So where does this leave Troy Brown?
Now that New England's receiving corps is stocked with talent the likes of Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth, Wes Welker, et al, will Brown return to the Pats?
Brown is an unrestricted free agent, meaning he can sign with any team. He has expressed interest in coming back for a 15th season, preferably with New England. But that was before many of the additions were made to the Patriots wide receiver roster.
When asked about Brown Sunday, Belichick was unequivocal.
"I think I spoke on that a couple of weeks ago, and it hasn't changed for me. I would expect Troy to be (here). (The receivers) would have different roles on the team."
At least two common threads between Brown and Moss are their home state and their collegiate alma mater. Both players are native West Virginians who attended Marshall University.
"I've always considered myself to be the second best receiver to come out of Marshall," a demure Moss offered when the subject of Brown came up Sunday afternoon.
"Being able to play with a Troy Brown and what he's done for the organization...with his Super Bowl experience...as far as his punt return against the Pittsburgh Steelers...there are just some things that I love in the game that you have to pay attention to.
"Troy being from Marshall and me being from Marshall, like I've always said, he's started the trend of guys going into the league from Marshall and I just want to continue that also."
Note: "Ask PFW," our wildly popular Tuesday feature, will be taking a one-week hiatus, returning next Tuesday, May 8. Keep those questions coming!
