The Patriots have invested in the wide receiver position in recent years both in the draft and free agency. They have also traded for receivers like DeVante Parker. Unfortunately, none of the moves have really paid off.

The Patriots signed free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster last off-season to replace Jakobi Meyers who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The signing did not work out as Smith-Schuster had the worst season of his career and struggled with injuries. Meyers on the other hand had a good year with the Raiders, tying Davante Adams for the team lead in touchdowns with 8.

New England traded for Parker two years ago but he has been inconsistent and now the Patriots appear to be shopping him.

Sixth round picks Demario Douglas and Kayshaun Boutte have potential, especially Douglas who developed into one of the team’s top playmakers last season. He will see an expanded role this season. Boutte was buried after week two last season but he has long term upside if he gets a chance.

Free agent Kendrick Bourne suffered a knee injury in week eight last season. Up until that point, he was the Patriots best receiver. The team has made him a contract offer and hopes to retain him.

Aside from Bourne, the Patriots will explore other free agent and draft options at the receiver position. If the goal is to “weaponize” the offense, they will need to upgrade this unit.

Here are some other potential free agent options at wide receiver if the Patriots opt to use some of the $87 million they’ll have at their disposal.

Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars: Ridley would give the Patriots that alpha receiver they are missing. They do not have a number one receiver that opposing defenses need to account for. Ridley would be that guy. He can play in the slot or play outside at the X in certain formations and personnel groupings. He won’t come cheap but if the Patriots are serious about upgrading the position, they need to be willing to overpay for him.

Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals: Brown is another high profile receiver that will attract a lot of attention in the open market and could be costly. At 26 years old however, he is entering the prime of his career and offers the scheme versatility teams look for in terms of alignment and playing outside or in the slot. Brown would be the Patriots best receiver and the vertical threat they desperately need.  

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals: Boyd is finally hitting free agency and he will look to cash in on one more big contract. A return to the Bengals is highly unlikely. The 6-2 205 pound Boyd has been a number two or three receiver for most of his career but Boyd has been productive and is capable of taking on more responsibility as a potential number one receiver. Van Pelt is familiar with Boyd from his time in Cleveland so don’t be surprised if the Patriots prioritize the 29 year old receiver in free agency. 

K.J Osborn, Minnesota Vikings: Osborn took a bigger role with the Vikings the past two seasons and proved to be a productive receiver. The 26 year old can play in the slot or play the F and X in the Patriots system. He is another second tier receiver so he will not be as expensive as Ridley, Brown or Boyd. All of that being said, Osburn is not a number one receiver so if the Patriots sign him, he is a complementary piece at best. 

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City Chiefs: The two-time Super Bowl champion was recently released by the Kansas City Chiefs. MVS is not a number one receiver but he would give the Patriots a legitimate vertical threat who can separate and make plays down the field. Consistency has been an issue for him but Scantling is certainly worth taking a closer look at. 

Others

Noah Brown, Houston Texans

D.J Chark, Carolina Panthers

Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions

Olamide Zaccheaus, Philadelphia Eagles

Parris Campbell, New York Giants