Leading up to the start of the 2023 NFL Free Agency, Kevin and Eric will preview the top 5 free agents at different positions of need for the Patriots. Here’s a look at the other positions previewed already:
By Eric,
One of the biggest drawbacks from the Patriots‘ offense ever since Julian Edelman went down in 2020 and subsequently retired was the lack of a #1 wide receiver. Jakobi Meyers did step up while playing that role but I believe most football fans would agree he’s a nice #2 receiver but should not be a teams number 1 option. He is also a free agent next week as well with no guarantee he is back. The Patriots do have some depth at WR with Davonte Parker, Kendrick Bourne (assuming he is not released or traded), and last year’s 2nd round pick Tyquan Thornton under contract for this upcoming year. However, they still lack that true #1 option and could use an additional depth piece at receiver as well. If Patriots fans are expecting them to address the WR room via Free Agency, they may be out of luck. This is one of the weakest WR free agent classes in a long time, with Jakobi Meyers as the consensus best receiver on the market.
The Patriots may be more like to address adding a receiver via trade, or the draft. The Patriots are in prime position to take one of the best receivers in the draft with them owning the #14 pick. They may also look to trade for a receiver, with some names being floating around being Courtland Sutton or Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos, DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals, or Brandin Cooks of the Houston Texans. Additionally, more receivers may be available if the price is right, as last offseason Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, AJ Brown, and Marquise Hollywood Brown were all traded pretty much out of the blue without many prior rumors.
However, if the Patriots do plan on adding a WR through Free Agency, I will present 5 potential options for the Patriots:
1. DJ Chark (Lions)
DJ Chark has the size (6’4) and speed (4.34 40-yard dash) that you look for in a WR. He was a 2018 2nd round draft pick out of LSU for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He jumped on the scene his second year in the league (2019) being named a Pro Bowler after having 73 receptions for 1,008 receiving yards with 8 TDs. After having a down season in 2020 with only 53 receptions for 706 yards and then played on 4 games in 2021. Last offseason as a free agent he signed with the Detroit Lions. Playing in 11 games he tallied 30 receptions for 502 yards and 3 TDs. In his 5 years in the league, he has never played an entire season, only playing 66% of eligible games. Chark is only 26 years old and his attributes pose some upside along with proving previously that he can be a Pro Bowler in this league. He seems like the typical type of Patriot signing who may look to an incentive laden contract or a 1-year prove it type of deal.
2. Braxton Berrios (Jets)
Braxton Berrios may be the most realistic option available for the Patriots and someone I thought they may target last offseason as well. He is a former Patriot, whom they drafted in the 6th round in 2018 out of the University of Miami. After being a final roster cutdown in 2019, Braxton signed with the New York Jets where he has played ever since. Braxton was productive in 2020 and 2021 as a slot receiver tallying 37 and 46 receptions respectively, going with 394 and 431 yards respectively. He was also 1st team All-Pro in 2021 as a Kick Returner. Last offseason he resigned with the Jets, however he had a down year with only 18 receptions and 145 receiving yards and was released this past week. He may not be a #1 receiver, but may add some depth in the Patriots receiving room and provide a presence as a slot receiver, especially if they lose Jakobi Meyers.
3. Parris Campbell (Colts)
Parris Campbell is a very intriguing option. He was a 2019 2nd round pick of the Indianapolis Colts out of Ohio State University. After having a very quiet first 3 years in the league tallying only 34 receptions for 360 receiving yards total over those 3 years, he emerged this past season with 63 receptions for 623 yards. This was also with no steady option at QB for the Colts, as they rotated between Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, and Sam Ehlinger. Parris is 6’0 and ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the Combine. It seems like his is starting to find his own in the league and depending on the contract he commands, may be another potential free agent option for the Patriots.
4. Darius Slayton
Darius Slayton is another 26 year-old 2019 draft pick, this time a 5th round pick for the New York Giants out of Auburn University. Slayton is 6’1 and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash in the Combine. Although he was only a 5th round draft pick, he had a very productive rookie season with 48 reception, 740 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. He followed up his rookie season with 50 receptions and 751 receiving yards in 2020. After having a down year in 2021 with only 26 receptions and 339 receiving yards, he bounced back last year with similar numbers to his first 2 years in the league with 46 receptions, 724 receiving yards, and 2 TDs. While Slayton has been productive most of his career, he has been known for having untimely drops. He did play under Joe Judge for two years who may know him and his play style better than most. Reports are that he is looking for a big contract, so it may be unlikely the Patriots end up signing Darius.
5. Mecole Hardman
Rounding out the group is once again another 2019 draft pick, Mecole Hardman who was a 2nd round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs out of the University of Georgia. Hardman is only 25 years old and is fast, having run a 4.33 40 at the Combine. Hardman saw slight improvements year after year the 1st 3 years of his career with his receptions and receiving yards increasing from 26 catches and 538 yards in 2019 to 59 catches and 693 yards in 2021. This past year, Hardman was expected to take over a bigger role in the Chiefs offense after they traded away Tyreek Hill. However, his production stayed similar to his previous seasons totaling only 25 receptions for 297 yards over the first 8 games of the season before suffering an abdominal injury that sidelined him the remainder of the season, only seeing slight action in the AFC Championship before reinjuring his abdomen. It may be unlikely as to whether the Patriots end up signing Hardman and will likely depend on what type of contract he demands. However, his speed would certainly be a great addition to the Patriots WR group.
