Having held a substantial sum of over $100 million in salary cap space, the New England Patriots were anticipated to play a significant role in this year’s free agency window.
This expectation was understandable, given their disappointing 4-13 season and lingering doubts about their roster’s quality, particularly on offense.
Indeed, the Patriots were quite active during this period, securing key offensive assets like Michael Onwenu (signed for 3 years, $57M), Kendrick Bourne (3 years, $19.5M), and Hunter Henry (3 years, $27M) for the foreseeable future.
While they made substantial investments in retaining their existing talent, their external acquisitions lacked the same level of prestige, especially in terms of skill positions on offense.
Apart from bridging with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the team only brought in three new players: running back Antonio Gibson (3 years, $11.3M), tight end Austin Hooper (1 year, $3M), and wide receiver K.J. Osborn (1 year, $4M).
Although these players boast experience and a history of productivity, they don’t quite match the star power of other available players, such as the emerging Titan, Calvin Ridley.
The Patriots are banking on these additions, along with Bourne and Henry, to deliver on the field. Additionally, they are expected to prioritize early-round selections, particularly focusing on bolstering their wide receiver corps, in the upcoming draft.
However, they are also likely to look towards another option: second-year wide receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas.
Selected in the sixth round of the draft from Liberty University last year, Douglas quickly made an impact. His potential was evident from the outset during New England’s spring practices, and he continued to develop a strong rapport with the team’s quarterbacks throughout training camp, eventually earning starting reps.
Although there were some challenges along the way, including concerns about concussions and ball security, Douglas emerged as one of the few highlights in the Patriots’ otherwise lackluster offense.
In fact, Douglas concluded his inaugural NFL season as the most productive rookie wide receiver of the Bill Belichick era. Over Belichick’s 24-year tenure with the team, no other wide receiver amassed more catches and receiving yards in their first year than the 5-foot-8, 192-pound Douglas.
