Starting from scratch in multiple aspects, the New England Patriots are undergoing a rebuild that is impacting all levels of the organization, from the coaching staff to the roster. In our offseason coverage, we will analyze the team’s roster one position at a time. Today, we continue with the wide receiver position.
Kendrick Bourne (28 | UFA) had a strong start to the 2023 season, catching 37 passes for 406 yards and four touchdowns in the first eight games before tearing his ACL. DeMario Douglas (23 | signed through 2026) emerged as a dynamic playmaker in his rookie season, leading the team with 561 receiving yards on 49 catches. DeVante Parker (30 | signed through 2025) failed to live up to expectations, catching only 33 passes for 394 yards and no touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster (27 | signed through 2025) was brought in to add yards-after-the-catch ability but struggled with a career-low 3.3 yards in that category. Tyquan Thornton (23 | signed through 2025) had a disappointing season, catching just 13 passes for 91 yards. Jalen Reagor (25 | UFA) started the season on the practice squad but worked his way up to a starting role and showed promise as a kickoff returner. Kayshon Boutte (21 | signed through 2026) failed to make an impact in his rookie season, catching just two passes for 19 yards. T.J. Luther (23 | signed through 2024) spent his entire rookie season on the practice squad without seeing any game opportunities. Tre Nixon (25 | ERFA) suffered a shoulder injury in preseason and was waived with an injury designation, landing on season-ending injured reserve.
Preview of the Offseason
The Patriots’ wide receiver group in 2023 was a letdown, with only DeMario Douglas’ development and half a season of steady production from Kendrick Bourne being notable. The reasons for this were likely player quality, coaching, quarterback play, and injury issues. The team can address the first three factors this offseason, with the wide receiver position being a focus.
New head coach Jerod Mayo will begin by building his coaching staff, and the team may hire an outside offensive coordinator. This could result in changes to the scheme and wide receiver usage, as well as coaching personnel. The team needs better production from its pass catchers, and free agency will play a role in this.
The team may retain Kendrick Bourne and Jalen Reagor, and could also pursue big-name free agents. They must also decide what to do with other wideouts currently under contract. In the draft, the Patriots are in a prime position to add talent, with a deep class of up to six potential first-round picks.
Investments in the wide receiver position are expected, but the specifics will depend on the new offensive coordinator’s plans. Running it back with the same group of players in 2024 is unlikely.
