It sounds like the Patriots are done adding established receivers
The Patriots have landed an established, dynamic outside receiver in DeVante Parker. And it sounds like that’s it for now.
Based on a recent report, the Patriots acquired Parker at the end of a longer process to decide how they wanted to add an established wideout. According to Patriots exhausted options at receiver. Had exploratory talks with Odell Beckham and looked at several other free agent wideouts. In the end, DeVante Parker’s pedigree and manageable salary ($5.6M this year) was appealing to New England.
That doesn’t mean the Patriots won’t add a wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. But the addition of Parker, who’s under contract for each of the next two seasons, reduces the urgency to select one as high as the first round or as soon as this year.
Bill Belichick recently attended Alabama’s Pro Day, as he does every year. The Crimson Tide have two notable wide receivers expected to go high in the draft. Jameson Williams will almost certainly be a first-round pick, while John Metchie is expected to go on day 2.
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For now, Parker is presumably the new No. 1 receiver atop the depth chart in New England. He headlines a group that still includes Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, and N’Keal Harry. It’ll be interesting to see if Harry’s days are numbered as a Patriot, with the other four receivers likely to stick around on the 53-man roster.
If Parker can stay healthy, he would be a big, athletic perimeter receiver with the upside of a true No. 1 for second-year quarterback Mac Jones. The Patriots ostensibly have designs on Parker playing that role in 2022, and possibly 2023.
Belichick, Patriots get up-close look at Alabama Pro Day
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster 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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].
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