Desperate for help at wide receiver, the Browns brought David Patten back into the fold in an effort to shore up depth at the position. With Donte Stallworth’s availability in doubt given his pending legal issues, Patten’s signing provides insurance at the position and also increases the likelihood of the team releasing Stallworth and perhaps moving Braylon Edwards in a trade.
Productive in 2007 with 54 receptions for 792 yards and three touchdowns, Patten was relegated to a backup role last year. He was inactive for 11 of the New Orleans Saints’ last 12 games due to the emergence of Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem.
Patten’s main role in Cleveland figures to be that of a backup and mentor to the team’s young receivers, particularly the enigmatic Edwards, who has been linked in trade rumors involving the Giants.
Fantasy Football Impact
Patten still possesses deep speed but can’t be expected to hold up as a productive starter for 16 games. However, he can show young wideouts like Edwards, Josh Cribbs and 2008 7th round pick Syndric Steptoe how to be professional and productive in the league.
