(WEEI.com reporting from INDIANAPOLIS) -- The New England Patriots only have one wide receiver who finished the year on their 53-man roster scheduled to return in 2019: Julian Edelman.
Phillip Dorsett, who spent the past two seasons with the Patriots and seemingly had solid chemistry with Tom Brady, is a candidate to return. But, according to multiple reports, the 26-year-old Dorsett will test his value on the open market before making a decision. It is worth noting this will be his first experience as a free agent.
"I've never been through this process. I don't know what the future holds for me," Dorsett told ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I believe (Bill Belichick) wants me back, but you never know how it will go."
Dorsett added: "Obviously, I want to be a key contributor for a team -- a starter, that's always been my goal, a guy that can help a team win. I enjoy going out there, working hard, and just playing football. I love the game. It's the only thing I want to do."
In 16 games in 2018, Dorsett caught 32 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. He seemed to lose his role as the No. 2 wideout when Josh Gordon joined the team, and then down the stretch couldn't pass Chris Hogan on the depth chart.
An even bigger name who will be available is Golden Tate, and it appears the 30-year-old wouldn't mind catching passes from Brady.
"I would love it," Tate said on the "Prostyle Podcast" with former NFL wide receiver Earl Bennett. "That organization, they have proven to be champions year-in and year-out. They work hard for sure, but you know where you're going to be at the end of the season: You're going to be not only looking at the playoffs, but you're looking at maybe a first-round bye with this team. You gotta admire that organization, they do things right, they've been doing it for a long, long, long time."
Added Tate: "I would definitely love being a part of something like that and catch a few passes from old Tommy Boy. Julian [Edelman> is a buddy of mine, I'm really good buddies with him. I've heard good things from Kyle Van Noy, who got traded from Detroit and went there and has just been balling out since. It's, as I said, a great organization. I definitely would not mind going over there for sure."
Tate was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles from the Detroit Lions at the deadline this past season, and finished with 74 catches for 795 yards and four touchdowns between the two teams. He's had three, 1,000-yard seasons in nine years as a pro.
By Ryan Hannable
