Run It Back Without Upgrades? Patriots' Offense Still Lacking
The New England Patriots have successfully retained multiple key free agents this offseason, but they've yet to add any offensive firepower.
Except for the fact that there is no starting quarterback in place, unless one's expecting Jacoby Brissett to handle QB1 duties, the Patriots' passing attack features many of the same pieces that underwhelmed in 2023.
While New England smartly re-signed receiver Kendrick Bourne, the capable pass-catcher is coming off an ACL tear and projects as a WR3 type. As for the No. 1 receiver spot, the Patriots lack a player who has shown the ability to handle such a role.
JuJu Smith-Schuster has managed only four total touchdown receptions over the last three seasons and was largely unproductive after signing a free-agent contract with New England last offseason. Jalen Reagor was re-signed but has proven to be nothing more than a potential complementary piece thus far.
Sixth-round rookie Demario Douglas emerged as the Patriots' leading receiver (561 yards) last year, but the undersized 23-year-old isn't equipped to consistently play on the outside of the formation.
The Patriots' passing offense, which ranked 28th in the NFL (180.5) last season, needs a difference-making receiver as free agent options dwindle. While Marvin Harrison Jr. is on the table with the Patriots holding the No. 3 overall draft choice, it wouldn't hurt to add through free agency. Here are three potential fits for New England.
Tyler Boyd
Boyd may not be a No. 1 receiver, but his receiving totals from any of the last six seasons, which include two 1,000-yard campaigns, would have led the Patriots in 2023. Over eight years with the Bengals, the former second-round draft pick has accounted for 6,000 yards receiving and 31 TD receptions.
The 29-year-old Boyd owns a 68.4 percent career reception rate and has proven effective in contested catch situations.
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Odell Beckham
It never seemed to click for Beckham in Baltimore, but the 31-year-old proved he can still play after being set back by a second ACL tear. Although he didn't become a primary target for quarterback Lamar Jackson, Beckham averaged 16.1 yards per catch while 27 of his 35 receptions resulted in first downs.
Beckham, a three-time Pro Bowler, has five career 1,000+ yard receiving seasons to his credit, but none since 2019.
Mike Williams
Williams unexpectedly became an option when the Los Angeles Chargers released their former WR2 last week. The former first-round draft pick, who suffered an ACL tear in Week 4 last season, has a career 15.6 yards per catch average.
The 29-year-old Williams reportedly has scheduled free agent visits with a the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets next week.
