2022 Free Agent Receivers - Will the Patriots Target One?

[venecol]

why do people think that getting ANOTHER receiver should be in the cards?

I think that Meyers would be a great trade piece to get a 3rd round pick this year to help the defense.

And yes, I'm still advocating for the Pats to trade Agholor and/or Harry to the Raiders for a pick or picks.

Then I add complementary pieces like an new slot receiver in the draft (Burks/Phillips). I add another TE if I feel that Asiasi and Keefe aren't going to be develop, and I add someone else to work on the outside. I'm only carrying 4 WRs, but carrying 3-4TEs to focus on the change in offensive philosophy.

A lot of contradictions here. You question why ppl would want another receiver in FAcy/draft, but then suggest we get rid of Myers, Agholor a/o Harry.

Then you call for ADDING two wide receivers + a TE (in contradiction to your first statement). You want 3-4 TEs. We already had 4 TEs and got production out of only 1 of them.

We should probably only move on from Harry and replace him on day 3 of the draft. No on another TE.

Shoring up the D is way more important imo.

 

[mgteich]

Coach up Tre Nixon.

What's the point of drafting a fast talented small school developmental WR if you have no plan for him?

Yes, all 7th rounders should make significant contributions and replace veterans on the roster.
NOT

 

[patfanken]

The Patriots WR core/corps just need a legit #2 or #1 to put them over the Top. Bourne and Myers would thrive with a guy of that caliber. DJ Chark wants out of Jacksonville he's sick and tired on the inconsistent QB play intriguing Big prospect who would exorcise the Ghost of N'Keal Harry.

interesting thought on Clark. But I'm wondering why everyone is selling Kendrick Bourne so short. He put up 800 receiving yds and almost a 15ypc JUST playing 50% of the snaps. And he did it with a rookie QB and in a very controlled offense. Imagine what he'd do playing 70% of the snaps with an improved QB

I also think a similar look at Nelson Aghular. I think he was a underrated asset last year. A victim of the rookie QB playing in a very controlled offense that limited his route tree. He was only targeted 62 times, about 20 less than is big year with LV. I can't recall many deep crossing patterns (the kind THill thrives on in KC)

At the end of the season we started to see a HINT of the potential mobility of Mac Jones. Extended plays are the kind of thing guys like Aghular make a lot of yds off of. As he and. Mac (and the rest of the receivers) get attuned with him. It might add a couple of hundred yds to his total each year.

I'm not adverse to adding WR's to the 90 man roster. Jacobi Meyers would be a player to up grade perhaps. While he has improved his receiving yds and receptions every year he's been on the team, Last season he had a team high 126 targets (twice what Bourne had), yet only had 66 more yds to show for it. So while he's reliable and seems to be improving, he is limited athletically in both speed and quickness. I want the guy on the field, but I'd rather if his 126 targets were spread out more among the rest of the receivers, most particularly with Bourne, Henry and Smith.

And then there is N'Keal Harry. I watch the kid a lot his rookie year and liked what I saw. He was big, tough and had enough speed to get behind the DB's I saw in camp. Why he hasn't progressed to where he could be an asset to the WR groups is a mystery to me. But I have seen him beat guys deep and not get the ball, or seen him beat guys and have the pass under or over thrown. I've also seen a few drops as well; Like Aghular he always seemed to be an afterthought. If anyone needed a fresh start it would be Harry. His trade value is such that getting back a 6th would seem like a steal. Isn't Andy Isabella in a similar situation or worse in Arizona. Last year he had ONE reception in 8 games. I've advocated a trade of these 2 seemly failed draft picks and see what happens. Isabella has great speed (4,3) and fair quickness (6,9 3cone). Maybe in a more disciplined offense he'd be more effective. Seemingly there is nothing to lose in that kind of trade. just sayin'

 

[mgteich]

interesting thought on Clark. But I'm wondering why everyone is selling Kendrick Bourne so short. He put up 800 receiving yds and almost a 15ypc JUST playing 50% of the snaps. And he did it with a rookie QB and in a very controlled offense. Imagine what he'd do playing 70% of the snaps with an improved QB

I also think a similar look at Nelson Aghular. I think he was a underrated asset last year. A victim of the rookie QB playing in a very controlled offense that limited his route tree. He was only targeted 62 times, about 20 less than is big year with LV. I can't recall many deep crossing patterns (the kind THill thrives on in KC)

At the end of the season we started to see a HINT of the potential mobility of Mac Jones. Extended plays are the kind of thing guys like Aghular make a lot of yds off of. As he and. Mac (and the rest of the receivers) get attuned with him. It might add a couple of hundred yds to his total each year.

I'm not adverse to adding WR's to the 90 man roster. Jacobi Meyers would be a player to up grade perhaps. While he has improved his receiving yds and receptions every year he's been on the team, Last season he had a team high 126 targets (twice what Bourne had), yet only had 66 more yds to show for it. So while he's reliable and seems to be improving, he is limited athletically in both speed and quickness. I want the guy on the field, but I'd rather if his 126 targets were spread out more among the rest of the receivers, most particularly with Bourne, Henry and Smith.

And then there is N'Keal Harry. I watch the kid a lot his rookie year and liked what I saw. He was big, tough and had enough speed to get behind the DB's I saw in camp. Why he hasn't progressed to where he could be an asset to the WR groups is a mystery to me. But I have seen him beat guys deep and not get the ball, or seen him beat guys and have the pass under or over thrown. I've also seen a few drops as well; Like Aghular he always seemed to be an afterthought. If anyone needed a fresh start it would be Harry. His trade value is such that getting back a 6th would seem like a steal. Isn't Andy Isabella in a similar situation or worse in Arizona. Last year he had ONE reception in 8 games. I've advocated a trade of these 2 seemly failed draft picks and see what happens. Isabella has great speed (4,3) and fair quickness (6,9 3cone). Maybe in a more disciplined offense he'd be more effective. Seemingly there is nothing to lose in that kind of trade. just sayin'

I also expect more production from Agholor, Bourne, Henry and Smith in their second year.

The issue is whether we need upgrades over EITHER Myers or Harry, our third and fourth wide receivers.

 

[Ian]

I also expect more production from Agholor, Bourne, Henry and Smith in their second year.

The issue is whether we need upgrades over EITHER Myers or Harry, our third and fourth wide receivers.

I’d like to think that everyone has turned the page on Harry. I was a big believer and felt like he’d come around after Brady seemingly froze him out, but I’m past that after 17 games last season and a lot of bad plays, lining up wrong, getting off the ball late, etc.

I’ve obviously said this a bunch, but all they need is to swap him with one guy who can get open and catch the ball and I feel like the entire group we already have gets better. I don’t even care who at this point … but I don’t see how he survives the off-season.

 

[Scotty]

Wilkerson came on for one game and did better than Harry ?.....so that may take care of WR5. Is the question just down to.....do we stick with Agholor or change him out for a FA. I do not know how that impacts the cap but I would think it will cost us money which has been discussed in another thread

 

[Ian]

Wilkerson came on for one game and did better than Harry ?.....so that may take care of WR5. Is the question just down to.....do we stick with Agholor or change him out for a FA. I do not know how that impacts the cap but I would think it will cost us money which has been discussed in another thread

I don’t think you need to. I think they need to get him in more one on one match-ups and I think he’ll be more effective in his second season. He at least had a few moments to make you believe he might get better with another year in the offense. They just need someone else that defenses focus on so that it gives him more opportunities.

 

[mgteich]

Wilkerson came on for one game and did better than Harry ?.....so that may take care of WR5. Is the question just down to.....do we stick with Agholor or change him out for a FA. I do not know how that impacts the cap but I would think it will cost us money which has been discussed in another thread

So, Wilkerson is now the solution? Surely, one game is enough to be sure.

Agholor (or free agent replacement if he is traded)
Bourne
Myers
Gunner ???
Wilkerson ???

I am a strong PASS on this solution.

 

[Ian]

So, Wilkerson is now the solution? Surely, one game is enough to be sure.

Agholor (or free agent replacement if he is traded)
Bourne
Myers
Gunner ???
Wilkerson ???

I am a strong PASS on this solution.

I feel like Wilkerson just sort of showed what’s possible. So while he might not necessarily be the solution, he showed that replacing Harry and at least adding another fairly capable guy might be.

 

[50-yard-line]

With the Pats making the splash they did last year at TE and the understanding that Belichick prefers the 12 formation over others, why do people think that getting ANOTHER receiver should be in the cards?

Who's left after 2022?

Bourne...

That's it.

They certainly need to do something to ensure some measure of continuity for a developing QB. Maybe they extend Agholor (and drop his current CAP hit). Maybe they lock up Meyers for a couple more years.

Or maybe they go and get a vet who's in need of a refresh on a cheap deal - Conley, humphries, Schuster, etc. Doesn't have to be a number 1 type of guy.

They really need to have at least one more guy in the pipeline this year for 2023 at that position.

 

[Scotty]

So, Wilkerson is now the solution? Surely, one game is enough to be sure.

Agholor (or free agent replacement if he is traded)
Bourne
Myers
Gunner ???
Wilkerson ???

I am a strong PASS on this solution.

If it is just the case of improving on Harry as a WR5 then Wilkerson (for me) has already proved that in one game. I still think the key is on Agholor and if the coaches think he will improve in year 2.

 

[50-yard-line]

If it is just the case of improving on Harry as a WR5 then Wilkerson (for me) has already proved that in one game. I still think the key is on Agholor and if the coaches think he will improve in year 2.

WR5 is for development and emergency only, and you could make the case that Harry is better if they have a run-first game plan in a given week.

That said, dumping him saves $1.2million against the CAP (less his replacement cost) and he isn't worth 1.2m to the team at this point.

 

[50-yard-line]

What's with the "ugh," @DaBruinz? What am I saying that's wrong? The only proven NFL WR they have after this season is Bourne (for 2023 only).

How about countering the reasoning instead of throwing a cheap "ugh"? Are you okay with that situation? If so, tell me what I'm missing.

 

[Scotty]

WR5 is for development and emergency only, and you could make the case that Harry is better if they have a run-first game plan in a given week.

That said, dumping him saves $1.2million against the CAP (less his replacement cost) and he isn't worth 1.2m to the team at this point.

I understand what you are saying re the running game but is this the best use of what is supposed to be a WR ? I dont know enough to appreciate what this would or would not bring.

 

[50-yard-line]

I understand what you are saying re the running game but is this the best use of what is supposed to be a WR ? I dont know enough to appreciate what this would or would not bring.

Agreed - I'd trade/cut him. Unless there's something there that he's kept very well hidden, he'll never be worth a spot on the 53 at this point, at this price.

 

[ashley]

I feel like Wilkerson just sort of showed what’s possible. So while he might not necessarily be the solution, he showed that replacing Harry and at least adding another fairly capable guy might be.

I think we have enough 2-4 receivers on our team......if we bring in someone, whether via free agency or the draft, that player needs to be brought in with the intention of him being a #1......otherwise I think we pass.

 

[venecol]

I don't think we should discount Mac's responsibility in not targetting Agholor and others more downfield. I've seen several analysts show tape of these guys being open deep and Mac choosing the checkdown over the deep throw. Regardless of the why, I certainly expect Mac to improve on making these throws to keep the Ds honest from clogging the mof and forcing him to throw outside the #s.

Keep Agholor, Meyers, Bourne, Henry and Smith. Replace Harry in the draft (i.e. John Metchie). Gunner/Wilkerson are not the answer.

 

[Ian]

I think we have enough 2-4 receivers on our team......if we bring in someone, whether via free agency or the draft, that player needs to be brought in with the intention of him being a #1......otherwise I think we pass.

I think the need in other areas prevents them going after a top-tier receiver. But I can't see them going into next season with Harry taking up a roster spot. Lining up wrong and not looking comfortable, considering he was in year three, was eye-opening. I think Bourne, Agholor and Meyers can get it done if someone else can at least draw some attention and be someone who can also get open and make some plays. But standing pat with him another year would be probably one of the more disappointing outcomes of this offseason if they don't do anything at all and they repeat the same process hoping for better results.

 

[Scotty]

So, my question would be ....If we stay with what we have , where will the improvement come from ?.....better coaching , better QB play , better connectivity between QB and WR/TE........would that work over finding the right player if he exists

 

[DaBruinz]

Who's left after 2022?

Bourne...

That's it.

They certainly need to do something to ensure some measure of continuity for a developing QB. Maybe they extend Agholor (and drop his current CAP hit). Maybe they lock up Meyers for a couple more years.

Or maybe they go and get a vet who's in need of a refresh on a cheap deal - Conley, humphries, Schuster, etc. Doesn't have to be a number 1 type of guy.

They really need to have at least one more guy in the pipeline this year for 2023 at that position.

Maybe, instead of cutting just part of my post, you should read the entire thing because you'd have your answer.

Your argument is based solely around the idea that they only have 1 WR signed beyond 2022. The problem with that thought process is that things are going to change between now and TC in terms of contracts. You also seem to be ignoring that the reason behind the Patriots signing Smith and Henry last year was so they could make the 2 TE set their base formation.

You're over-looking the fact that Bourne, Henry and Smith were under-utilized last year with none of them seeing more than 68% of the snaps. These 3 need to be seeing closer to 75% of the snaps. All 3 of them.

My assertion is that the Patriots need only 4 WRs on the final roster with 2-3 on the PS for injury purposes. I think that Agholor and Harry were McDaniels wants. I would try and send them to the Raiders for a couple of picks.

I also assert that I think that Meyers isn't a good fit for the team despite what he's done. I think that allowing someone to sign him and agreeing to a 3rd round pick this year as compensation would be better use of the 3.98M that he'll be getting on the RFA tag. This would help the Patriots with flexibility to add to the defense as well as a WR like Burks, Christian Watson or Phillips.

ONLY THEN would I look at bringing in a FA WR. Because, then as the 4th/5th/6th receiving option (behind Bourne, Henry, Smith, 3rd down RB), they're likely to see more than 50% of the snaps in the 2 TE set.

I think that Schuster and Kirk are better options than Conley (who has issues with drops). But it's very likely that both of them are going to get contracts over $10M AAV. I think that Humphries is like Meyers. He's not a guy you can rely on to get you the 1st down in 4rd down situations. Humphries also has had issues with drops. If the Pats moved Agholor, I'd be all over signing Christian Kirk because Kirk can play the slot or outside. He's not as shifty as Edelman, but he's still a really good player. And then the Pats could lower WR as a priority in the draft.