Donte’ Stallworth is officially available

Yesterday, Donte’ Stallworth became the latest entry into the 2008 free agent WR market. The Patriots declined to pick up a combined $8 million option that was due to Stallworth if he remained on the roster through the end of next week.
Adding playmakers is high on the Titans’ agenda as they embark upon free agency. Despite nagging hamstring injuries, Stallworth is one of the league’s better playmakers at the wide receiver position.
He would be a nice addition to a Titan receiving group that is in need of an infusion of talent. 

Donte’ would provide the Titans with the presence of a burner at the wide receiver position. His blazing speed allows him to beat opposing cornerbacks on a consistent basis and also makes him a threat to turn a short pass into a long gainer. Adding Stallworth would give the Titans a much needed home run threat at wide receiver.
Despite lofty expectations, Stallworth was never able to consistently display his potential in New England’s offensive juggernaut last season. He was often relegated as the team’s third or even fourth option in a passing offense featuring two 1,000 yard receivers in Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
If Tennessee decides to bring him into the fold, he would immediately become the team’s number one option at wide receiver. The Titans have players such as Roydell Williams, Justin Gage (if he is re-signed) and Brandon Jones who are capable of being #2 or #3 options at best. Stallworth would give the Titans the #1 WR that this team so desperately needs.
Stallworth’s performance during his lone season with the Eagles is a good indicator of the type of explosiveness he can bring to a team in need of playmakers. In 2006, Donte’ essentially replaced Terrell Owens as the Eagles #1 receiving threat, averaging over 19 yards per catch and while scoring five touchdowns.
His presence immediately upgraded an average group of Eagle receivers that consisted of Reggie Brown, Greg Lewis, Hank Baskett and Jason Avant. Stallworth could provide a similar lift to a Titans’ receiving unit that is in dire need of a difference-maker.
The thought of signing Stallworth is an avenue that the Titans explored last offseason. Instead of taking Tennessee’s offer, Stallworth decided to latch on with the Patriots. In hindsight, considering his lack of playmaking opportunities in New England’s highly potent offense, Stallworth should have come to Tennessee where he would have instantly become the team’s #1 option.
As a result of the Patriots’ decision to allow him to venture into the waters of free agency, Stallworth could have another opportunity to join the Titans. Here’s hoping Donte’ makes the right decision the second time around.