Mac Jones led the Patriots to the playoffs in his rookie season. Mac showed that he should be the Patriots quarterback of the future. The offense seemed to lack one thing, an elite, true #1 wide receiver. The Patriots number one priority for improving the offense has to be going and getting that elite trustworthy target for their young quarterback.
This seems like the perfect offseason to go get that wide receiver. There are a ton of big-name free agents and a couple trade targets. There are many options. Which are the best?
Free Agent Receivers
This is an absolutely loaded free-agent class of wide receivers. Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Mike Williams, Odell Beckham Jr, Juju Smith-Schuster, Michael Gallup, are all available this offseason.
Now obviously cap space is a thing, the Patriots will not be signing Davante Adams, he is one of the best in the league and he will demand too much money for the Patriots. Odell made it clear he wants to re-sign with the Rams.
So who are the best, realistic fits for New England?
Chris Godwin
Godwin is coming off an ACL tear, that is where the risk/reward comes in to play. There is always a risk signing players coming off injuries, you never know how they will come back. But on the other hand, Godwin may not be seeking the same money he would be if he hadn’t been injured.
He had just under 100 receptions, 1100 yards and 5 touchdowns in just 14 games this past season. Godwin is just an extremely talented receiver, he can do a little bit of everything, he’s quick and can run short routes ad screens, but he also can get separation and be a deep ball threat.
Allen Robinson
Coming off an unproductive year, Robinson is looking to bounce back. Robinson played in just 12 games last year for Chicago. In the two seasons before last, Robinson had over 150 targets. Even for playing in less games, the Bears just did not utilize Robinson to the best of his abilities.
Robinson scored just 1 touchdown, and had just over 400 yards. In the two seasons prior combined, he had 2300 yards and 13 touchdowns. The talent of Robinson is still there, he just needs the opportunity now.
Mike Williams
Mike Williams had his second 1K yard season last year. He put up career highs in just about every major receiver category. A big physical receiver could be the player the Patriots need. At 6’4″ Williams is a real deep ball threat.
You match Williams skillset with Kendrick Bourne and Jakobi Meyers, they would compliment each others game very well. Even following a career year, the Pats should be able to work the cap space out to acquire Williams.
Trading for a Receiver
Calvin Ridley
Ridley sat out the majority of this past season, and it seems likely he will not be playing again for the Falcons. If the Falcons are trading him, the Patriots need to make some calls about his availability.
In 15 games during the 2020 season, Ridley went for 1300 yards and 9 touchdowns. Ridley proved that season that he was a legit #1 target. He didn’t just benefit from having Julio Jones lined up next to him.
Ridley is a big time playmaker and would make the Patriots offense really dangerous.
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