker Coy Wire went down with a knee injury and Webster went down as well.
A second-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2000, Webster (5-9, 187 pounds) played at Texas A&M, where he was a teammate of Ty Warren. Webster spent his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco. In 2002 he had his best statistical season, with 85 tackles, one 37-yard interception return for a touchdown and nine passes defensed.
Webster played for the Falcons from 2004-06 before signing a one-year deal with the Bills last May.
smanza@projo.com
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