While free agency and the NFL Draft have come and gone and training camp is just weeks away, there still will be additions to rosters around the league.
Just look at last year, the Patriots added Cam Newton very early in July, so big-name additions do happen around this time.
Looking at the Patriots’ roster now, it seems another wide receiver could be useful. Obviously, Julio Jones will not be coming — the team was never reportedly interested — but there are a few decent options who are still available.
Here are five wideouts the Patriots could still add before training camp.
Golden Tate
He certainly is one of the better players still available, and the Patriots have reportedly been interested in recent years. Tate’s best days may be behind him, but the 32-year-old does have three, 1,000-yard seasons in his NFL career. He may cost a little bit more than some of the other players still available, but cap space is not an issue for the Patriots.
Dede Westbrook
Westbook tore his ACL last October, so he may be a little behind, and it is worth noting he was the Jaguars’ fourth receiver before the injury. But, the 27-year-old did have two productive seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 he had 63 catches for 707 yards and five touchdowns and then in 2019, hailed in 66 passes for 660 yards and three touchdowns. This would be a low-risk, high-reward signing and could make some sense for New England.
Danny Amendolda
This would be interesting considering how things ended with Amendola’s comments towards Bill Belichick, but others have said things about the coach before and it hasn’t fractured the relationship. The Patriots could certainly use Amendola and he could use a home, if he wants to play another season. This certainly isn’t a lock to happen, but it may be worth at least discussing.
Alshon Jeffery
Like Tate, Jeffery may cost more than some of the others, but when healthy he’s shown the ability to produce in the NFL. He played just seven games last year and hasn’t played a full season since 2017, so injuries are certainly a concern. If he’s still available before training camp, taking a shot on him may be worth it.
Jamison Crowder
Crowder isn’t a free agent, but he and the Jets reportedly are in the midst of a contract dispute that is keeping him away from OTAs. If the Jets were to let him go, the Patriots should absolutely pounce. In just 12 games last year, Crowder recorded 59 catches for 699 yards and six touchdowns with the Jets. Playing for The Washington Football Team and Jets over his six NFL seasons, he could benefit from being on a playoff-contending team.
