2022 Free Agent Receivers - Will the Patriots Target One?

[DaBruinz]

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

The improvements would come would hopefully come from the O-line having been a focus and improved. Improved O-line play would allow Jones and the RBs to be better.

Unless the Pats bring in an O-line Coach, I don't see the O-line improving, regardless of who they draft or who they sign. The O-line should have been a strength for the Pats last year despite the injury to Trent Brown and it wasn't. People will say "But the run game". I say to go look at the Indy Game and the Buffalo Play-off game. Both times the RUN Game faltered. The Pass blocking was hit or miss all year. We were lucky that Jones, in many cases was Brady-esque in only needing 2.2-2.5 seconds to get the ball out. That saved the Pats on more than one occasion.

 

[50-yard-line]

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

I read the whole thing - see below.

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.

I agree with all of this - and said so repeatedly through the year.

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 was one of hte first people here wondering out loud if McDaniels/Derek Carr might like a reunion with Agholor. So again, we agree.

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.

Unpopular opinion, but again, I don't disagree. I like Meyers, but he's a number 3 receiver, and guys like Bourne and Smith should be getting more touches than he does, imo.

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.

This is where my question comes into play: they have no one for 2023 other than Bourne at the WR position. They have to evaluate Agholor (can they extend him and bring down some of that money? Can the trade him? Do they just let him walk after this year?); Meyers (what's his true worth to the team?), and if finding both lacking and/or expecting neither to be around in 2023, I would be all for them grabbing any of the guys either of us mentioned on a middling deal if for nothing else but veteran continuity.

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.

I admit that I don't know much about Humphries, other than his stats, pre-TN, but I know that BB wanted him and offered him a pretty good deal. That's why I keep popping his name out there. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see them grab him on a 3-year deal, and the money would be short.

 

[Ross12]

I actually do like the JuJu fit. He had issues in Pittsburgh being the "#1" guy and main focus, but he wouldn't be asked to do that to the same degree in NE - more of a share with Bourne, Meyers and Agholor. His bad year last year hopefully makes him cheaper. Could certainly see a reasonable deal made.

 

[Ross12]

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.

I agree, Ian. The thought of getting that true "#1 guy" is nice but I just don't see it happening. Can see them doing it like many Super Bowl-winning Pats teams have done it in the past - have three solid #2 guys out there who know how to get open and be on the same page as their QB who makes quick decisions and throws accurate passes. With Henry as an additional option/safety valve and hopefully a return of James White, it's probably fine. Defense is just more of a concern right now. Give me JuJu and maybe a dude like Isaiah McKenzie.

 

[venecol]

I agree, Ian. The thought of getting that true "#1 guy" is nice but I just don't see it happening. Can see them doing it like many Super Bowl-winning Pats teams have done it in the past - have three solid #2 guys out there who know how to get open and be on the same page as their QB who makes quick decisions and throws accurate passes. With Henry as an additional option/safety valve and hopefully a return of James White, it's probably fine. Defense is just more of a concern right now. Give me JuJu and maybe a dude like Isaiah McKenzie.

So you want Mac to have these guys as receiving targets:

Juju Smith Shuster
Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
Isaiah McKenzie
Jakobi Meyers

Plus:

Hunter Henry
Jonnu Smith
James White

I don't recall previous SB-winning teams having that depth of receivers.

 

[crawhammer]

Buffalo has done a nice job of building through the draft and free agency. If NE could hit on a mid-round draft pick like Gabriel Davis then that would be great. Our version of Stefon Diggs however would have to come by way of a major FA move... not sure that's in the cards with all the $ spent last offseason.

 

[Ian]

So you want Mac to have these guys as receiving targets:

Juju Smith Shuster
Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
Isaiah McKenzie
Jakobi Meyers

Plus:

Hunter Henry
Jonnu Smith
James White

I don't recall previous SB-winning teams having that depth of receivers.

I'll settle for:

Nelson Agholor
Kendrick Bourne
Jakobi Meyers
(a solid free agent player - obviously we've covered lower-tier options)
a decent depth option - which will probably will just include someone we already have

Plus:

Hunter Henry
Jonnu Smith
James White - if he comes back healthy

I don't feel like that's overly crazy.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

At this point:

Myers
Bourne
Agular
Harry
Wandale robinson

Henry
Smith
Assyassy

 

[captain stone]

I’ll settle for:

Agholor
Bourne
Meyers
Moderate vet signing
Day 2 draft pick
Wilkerson
Nixon
Best UDFA available

 

[mgteich]

The improvements would come would hopefully come from the O-line having been a focus and improved. Improved O-line play would allow Jones and the RBs to be better.

.

An improved OL?

We could stay the same by relying on Brown (re-sign), Karras, and Herron.

Where is you improvement coming from? Two re-signs AND an upgrade who could contribute in 2022?

For the RB's to be better, I would suggest that we need a better 3rd down back than Bolden.

 

[mgteich]

I’ll settle for:

Agholor
Bourne
Meyers
Moderate vet signing
Day 2 draft pick
Wilkerson
Nixon
Best UDFA available

I don't think that a Day 2 draft pick will or should happen. We need four WR's. your top 4 makes sense. There should be a 5th WR on the 53, only if he returns punts. Otherwise, we'll carry a couple of the Practice Squad, as always.

I expect Agholor to be extended, although a trade is also possible.

 

[Sicilian]

I feel the same in general. Probably not in a year like this though where we have glaring needs defensively and we are relatively okay at wr/te. In a year like 2019 ,2013, or 2006 it was a pretty easy choice to go wr high and im glad they did, just made poor selections. And being at 21 thats an uncommon area to land a real sure fire prospect like chase.

I'm with you I think. I'm not even really concerned about finding a "#1 WR" per se, but I would just love to see a young WR grow up with Mac and be a long term staple for this offense. But in my perfect world, we're going defense heavy this off season. I'd love to see another great DL drafted at 21 if they're available, and to your point, that often seems to be a good spot for one of those. LB too.

 

[jdlboot14]

If we dump Harry and Gunner - I'd settle for signing Berrios and utilizing Wilkerson as the 5th WR.
Berrios is a big upgrade over Gunner, especially in the coveted Welker role.
Meyers, Bourne, Agholor, Berrios, Wilkerson - would be a winning WR corp. And that's before any new draft pick steal.

I'm also not hyped about Agholor - but I think 1 more year may prove wise. Everything on O should be better in 2nd year (except coaching!?!)

 

[PatsFan2]

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.

Totally agree Harry the enigma I don't think we need a whole lot we just need a little better play from the position whether via a true slot or a very good outside Target. I really like Bourne and Myers but I think a better player would elevate both their games. On Harry Fourth year a charm?? Would like to see what his OTA's are like would also like to hear he's working out with Mac some. He really shouldn't be this bad considering his cost he's basically given us nothing up to this point. You know one thing that is interesting about Harry and is said about certain players..." Some Guys look like world beaters in shells and shorts and completely different with the Pads on".

 

[203Pat]

DJ Chark is one I wouldn't mind kicking the tires on. Coming off an injury and a down year the prior season so he might be a cheap one year "prove it" deal type of guy. Still young but he's big and he is fast.

 

[captain stone]

I don't think that a Day 2 draft pick will or should happen. We need four WR's. your top 4 makes sense. There should be a 5th WR on the 53, only if he returns punts. Otherwise, we'll carry a couple of the Practice Squad, as always.

I expect Agholor to be extended, although a trade is also possible.

If Bill can acquire an extra Day 2 pick (and Day 3 pick, I hope) by trading out of #21, then why not use that extra pick on a top-100-caliber WR, especially if John Metchie is still available? That instant chemistry should be worth something here, one might think.

 

[mgteich]

If Bill can acquire an extra Day 2 pick (and Day 3 pick, I hope) by trading out of #21, then why not use that extra pick on a top-100-caliber WR, especially if John Metchie is still available? That instant chemistry should be worth something here, one might think.

Some want a top LB or NT as 21. Some want to trade out of the best place to get these players.

Belichick will make his choice. And I think that there will be a DT or LB well worth Pick 21 who would be much better than the 2nd rounders.

 

[TheRainMaker]

After the disaster signing that was Kenny Golladay coming off a major injury last year, I could see the market not so robust for Godwin and Gallop. They may only get one year prove it deals.

 

[BTTA]

How does Gunner compare at this point in his career, to Welker and Edelman?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Welker = nissan
Edelman = Volkswagen
Gunner = gremlin