Should the New York Jets Pursue WR Brandon Lloyd?

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (85) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of the AFC divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

When talking about the Patriots and the New York Jets, you are talking about two teams that have no love lost for one another. Since the Bill Parcells situation, the two teams have been at war, and there have been casualties. Along with casualties, there have also been soldiers that have switched sides. Shaun Ellis is a prime example, playing all those years with the Jets before moving over. An example going the other way, from New England to the Jets, is Ty Law. But there have been others.

So, we learn this week that wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has been released by the Patriots. The question is, do the Jets take another casualty of war here? Should they pursue Brandon Lloyd?

Let’s talk about the guy.

Take a look at his career stats:

The first thing that jumps out is inconsistency. He has had two breakout seasons, 2010 and 2012. Remove those two seasons from his record, and the stats become very pedestrian. He eclipses 700 yards receiving only once, and peaks with 5-6 TDs, removing his breakout season of 2010.

These are the stats of a serviceable receiver, but not a great one. Especially not a guy for a team that is coming off a 6-10 season.

Don’t get me wrong, when he has been good, he has been very good. In 2010, his PFF grade was a whopping 25.5, leading the sport at his position.  In 2012, with 74 catches for 911 yards and 4 TDs, his grade was 12.9.  Yes, the numbers are going to be balanced through all wide receivers when Tom Brady is your quarterback, but the fact remains that this number was a huge drop off from 201o.  In 2011, he fell off to a 6.7 while with the St. Louis Rams.

Inconsistency.

It’s not like he would cost very much.  Brandon Lloyd was set for a base salary of $1.9 million in 2013, but that was too rich for the Patriots blood.   On the one hand, it clearly wouldn’t take too much to bring him on board.  But, on the other hand, you have to wonder what went on in the Patriots’ locker room that made his salary too expensive.

In any event, despite the fact that taking ex-Patriot players can teach us about the enemy, not in this case.  Not worth it.