Patriots Projected To Release Fan Favorite Receiver After Just One Season originally appeared on NESN.
Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots did not draft any wide receivers this year, but insiders are expecting them to trade for A.J. Brown after June 1.
While there is no guarantee that Brow is a Patriot before the start of the season, the overwhelming belief is that he will be. In that case, assuming no players are included in the deal, the Patriots will need to trim down at receiver. With Brown, the Patriots’ top pass catchers are expected to be Romeo Doubs, Brown, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins.
However, Boutte has been the center of some trade rumors and could be on the move. Even then, the Patriots have Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams. Assuming they add Brown and move on from Boutte, who has solid trade value, the Patriots would likely have one receiver spot left. The Athletic’s Chad Graff projected that undrafted free agent Kyle Dixon would make the roster over fan favorite Efton Chism III.
“We also have Dixon nabbing the last spot on the roster after he landed $252,500 in guaranteed money from the Patriots, the third-highest amount they’ve ever paid an undrafted player,” wrote Graff. “He will need some development, but he has intriguing traits (he’s 6-foot-4 and recorded a 40 1/2-inch vertical leap) and can contribute on special teams while backing up Hollins.”
Chism did not play much last season, but he quickly gained the respect and admiration of Patriots fans. He had three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown last season. He looked like he could make an impact with more opportunities, but with Brown seemingly on the way, opportunities will be tougher to come by.
As for Dixon, he seems to have the trust of the organization, given his guaranteed money. If he takes a roster spot, it will seemingly be from Chism.
More NFL: Patriots Reportedly Already Have Replacement In Mind If Mike Vrabel Steps Down