My feelings about the Patriots' wide receiver room are well-documented, and the organization's inability to draft and develop or sign the right players in free agency is genuinely mind-boggling.
The team wisely moved on from DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster before the start of last season, freeing up opportunities for several of their younger pass catchers. Kayshon Boutte took advantage, but the rest, not so much.
Of course, Boutte acted as if he deserved to be the offense's focal point, which complicates the evaluation (again, too many me-first guys on the football team in recent seasons). But to his credit, the second-year pro became the starting 'X' (he's probably best suited to play the 'Z') and had a couple of big boy catches (go route to beat Derek Stingley Jr. for TD, the post on Sauce Gardner in week five). Boutte proved himself to be an NFL receiver, which was very much in doubt after his rookie season (and off-field issues).
At this point, we cannot say the same about Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The two rookies came into New England with much fanfare - does anyone remember the "wheelchair" crack? - then fell flat on their faces. Polk basically got benched down the stretch and finished with 12 catches on 31 targets and had several drops.
Baker's immaturity, one reason he fell to the fourth round in the draft, remained a problem (he was late multiple times in London). Additionally, Baker struggled to grasp the playbook. His playing time was limited, and his first and only reception didn't come until week 18. Baker has talent. Of that, there is no doubt. But I wouldn't be surprised if you told me he didn't make it out of training camp.
Kendrick Bourne was supposed to be the wise old man of the group, a leader. And while he did his best, Bourne's struggles with the playbook limited the impact the previous coaching staff hoped for. Bourne had the best year of his career under OC Josh McDaniels, so maybe he can rediscover that form.
Demario Douglas tied for the team lead in receptions (66, Hunter Henry) but struggled to find consistency in Alex Van Pelt's West Coast scheme. I've wondered about his overall feel for the passing game - the old staff did, too - and that will certainly be tested in McDaniels' offense. There is no denying Pop's quicks, and if he could take a step forward, Drake Maye would benefit.
The Pats also gave snaps to free agent signee K.J. Osborn, who requested a trade and was eventually given his release, and Tyquan Thornton. The former second-rounder decided not to show up one week and was also set free. Thornton signed to the Chiefs' practice squad but was never heard from again. For those who think skinny ankles and skinny wrists aren't a thing, I suggest you reconsider.
Now that I've thoroughly depressed myself reviewing the 2024-25 season, a look at what could lie ahead.
Signed for 2025:
Bourne (2025 cap hit $7.9 million/signing bonus $1.4 mil/850K roster bonus/$150K workout bonus/dead cap $2.8 mil)
Boutte (2025 cap hit $1.07 million/signing bonus $46K/dead cap $93Kl)
Polk (2025 cap hit $2.2 million/signing bonus $967K/dead cap $6.45 mil)
Baker (2025 cap hit $1.16 million/signing bonus $204K/dead cap $612K)
Douglas (2025 cap hit $1.06 million/signing bonus $33K/dead cap $66K)
John Jiles (2025 cap hit $840K)
FORGET THE COST. JUST DO IT.
1. Tee Higgins: There's no guarantee he gets to free agency. League sources believe Cincinnati has prioritized an extension for Ja'Marr Chase first (duh) and getting a new deal done for Higgins second (over the likes of DE Trey Hendrickson). There have been multiple reports on that in the last 24 hours, suggesting the team will franchise tag Higgins if they can't come to terms on a longer deal. Considering how bad the Bengals' defense has been, that is a questionable philosophy, but perhaps what Joe Burrow wants is what Joe Burrow gets. Higgins has never had to be a #1 receiver for an extended period, but if he ended up in Foxborough, he'd be lights years ahead of the rest of this group. The 26-year-old has length, high points the ball like a boss, and chews up cushion with long strides. No, Higgins isn't a burner, but he's one of those guys who's proven he doesn't need to be. It's only money...
PFF estimates four years for $112 milllion ($67.5 million guaranteed). Spotrac has the contract at four seasons and $101.7 million.
2. Chris Godwin: He was having a Pro Bowl-caliber season before dislocating his ankle, with 50 catches through seven games (and no drops). He does his best work in the slot (61% this year) but is also big enough to move around the formation. Godwin had been a 1,000-yard receiver in four of his previous five seasons.
PFF projects three years and $60 million ($40 million guaranteed)
OPTIONS. WE NEED OPTIONS
1. Darius Slayton: Big play threat on the outside and a leader in the room. Slayton has done a good job for a Giants team that has struggled to throw the ball because of quarterback and offensive line issues. If the Pats swing and miss on Higgins, Slayton would be a solid consolation prize.
PFF estimates $37.5 million over three years ($25 million guaranteed). Spotrac is at $47.3 million over three years.
2. Marquise Brown: Hurt for nearly the entirety of this past season but positively impacted the Chiefs' passing attack upon his return. Brown is the very definition of a guy who can take the top off a defense. KC wants to keep him around, but there will be a market for the 27-year-old.
PFF projects a 2-year contract for $18 million ($10 million guaranteed). Spotrac estimates $15.9 million over two seasons.
KNOW HIM, LIKE HIM
1. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: Has been a Tennessee Titan all these years, meaning Mike Vrabel and wide receivers coach Todd Downing know him well. Capable of playing all three spots. Had 32 catches but a career-high nine touchdowns this year. That's not who he is, but this is:
“It’s a struggle,” said Westbrook-Ikhine. “It’s hard to celebrate the personal victories because the team, collectively, I feel more of that. I wish we [had] won more games. So yeah, it’s hard to balance both of those things.
“I have enjoyed the personal success. But to me, it really doesn’t mean anything compared to everything else. Since Pee Wee football, I’ve always just wanted to win the game. It’s the same way now.”
Spotrac estimates a 2-year contract worth $7.8 million.
Others of note: Amari Cooper, Olamide Zaccheaus, Tim Patrick, Dyami Brown, Josh Palmer