Led by 2025 NFL Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel and MVP runner-up Drake Maye, the Patriots’ return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018 did more than signal a resurgence. It reintroduced the rest of the league to the standard that defined New England’s two-decade dynasty and six Lombardi Trophies.
That reputation mattered to newcomer Romeo Doubs when free agency opened this offseason.
“Part of my decision in coming here had a lot to do with just the winning culture,” Doubs said. “Outside of just what Drake has going on himself and coach Vrabel. Just the history that it brings.”
Doubs arrived in New England in March on a four-year deal worth $68 million, with incentives that could push the total to $80 million, after posting a career-best season with the Packers. The former fourth-round pick led Green Bay with 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, continuing the steady production that defined his first three NFL seasons.
Romeo Doubs says the culture in New England influenced his decision to sign with the Patriots:
“Part of my decision in coming here had a lot to do with just the winning culture… Outside of just what Drake has going on himself and coach Vrabel. Just the history that it brings.” pic.twitter.com/32dLcK7yry
— WEEI (@WEEI) May 12, 2026
Opportunity likely played a role in the decision, too.
Despite being a reliable piece of Green Bay’s offense, Doubs never eclipsed 724 receiving yards in a season and recorded just two career 100-yard games, both coming in the postseason. When he signed with New England, he appeared positioned to step directly into the lead receiver role vacated by Stefon Diggs, who led the Patriots last season in receptions (85), receiving yards (1,013), and targets (102).
However, that role may soon shift, with Doubs now positioned to serve as the No. 2 wide receiver in New England, as the Patriots are expected to acquire A.J. Brown in a post-June 1 trade with the Eagles. It’s a move Doubs would still welcome, even if it ultimately means adjusting to a smaller role than he may have initially envisioned when he signed.
“I was true to my word when I came here that there is no number one guy in this offense,” Doubs said. “So, whatever it is I have to do, whether it’s playing into the strength more or playing on the backside every here and now, or even having [revolving roles], which I’m really familiar with because I’ve done it in Green Bay also. I’m open to all roles. That’s just part of this league. The more you can do, the more you can do for the team, the more you show for yourself, just things of that nature.”
Romeo Doubs says he would “love to have” A.J. Brown with the Patriots, regardless of if it changes his role:
“There is no No.1 guy in this offense. So whatever it is I have to do… I'm open to all roles. That's just part of this league.” pic.twitter.com/ZxSP1PoddU
— WEEI (@WEEI) May 12, 2026
Regardless of what unfolds, Doubs said he’ll be rooting for Brown, who has topped 1,000 receiving yards in six of his seven NFL seasons between Tennessee and Philadelphia and ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards since entering the NFL in 2019.
“I have a ton of respect for him,” Doubs said. “I mean, he’s been a dude in this league for quite a long time. I understand that when he first got in the league, Coach Vrabel was his coach. So again, I understand there are a lot of rumors going around. If he’s here, I’d love to have him here, and if he isn’t here, I’m still going to wish him the best because he’s one of the best in this league.”
