Meachem ran a 4.39 at the combine.

That was a loooong time ago. People talk about Colston like he's old and slowed down, but Meachem is only one year younger than Colston and has had just about the same number of surgeries.

Meachem's value is he knows the system well, has chemistry with Brees, is a good blocker and is great at tracking down deep passes. He's worth a lot more to us than he would be to most teams, but fortunately for us that also keeps his price down. I hope we keep him as long as it's a reasonable deal. Keep in mind he only caught 16 passes last year.

I agree on all of that. I have just reached a point where I would like a fresh face to speculate about.

...I'd rather someone actually beat him out rather than just cutting him and hoping we can find someone better.

Nothing wrong with that, but I'd rather someone actually beat him out rather than just cutting him and hoping we can find someone better.

I think at 800K, its worth signing and bringing him into camp. I also hope that some young hot shot actually earns Meachem's roster spot.

Of course if that 800K means we can't sign a key free-agent, then I say "go long Robert, no longer, longer, longer, keep going..."

I am not sure what kind of 'negotiations' could be going on. He got a million last year while still cashing a Charger paycheck, and he isn't getting more than that.

He had some solid 40 catch seasons for us, and the fact is he didn't fit in at SD, for whatever reason. He can still fill the 4th or 5th role, and is certainly better than Toon or Tanner. 16 catches doesn't look like much, but you as a 4th receiver on a team with Graham, Sproles, and PT, you aren't going to be targeted much.

We bring receivers along VERY slowly (Stills is the exception), so why not keep Meachem and let a rookie develop.

Not sure how slow we bring WR along.

Colston started 12 games his rookie season.
I looked up most of the receivers I could think of that we had as rookies and near all of their 1st/2nd seasons look like their last two seasons.

Henderson and Meachem come to mind.

4 catch difference on Meachem between rookie and 2013. Sophomore year he was full go or as full go as Meachem ever was.
Robert Meachem NFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com

Henderson was just slow to come along period...
Devery Henderson NFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com

But they were both niche receivers anyway.

Once Payton trusts the receiver, it's on.

Toon would have had more receptions if he could get out if his own way.

Moore just took a while to develop.

Morgan can't stay healthy.