With the start of the new league year beginning on March 13th, the last few weeks have seen an unprecedented number of player signings and trades. As soon as free agency and trading opened it felt like the entire NFL switched teams and quite frankly it is getting difficult to track who has gone where. However, it has been easy to track what the Patriots have been doing. I’ll give you a hint…a whole lot of nothing. I believe I speak for a lot of fans when I say that it is a little surprising to see a lack of big free agency signings seeing as Patriots head coach, Jerod Mayo said, “We’re ready to burn some cash.”

We have particularly been waiting to see some moves regarding the wide receiver position. The Patriots currently have one of the worst wide receiver groups in the entire NFL, and such an important position deserves some attention in the off-season. I had hoped to see the likes of Mike Evans, Calvin Ridley or Tee Higgins join the team, but the window of opportunity to secure any of those players has sadly passed. As fans, we can only hope that the draft proves more fruitful.

Free Agency Moves Thus Far

Although the Patriots have yet to make any really exciting moves, they still have signed a few receivers. Returning to the team in 2024 will be Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor. Personally, I am happy to see Bourne back as he was pretty much the only productive receiver on the team last year before having his season ended by a torn ACL. In 8 games played last season, Bourne put up just over 400 yards receiving along with 4 touchdowns. Not stellar stats by any means but he certainly pulled his weight and would be a great second option if the Patriots can secure a real wide receiver 1.

Signing Jalen Reagor is a more interesting move. Last season he had just 7 receptions for 138 yards and no touchdowns (he did have a kick return touchdown). Reagor was a first-round draft pick in 2020, so he might have some untapped potential. I wouldn’t mind having Reagor around for special teams or to fill in for some situational plays, but I don’t see him taking a huge step forward next season.

The 2024 NFL Draft

Considering the lack of blockbuster signings in free agency, it stands to reason that the Patriots will move to draft a receiver in April (I hope). The third pick in the draft is currently in the hands of the Patriots, and barring any draft pick trades, I believe that they should draft Marvin Harrison Jr., the generational talent out of Ohio State. Unfortunately, my opinion does not matter to the Patriots’ front office and it is more likely that they select a quarterback, likely either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye.

In the event that a quarterback is selected, the Patriots also possess an early second-round pick. Reports have come out that they have spoken with Xavier Worthy out of Texas, who recently ran the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL combine history. I would be happy to see either Marvin Harrison Jr. or Xavier Worthy join the team, but Harrison is clearly the better option. The Patriots may never have the chance to secure a player of that caliber ever again, so in my opinion, they should seize the opportunity.