The Patriots hosted wide receiver Kendall Wright and a host of other free agents for workouts on Wednesday, reports Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
New England currently only has four wide receivers on its roster (excluding special-teamer Matthew Slater), and the club is counting on Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson, and the recently-claimed Chad Hansen to shoulder the load until Julian Edelman returns from suspension in Week 5. In addition to Hansen, the Patriots claimed former Seahawks pass-catcher Amara Darboh off waivers on Sunday, but waived him with an injury designation on Tuesday.
Wright inked a one-year, $1MM deal with the Vikings this spring that contained $400K guaranteed, but he was cut loose on Sunday. Scheduled to be Minnesota’s slot receiver between Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, Wright was beaten out by former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell for a starting spot. Given his lack of special teams prowess, Wright didn’t hold much appeal as a reserve for Minnesota.
That Wright doesn’t play special teams (he has only four career ST snaps) could present a problem for his chances to earn a Patriots roster spot, as well, but New England’s dire need for receiving weapons could trump Wright’s weakness on teams. A former first-round pick, Wright spent five years with the Titans before landing with the Bears in 2017. The lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal passing attack, Wright posted a team-leading 59 receptions and 614 yards in his only season with Chicago.
Here’s the full list of free agents that were on hand for New England today, per Reiss:
- RB Kenjon Barner
- DB Quin Blanding
- RB Matthew Dayes
- WR Brandon Reilly
- RB Aaron Ripkowski
- LB Martrell Spaight
- LB Anthony Winbush
…the reality is the Pats are a declining Wildcard team that peaked in 2016.. Injuries to Wynn & Michel + Edelman suspension have devasted the offense around an aging Brady..
Leaving them scrambling to find a route running receiver, and rb depth is muddy after losing Dion to Titans & lead back Michel to injury.
Patriots are going to need to lean on their defense more than ever, and their offense is one injury away from catastrophe, especially if that name is Gronk.
Should be interesting to say the least.
I think Steelers have to be the heavy favorites in the AFC right out the gates.
– non biased Rams fan.
The Pats are tied for the 22nd easiest schedule. You’re underselling Burkhead and White as RB and Hogan as a WR. The Wynn injury hurts, sure, but Michel hasn’t played all preseason so they’re no exactly relying on him. The D is also solid which you seem to forget. First 4 games might be tough, but with Brady at the helm I don’t see any way the Pats don’t win the AFC East and enter the playoffs seeded anywhere from 1-3.
Projected schedule strength is a terrible metric because it doesn’t account for any off season adjustments made by teams.
So you honestly think any other AFC East team has a better shot of beating the Pats than they did last year?
They are absolutely declining but theres not a team in the AFC east thats even close to them.
The Jaguars gave the Patriots all they could handle in the playoffs and spanked the Steelers in Pittsburgh twice. Their defense is the real deal so be careful about selling them short.
I don’t think anyone is selling their D short but with Bortles as a QB they’ll still be behind the Pats and Steelers no matter what. Dude would have to improve to be a hack.
All they need from Bortles is good ball security. They ran the most offensive plays of any team last season and should be near the top again in time of possession.
I think the Jaguars are the best team in the AFC. The comment was focused on calling them a wildcard team
Oh my goodness you probably have the least amount of football knowledge I’ve seen on here. When I last checked which was 4 days ago the Pats had the best odds to win the super bowl. If that’s declining then I wish I was declining. And wildcard team? Literally the dolphins jets and bills were in the bottom 4 for least likely to win, so how are the Pats gonna only be a playoff team?
Do people not realize we have this conversation EVERY SINGLE SEASON, and what happens? Pats go on to win 12+ games and make the AFC title game at least. Edelman is only out for 4 games compared to the 19 last year that’s a huge difference, Wynn wasn’t gonna be a starter, Pats still have White and Burkhead so no need to rush Michel back.
Lastly HOW ON EARTH do you have the Steelers as “heavy favorites” when Bell arguably their best player is holding out and Shazier their best defensive player isn’t gonna play? Sounds very biased to me
“Peaked in 2016”… made the Super Bowl last year. “Injuries to Wynn and Michel devastated the offense”… 2 guys project d to be reserves. “Steelers are the heavy favorites”… without their star RB, yet Michel’s injury is deveatating?
You’re adorable
so much noise about a clipboard wearing 5th option – if they felt this was an issue, than yes bill would overspend and trade for proven talent. btw running the football’s also an offensive option.
Lol love the keyboard prognosticators. Winning since 2001. Keep trying to knock us off and match our record
Every pro sports dynasty has ended with a hard landing and the Patriots will be no exception. Bill and Tom won’t be exiting the stage this season but the curtain call is in the near future.
I think he would fit right in with patriots. He was a good receiver for Bears last year. I think he will fit into “the Patriot” way thing.