The Patriots are trying to upgrade at receiver. Just don’t expect them to extend themselves for talent.
No wonder they’ve come up empty.
The Patriots wanted to add receiver help in free agency, but were uncomfortable overspending, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Backup running back Ty Montgomery is the only offensive skill player they’ve added so far this offseason.
Fowler mentions New England looked at Russell Gage, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Buccaneers. If Bill Belichick didn’t want to spend on Gage, no wonder the Patriots didn’t sign Christian Kirk ($72 million) or Allen Robinson ($46.5 million).
But still, there were cheaper options whom the Patriots could’ve pursued. Braxton Berrios, for example, signed a $12 million contract with the Jets. D.J. Chark, another rumored target, took a one-year prove-it deal with the Lions.
The Patriots also missed on trading for Robert Woods. The Titans gave up just a sixth-round pick for his services.
Fowler adds the Patriots also don’t want to mess with their compensatory draft pick. After losing J.C. Jackson and Ted Karras, they could be in line for a compensatory third round selection. Signing a marquee free agent would jeopardize their position.
Still, the Patriots remain on the lookout for receivers. “Expect [the Patriots] to continue to comb the market on wideouts, possibly via trade,” Fowler writes.
It’s just hard to see how they’ll acquire anybody worthwhile without surrendering money or draft capital.
