Four New England Patriots Wide Receiver Targets

It is important for New England to upgrade at both the wide receiver and tight end position for the 2020 season. Per NextGenStats, pictured is the “average yards of separation” of all qualifying Patriots receivers with at least 100 routes run. Easily one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, this is a major need to lure Tom Brady back in 2020.

Now that we have a baseline, let’s look at potential targets.

A.J. Green

The fourth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, A.J. Green dominated a better part of the 2010s. Considered by many to be on the “Mount Rushmore” of 2010 wide receivers, Green seems like the most obvious free-agent target. Several other sources have linked the Patriots as a front-runner in the A.J. Green sweepstakes. A polarizing receiver in the prime of his career, he has battled injuries the last two seasons. He has appeared in only 9 games out of the last 32 games. Before his 2017 injury, he was on pace to have one of his best seasons.

• In A.J Green’s last full-season, 2017.
  • 75 receptions
  • 1,078 receiving yards
  • 14.4 yards per reception
  • eight touchdowns

The only way I see this as a realistic option is if he is willing to take a 1 year “prove it” type deal, I don’t foresee Belichick giving a 32-year-old, injury-prone receiver a multi-year deal. 

According to Spotrac.com, A.J. Green has a perceived open value market of about $9.1 million per year.

Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders, another older free-agent wide receiver, turns 33 next week. His production on the field is valuable, but injuries may be a concern, entering his tenth season in the NFL, Sanders has only ever started all 16 games three times in his career. 

• 2019 Season Stats
  • 66 receptions
  • 869 receiving yards
  • 13.1 yards per reception
  • Five touchdowns

In all honesty, I have the least to say about Emmanuel Sanders, he is pretty much a “do-it-all” type of receiver, and would be a great fit with the Patriots. I could see the Patriots strongly pursuing Sanders. According to Spotrac.com, Sanders has a perceived open market value of about $10 million per year.

Randall Cobb

Another potential New England Patriot free agent wide receiver target, Randall Cobb seems to be an afterthought on most people’s “top free-agent boards”, but not on mine. After a couple of average years in Green Bay, many believed Randall Cobb’s best days were behind him, he showed those doubters otherwise after an impressive 2019 season. Starting 15 games in 2019, Cobb was a major boost to a Cowboy’s team that needed receiving help.

• 2019 Season Stats
  • 55 receptions
  • 828 receiving yards
  • 15.1 yards per reception
  • Three touchdowns

I really like this fit for the Patriots. Cobb turns 30 in August of 2020 and has a lower market value than the other free agent receivers listed. My concern with Cobb to the Patriots is that I don’t believe Cobb is enough to transform the Patriots wide receiver corps, one of the leagues worst in 2019. The Patriots have Mohamed Sanu under contract through 2020, with a cap hit of $6.5m. If they cut or traded Sanu, they would not incur a cap penalty and they could allocate that $6.5m to a receiver like Cobb who brings more potential as a #2 receiver. According to Spotrac.com, Randall Cobb has a perceived open market value of about $7.1m per year.

Antonio Brown

I know this seems like a crazy suggestion, but Antonio Brown has been on an apology tour the last month. He has clearly been feeling the heat more than ever and has realized that the NFL free agency is fast approaching. Drama aside, Antonio Brown is one of the best receivers of all-time. In his one start with the Patriots, with minimal playbook knowledge and little to no chemistry with Brady, he looked like a natural fit, earning a 90.0 grade from PFF. If Brown stayed with the Patriots, I believe their season would have ended differently. It seems people forget just how dominant he was in his last full season.

• 2018 Season Stats
  • 104 receptions
  • 1,297 receiving yards
  • 12.5 yards per reception
  • 15 touchdowns

The best part of approaching Antonio Brown with an offer is that he doesn’t have much leverage to demand “big money”. The Patriots could probably get him for very cheap. 

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