Patriots reportedly hosting free-agent WR Demaryius Thomas, RB T.J. Yeldon for visits
Sep 9, 2018; Denver, CO: Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots hosted free-agent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and running back T.J. Yeldon for visits on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s The Patriots had longtime Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas and former Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon in for a free agent visit today, per source. They continue to look for more offensive weapons.
Thomas tore his Achilles in December as a member of the Houston Texans. He caught 59 passes for 677 yards and 5 touchdowns in 15 games between Denver and Houston prior to that.
The Broncos originally drafted Thomas 22nd overall in the 2010 draft, when they had current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels at the helm. In four seasons with Peyton Manning at quarterback, Thomas averaged 101 catches, 1,447 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3, Thomas would add size to the Patriots’ receiving corps. They recently signed 6-foot-3 wideout Maurice Harris from the Washington Redskins. But in light of Thomas’ Achilles injury, it’s likely he would sign for more than a low-risk financial commitment with no guarantee to make the 53-man roster.
Yeldon, 25, rushed 104 times for 414 yards (4.0 average) and a touchdown in 2018 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although running back is not a pressing need for the Patriots, the 6-foot-1, 223-pound Yeldon would be a similar signing to Jeremy Hill a year ago. The Patriots struggled in short-yardage and goal-line situations running the ball last season; Yeldon could represent the big back they’re apparently still looking to add.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
