After solving the quarterback position, the biggest question for the team is who will play wide receiver. There have been many options suggested, but none have been successful. They missed out on Calvin Ridley and also didn't get Keenan Allen in a trade with the Bears. Patriots The team will need long-term solutions at receiver in the draft, but they also need at least one short-term answer in March to improve the struggling receivers group. One option is Mike Williams of the Chargers, who has achieved two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Bleacher Report suggests that the Patriots are the best fit for Williams, even though he is 30 and coming back from a knee injury that limited his play time last year.Williams is recovering from a torn left ACL, but is one of the best wide receivers still available in free agency. Bleacher Report says that he deserves a good contract despite being released by the Chargers due to salary concerns. The Patriots could be a good choice for Williams if the financial deal is right. They don't necessarily need a long-term solution, just a player who can make an impact this year and be a reliable threat on the field.If Williams wants to restart his career, New England would be a great place for him, as he would likely be their top choice. Bleacher Report also mentions the Cardinals and Colts as potential options, but the Patriots have the available funds and opportunity.
The Patriots have a limited receiving group and a lot of money to spend, according to the site. NFL Williams caught 19 passes in three games last year, totaling 249 yards and a touchdown. He had seven catches and 121 yards in Week 3, despite leaving the game early with a torn ACL. If healthy, Williams has the ability of a top wide receiver. Williams was in the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract. There are doubts about the Patriots' current receiving group, but signing Williams for a year could be a low-risk way to improve the team after a poor season last year. Currently, the team's top receiver is Kendrick Bourne, who may be better suited as a second or third option on a stronger team. Bourne is also recovering from a torn ACL. Demario Douglas did well as a rookie last season, leading the team's receivers with 561 yards on 49 catches. Veterans DeVante Parker and Juju Smith-Schuster have not performed well, and Tyquan Thornton, a former second-round pick, has had limited success.
Williams may not be a perfect match for the Patriots, but he could still be a good choice considering the team's current situation.
The Patriots really need another wide receiver. It's not perfect that Mike Williams is recovering from an injury, but he might be the best option for the team. the site wrote.
Mike Williams Tore ACL at Terrible Time
The Patriots make some sense, as long as the financial commitment is right. They do not need to add a long-term solution to their receiver shortage, they just need a guy who can have an impact this year and provide a reliable threat on the outside.
If Williams wants to reset his career, New England would be an ideal place, where he would surely be the No. 1 option. B/R points out that the Cardinals and Colts could be options, too. But the Patriots have money and opportunity.
“The New England Patriots have a thin receiving corps and a mountain of cap space,” the site noted.
Williams caught 19 passes in three games last year, totaling 249 yards and a touchdown. He had seven catches and 121 yards in Week 3, despite leaving the game in the third quarter with the ACL tear. If healthy, Williams has WR1 ability.
Williams was entering the second year of a three-year, $60 million contract extension signed in 2022.
Patriots Receiving Corps Remains Very Weak
Williams is not the ideal candidate to join a rebuilding bunch like the Patriots, but the team has stated its desire to be competitive again in 2024 after a dismal 4-13 season in 2023. A one-year deal for Williams would be low risk but would help reconfigure the receiving depth chart.
As it stands, the team’s top receiver is Kendrick Bourne, who is best suited to a No. 2 or 3 role on a good team. Bourne is also coming off a torn ACL.
Demario Douglas excelled as a rookie sixth-round pick last season, leading the team’s receiver corps with 561 yards receiving on 49 catches.
Veteran DeVante Parker is gone, but bust free-agent signee Juju Smith-Schuster is still on the books, as is another bust, former second-round pick Tyquan Thornton, who has just 35 catches in 22 games over two forgettable seasons.
Williams is not a perfect fit. But he is a good fit, and considering where the Patriots are, that should be enough.
