So far, this chapter of Patriots free agency isn’t about finding the perfect fit, but rather, gambling on the upside of the players they can get.
The Patriots are shopping Facebook Marketplace and either saying, “A little wood glue and varnish will save this Ethan Allen dresser,” or, “This guy doesn’t even realize what he’s got here!”
Let’s start with Romeo Doubs, who falls into the latter basket. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the Patriots agreed to 4-year deal in the ballpark of $70 million with the 25-year-old receiver, who’s spent his career with the Green Bay Packers.
If Doubs is meant to be a 1-for-1 replacement for Stefon Diggs – who the Patriots sent packing last week – they’re betting on his future play. Doubs had 55 catches for 724 yards last season, amounting to 30 fewer receptions and about 300 yards less than Diggs. That season marked a career-high for the former fourth-round pick.
Doubs is heading from one unselfish group of pass catchers in Green Bay to another in New England, but the Patriots don’t make the run they did in 2025 without Diggs’ production. Most notably, Diggs led the unproven team to their Week 5 upset in Buffalo with 146 receiving yards. By year’s end, multiple players cited that victory as the turning point in their storybook season.
He offers nice versatility to a room that already has two X receivers, (Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams), and two, smaller slot guys, (DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism). He’s also got age very much on his side.
And it’s not as though Diggs was some sure thing last year as a 30-something rehabbing a torn ACL. But at this juncture, it sure looks like New England wants Doubs to do something he hasn’t done before: reach a level of production that Diggs had six times before he ever set foot in Foxborough. For comparison, Diggs’ worst full career season – his rookie year – statistically reflects what Doubs accomplished in his best.
Karen Guregian of MassLive noted a Patriots source insists this signing doesn’t preclude the Patriots from trading for A.J. Brown down the line.
If the Patriots left the door open for another player to step into the top pass catcher role, Doubs’ $17.5 million AAV looks like a fine deal for a well-rounded WR2. If not, it’s a gamble.
Elsewhere on the offense, the Patriots’ front office is hoping a snake-bitten 2021 first-rounder will bolster Drake Maye’s blind side.
Rapoport reported New England signed former Jets left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to a deal that could climb as high as $48 million.
Vera-Tucker’s medical file belongs on HBO’s ‘The Pitt.’ He’s torn not one, but two triceps, as well as his Achilles tendon. He’s only finished two out of his five seasons in the NFL.
Both Vrabel and Wolf say Will Campbell will remain at tackle despite his dismal showing in Super Bowl 60. New England’s plan right now looks like they’ll kick Jared Wilson further inside to center to replace the recently-released Garrett Bradbury. Wilson played center in college. If Vera-Tucker is available, the line could be upgraded from last season. If not, New England either relies on backup Ben Brown, or reshuffles again.
Finally, the Patriots’ fastest pickup was Dre’Mont Jones. News of his signing broke right on the heels of Alec Pierce’s return to the Indianapolis Colts.
Jones, 29, was drafted by Denver and played four years there before signing with Seattle as a free agent. His career took a slight turn there, as he tumbled down the depth chart and only made seven starts in 2024, and was released after the season. But the Patriots must look at his production last season – split between the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens – and see his career-high seven sacks as a player in his prime – or at least on some minor redemptive arc.
The Patriots will reportedly pay the defensive end $14.5 million in the first year of a 3-year, $39.5 million deal, per ESPN.
Jones is clearly in a different tier than Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson. He’s got great size and experience, and his past at Ohio State hints at a Vrabel connection. Will he be enough to bolster the Patriots’ pass rush – especially now that K’Lavon Chaisson and his 7.5 sacks signed with Washington? Or will the front office look to add in a draft boasting edge talent – as noted by both Vrabel and Wolf at the combine?
It’s still the early days of free agency. This group of decision-makers has shown patience in the past, (they didn’t sign Diggs until March 28 last year). But right now, the Patriots are only better than last season’s team if these new guys are all upside. That doesn’t leave much room for error.