The New England Patriots have a former Alabama quarterback, and now a former Alabama offensive coordinator. Next step? Get them a former Alabama wide receiver.

Options remain around the NFL, if Bill Belichick opts to make a trade for an ex-‘Bama wideout. The most feasible option seems to be the Broncos’ Jerry Jeudy, who had some overlap with Jones at the Crimson Tide, and

A 2 and 5

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  INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Slade Bolden #18 of the Alabama Crimson Tide carries the ball after a reception during the second quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

• According to

  While much of the NFL's attention is focused in Indianapolis at the combine, a note back home: Free-agent WR Slade Bolden is scheduled to work out for the Patriots.
  
  Played at Alabama with Mac Jones, and then under Bill O'Brien. 2022 UDFA with Ravens. Healthy after sports hernia.

  — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 28, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESPN’s Mike Reiss, it’s free-agent receiver Slade Bolden who is scheduled to work out for the Pats. Bolden played three years at Alabama, and most notably in the 2020 season, with Jones as the full-time starter. He was also Jones’ roommate, so there’s quite a bit of familiarity there.

  Bolden caught 42 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games as a junior in 2021, as Alabama’s primary slot receiver under the coordination of O’Brien. He went undrafted in 2022 and spent training camp with the Baltimore Ravens, before being waived then added to the practice squad. The Ravens released him in October.

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  Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Slade Bolden (18) catches a pass in the second half the NCAA Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Cincinnati Bearcats 27-6. (Credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network)

• The Patriots have a need at slot receiver, especially if they don’t plan on re-signing Jakobi Meyers. They lack a traditional option in that role, despite the ability of Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton to sometimes line up there. In light of that, combined with Bolden’s familiarity with Jones and O’Brien, it made too much sense for the Patriots not to at least take a look at him.

  Problem is, Bolden ran an unimpressive 4.66 40-yard dash at the 2022 Combine and may simply lack the requisite speed and quickness to excel at slot receiver in the NFL. But if he signs with the Patriots and has success in the system under O’Brien, he certainly wouldn’t be the first to overcome his own physical limitations.

  Ideally, the Patriots aim higher at wide receiver, particularly if they want to bring in someone from Alabama or a similar system. Bolden would make sense as a depth addition, but the Pats lack real impact at that position, and if they want more of it in 2023, they likely need to make a big trade or use a first-round pick.

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  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 @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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