Patriots Sign Two Draft Picks to Contracts

FOXBORO -- With less than two days remaining until the start of rookie minicamp, the New England Patriots continue to lock in members of their 2023 NFL Draft class.

Per a Wednesday evening report from KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson, the Pats have agreed to terms on rookie contracts with punter Bryce Baringer and receiver Demario Douglas. New England selected both Baringer (No. 192) and Douglas (No. 210) in the sixth round of last month's draft.

Baringer's contract is expected to be four years and worth $4.01 million with a signing bonus of $178,456. Douglas' four-year pact is likely to be valued at $3.97 million with a $133,332 signing bonus.

Baringer not only fills a position of need for New England, he also was secured via a low-risk selection. In 2022, Baringer broke the Michigan State record for yards-per-punt (49.0) while also ranking first in Big Ten history in career punting average (46 yards). As one of the most decorated players at his position in NCAA history, it is only fitting that he became just the 52nd punter to be drafted since 1997. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Baringer should assume New England's starting duties at the outset of the season.

Douglas’ agility and athleticism clearly impressed the Patriots coaching staff during his stint at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January. Despite his 5-8, 180-pound frame, the ex-Flame projects as a solid slot receiving prospect. In order to be affective in short yardage, he developed a knack of anticipating defenders attacking him. However, he also has the skill set to evades tacklers when he has the ball in his hands in open space. Douglas’ acceleration and speed has been a surprising asset against teams which mistakenly play him in soft coverage. Though he faces significant competition to earn a roster spot, Douglas' skill set may allow him to add a new dimension to the Pats offense in 2023 and beyond.

According to Patriots' salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the Patriots now have just north of $11.9 million in available salary cap space -- after accounting for both Baringer's and Douglas' signings, as well as the Wednesday afternoon release of wide receiver Lynn Bowden, Jr.

Baringer and Douglas are the third and fourth rookies, respectively, to officially sign with New England join sixth-round wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and sixth-round and fifth-round guard Atonio Mafi.

Patriots rookie minicamp is scheduled to begin on Friday at Gillette Stadium.

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