TallySaint

Patriots send WR Johnson to Saints for DT Sullivan

PFW asks associate editor Jeff Reynolds for his take on the NFL’s hottest topics.



Deal would give two underachieving talents a clean slate

Two players with a lot of potential but few pro accomplishments traded places on Monday. The Patriots dealt WR Bethel Johnson to New Orleans for DT Johnathan Sullivan, the sixth overall pick in the 2003 draft. Both players have taken some heat for failing to live up to expectations. Each has flashed some ability to contribute, but neither was consistent enough to earn a major role with his former team. The Saints originally dealt the 17th and 18th overall picks in 2003 to the Cardinals for the sixth pick in order to draft Sullivan. Johnson was the 45th overall draft choice in 2003 and led the AFC with a 28.2-yard kick-return average.



PFW: Which player has the potential to help his new team more?

Reynolds: Sullivan can be a regular in the Patriots’ defense if the coaching staff is successful in keeping him motivated. His first obstacle is conditioning. New England takes little risk in dumping Johnson for Sullivan. The Patriots weren’t likely to keep Johnson for the upcoming season and have an interest in special-team cover ace Alex Bannister, whom the Seahawks released Friday. New Orleans had already done the heavy lifting on Sullivan’s contract, paying the $11.5 million in guarantees the deal called for and absorbing the initial signing bonus of more than $7 million. Johnson’s role, undefined because of poor work habits, questionable intelligence and injury in New England, might not expand with the Saints. If Johnson stays healthy, though, he could be the secondary return man alongside Michael Lewis, thus allowing the Saints to preserve Reggie Bush by using him solely on offense. Whether either player has the drive or the love for the game to fight through his own obstacles is the biggest question in both cases. Neither has the self-motivation or supreme competitiveness to develop into a superstar. Sean Payton is a no-nonsense coach, but the clean slate gives Johnson’s career new life. At best, he’ll emerge as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver in New Orleans. In New England, Sullivan, at best, will rotate with Vince Wilfork at nose tackle or play in the base 4-3 should the Patriots decide to implement that front more frequently.


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