The Patriots may be trying to go big in the receiver free agent market.
NFL Media’s Mike Giardi reports New England has done “excessive work” on a variety of receivers, including Allen Robinson. The Patriots’ supposed interest in Robinson isn’t new. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry reported last year they did “plenty of work” on Robinson before the Bears franchised him.
Robinson is one of the top free agent receivers in this year’s class, especially since Davante Adams and Chris Godwin were franchised. That means Robinson might be out of reach for the Patriots, who have just $13.7 million in cap space.
But as we know, cap space can be created, and Robinson would give Mac Jones a bonafide No. 1 target. Despite being cursed with subpar quarterbacks, Robinson has enjoyed a very productive career. He caught 98 passes for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns with Mitchell Trubisky in 2019, and followed that up 102 catches for 1,250 yards and six touchdowns the following season with Trubisky and Nick Foles.
Robinson made his lone Pro Bowl in 2015 when he was catching passes from Blake Bortles with the Jaguars, recording 80 catches for a career-best 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Robinson would also provide the Patriots with some needed size at receiver as well.
His declining production last season — 38 catches for 410 yards and one touchdown — is a cause for slight concern. But at 29 years old, it’s fair to say Robinson is still in the prime of his career.
Giardi also reports the Patriots have been doing their homework on free agent Robby Anderson. New England could also emerge as favorites to land Tyler Lockett if the Seahawks make him available.
Either way, the Patriots need to get more explosive, and it seems like Belichick is doing his due diligence to make that happen.