Patriots reportedly adding another big receiver, signing free agent Dontrelle Inman
Free-agent wide receiver Dontrelle Inman is reportedly signing a deal with the New England Patriots, adding another tall wideout to a crowded depth chart.
Dontrelle Inman of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass for a touchdown defended by Shareece Wright of the Houston Texans in the second quarter during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 5, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Tim Warner/Getty Images
Tim Warner/Getty ImagesDontrelle Inman of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass for a touchdown defended by Shareece Wright of the Houston Texans in the second quarter during the Wild Card Round at NRG Stadium on January 5, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are adding yet another tall wide receiver, reportedly agreeing to terms with free-agent former Colts wideout Dontrelle Inman. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network first reported that the Patriots had Inman in for a visit, then tweeted that they agreed to a deal just 13 minutes later.
Inman, 30, has also played for the Chargers and Bears. Primarily a deep threat down the field, Inman's most productive season came with the Chargers in 2016 when he caught 58 passes for 810 yards and 4 touchdowns. He averaged 14.0 yards per reception that season, fourth-best among all receivers who played in all 16 games.
Most recently with the Colts, Inman made 28 catches for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in the Colts' 21-7 win over the Texans in the wild card round.
Inman continues a curious theme for Bill Belichick's offseason approach at receiver. At 6-foot-3, Inman becomes the sixth receiver 6-foot-2 or taller on the depth chart. Only four receivers (Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, Braxton Berrios, Ryan Davis) are under 6 feet.
Inman will have a fair chance to make the 53-man roster as a big outside receiver for Tom Brady. He'll have competition for his spot as he works against the likes of Demaryius Thomas (6-foot-4), Maurice Harris (6-foot-3), Damoun Patterson (6-foot-2), and undrafted rookies Jakobi Meyers (6-foot-2) and Xavier Ubosi (6-foot-4). First-round pick N'Keal Harry (6-foot-2) and Edelman may be the only true roster locks on offense.
Belichick is clearly looking to attack secondaries with more size and physicality in 2019, regardless of who makes the team. This departure from the norm is one of the more fascinating narratives to follow for the defending champions.
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.
