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Two years ago **David Givens** was a seventh-round pick out of Notre Dame looking to earn his way on to the roster of the defending Super Bowl champions. Now, after climbing his way from special teams contributor to go-to guy down the stretch on another New England Super Bowl run, the exclusive rights free agent is talking to the Patriots about what could lead to a long-term extension.
According to a report in Wednesday's Boston Herald the two sides began discussing a deal for the 6-0, 212-pound wide receiver earlier this week.
"We appreciate that they've had discussions with us because they're under no obligation to do so," Givens' Boston-based agent, Brad Blank, told the Herald. "We've had some discussions, but thus far they haven't been fruitful."
Givens caught 34 passes for 510 yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns in 13 games with five starts for the Patriots last season. He then tied with Troy Brown for a team-best 17 receptions in the postseason, totaling 163 yards and two touchdowns.
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As an exclusive-rights player Givens has reportedly been tendered a one-year $380,000 contract for the Patriots for 2004, but a longer deal could benefit both sides. Givens would receive the security that would come with any potential signing bonus as well as a longer deal, while the Patriots would tie up a player who has improved dramatically over the course of his first two seasons in the NFL. If no long-term deal can be reached Givens would play under the one-year tender in 2004 and become a restricted free agent next spring.
Interestingly, the only exclusive rights free agent the Patriots have signed to a long-term deal under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli was quarterback Tom Brady just before the 2002 season.
Ticket reminder
Just a reminder to fans, individual game tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. All tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster and all transactions must be made with a Visa credit card. Each fan is limited to a maximum total of eight tickets, with a limit of four tickets to any one game. Those looking to purchase tickets can go to Ticketmaster.com or call locally at 508-931-2222 or 617-931-2222. Tickets will not be sold at the Gillette Stadium Ticket Office.
Notes
According to various published reports executives at ABC have "informally" inquired as to whether former NBA star and current TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley would be interested in joining the Monday Night Football crew. … Disgruntled Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie has hired a new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, in an effort to work a trade out of Green Bay. The team is reportedly looking for a first-round draft pick as well as a lower selection or player in exchange for McKenzie.
Various wire reports contributed to this story.
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Two years ago **David Givens** was a seventh-round pick out of Notre Dame looking to earn his way on to the roster of the defending Super Bowl champions. Now, after climbing his way from special teams contributor to go-to guy down the stretch on another New England Super Bowl run, the exclusive rights free agent is talking to the Patriots about what could lead to a long-term extension.
According to a report in Wednesday's Boston Herald the two sides began discussing a deal for the 6-0, 212-pound wide receiver earlier this week.
"We appreciate that they've had discussions with us because they're under no obligation to do so," Givens' Boston-based agent, Brad Blank, told the Herald. "We've had some discussions, but thus far they haven't been fruitful."
Givens caught 34 passes for 510 yards and a team-high six receiving touchdowns in 13 games with five starts for the Patriots last season. He then tied with Troy Brown for a team-best 17 receptions in the postseason, totaling 163 yards and two touchdowns.
[
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As an exclusive-rights player Givens has reportedly been tendered a one-year $380,000 contract for the Patriots for 2004, but a longer deal could benefit both sides. Givens would receive the security that would come with any potential signing bonus as well as a longer deal, while the Patriots would tie up a player who has improved dramatically over the course of his first two seasons in the NFL. If no long-term deal can be reached Givens would play under the one-year tender in 2004 and become a restricted free agent next spring.
Interestingly, the only exclusive rights free agent the Patriots have signed to a long-term deal under Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli was quarterback Tom Brady just before the 2002 season.
Ticket reminder
Just a reminder to fans, individual game tickets go on sale this Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m. All tickets will be sold through Ticketmaster and all transactions must be made with a Visa credit card. Each fan is limited to a maximum total of eight tickets, with a limit of four tickets to any one game. Those looking to purchase tickets can go to Ticketmaster.com or call locally at 508-931-2222 or 617-931-2222. Tickets will not be sold at the Gillette Stadium Ticket Office.
Notes
According to various published reports executives at ABC have "informally" inquired as to whether former NBA star and current TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley would be interested in joining the Monday Night Football crew. … Disgruntled Packers cornerback Mike McKenzie has hired a new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, in an effort to work a trade out of Green Bay. The team is reportedly looking for a first-round draft pick as well as a lower selection or player in exchange for McKenzie.
Various wire reports contributed to this story.
