Patriots host wide receiver, cornerback for free agent workouts

The NFL’s regular season may be coming to an end, but player evaluation is a year-round process. As such, the Patriots hosted two players for free agent workouts in Foxborough on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Jaylen Smith and cornerback D.J. Daniel both met with the Patriots, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Here’s the background on each player…

• WR Jaylen Smith

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  Smith originally entered the NFL as a UDFA in 2019 with the Ravens. He spent training camp with them before being released, then landed on the Seahawks' practice squad late in the year. Since then, he's spent offseasons with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and XFL's DC Defenders.
  
  In four years at Louisville, Smith totaled 152 receptions for 2,505 yards and 15 touchdowns. His breakout season came in 2017 with Lamar Jackson at quarterback, when he grabbed 60 catches for 980 yards and seven TDs.

• CB D.J. Daniel

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  Daniel was a participant in the 2021 Senior Bowl after two seasons at Georgia. He went undrafted and was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he spent the summer before being released as part of final roster cuts.
  
  Daniel played in 17 games in two seasons for the Bulldogs. He broke up eight passes and recorded 51 tackles.

If the Patriots want to sign either player, they currently have five open spots on the practice squad. It’s also possible the team wanted a closer look at the two players as candidates for potential futures contracts, which teams can begin offering on Monday.

MORE: Patriots taking ‘week-to-week’ approach with N’Keal Harry

Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.