Bill Belichick has always said, “Team building can come from a lot of different ways,” and that he’ll “do what’s in the best interest of the football team.” Apparently, he believes stacking depth at the wide receiver position and adding a tall receiver at that might help the 2022 version of his team improve.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots have signed WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey to a one-year deal. The terms of the deal are unavailable at this time.
Humphrey is anything but Lil’, checking in at 6’ 4”, 225 lbs. A three-year NFL veteran, all with the New Orleans Saints, Humphrey is coming off his best season to date, with 13 catches for 249 yards and two TDs. Humphrey himself all but confirmed the deal and conveyed his excitement over the opportunity via social media Wednesday afternoon.
Humphrey joins a Patriots receiving corps that many continue to believe is in the bottom half of the league talent-wise. Following the 2021 season, the Pats have added to the position via the acquisition trinity: draft, trade, and free agency.
The Pats wide receiver room might be crowded, and position coach Troy Brown will have lots to work with, but some competition at a position many wanted to see the Pats improve at can only be a good thing. Perhaps Humphrey has been brought in for general competition or to push N’Keal Harry, whose time with the team seems limited as the days pass. Maybe he has a real shot at making the squad. More depth and more options only can help quarterback Mac Jones in his second season.
Only time will tell with Humphrey, but receiver has officially become a position of interest for Patriots camp, which is set to open Wednesday, July 27th in Foxborough.