Jason Burgos
A pair of reports claim that not only do the New England Patriots very much want to make Jayden Daniels the first pick in the Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf era, but they are prioritizing getting him a stud receiver in NFL free agency.
Heading into this offseason the New England Patriots have an enviable amount of resources to quickly improve the roster from the disappointing group that posted a 4-13 record in 2023. They pick high in every round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and they could potentially have over $100 million to burn in free agency.
There have been a lot of rumors about what the team will prioritize over the next two months and a pair of new reports may have unveiled their biggest goals. On Saturday, The Athletic NFL reporter Jeff Howe reported that LSU star Jayden Daniels interviewed very well at the NFL Combines and that he “gained steam this week as the favorite to land in New England at No. 3” in Round 1.
Earlier this week, he and fellow The Athletic reporter Chad Graff claimed that the front office’s top priority when free agency opens will be wide receiver. Presumably to give the rookie QB they take in April a reliable target on game day.
With that in mind, let’s look at four impact receivers the New England Patriots could target in NFL free agency.
Michael Pittman Jr.
Over his first four seasons in the league, Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has evolved into a legitimate No. 1 receiver with even more upside. What makes his growth impressive is during his short career he has had a different starting quarterback every single year. Yet he has persevered and put up a pair of 1,000-plus yard seasons.
While he won’t come cheap, because his resume doesn’t come with a bunch of Pro Bowl appearances his asking price may not be as high as a player like Mike Evans. Yet, he has more long-term upside than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers great.
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Calvin Ridley
After returning from his year-long suspension for betting on NFL games, Calvin Ridley proved his breakout season in 2020 was no fluke by posting 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns for the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The former first-round pick has game breaker talent and will likely be at the top of the Patriots’ wish list when free agency opens this month.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans is the biggest name on the receiver market in 2024 NFL free agency, and it is understandable why. He has a Super Bowl title on his resume, five trips to the Pro Bowl, and has tallied 1,000 or more receiving yards every season for his entire 10-year career.
Evans is still an elite talent and would be a great help to a rookie QB. However, the big drawback is he will turn 31 in August and at some point soon his impressive talents will start to go into decline.
Odell Beckham Jr.
There is a common belief that the second season after an ACL tear will be the point when a player likely returns to their previous level of play. That is why taking a hard look at three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr. makes sense. While he didn’t set the world on fire in Baltimore this past season, he might come at a more reasonable rate this offseason and he could deliver one or two more impact seasons a couple of years removed from his second ACL tear.
