There’s no question that the Patriots, by starting 11-2 and having Drake Maye thrust into the forefront of the NFL MVP conversation, have also made themselves into a desirable landing spot for future free agents, especially ones who might come available in the next four months.
Maye has shown himself to be the kind of quarterback who can lift up an entire franchise, and there are not that many of those about. It helps, too, to have coach Mike Vrabel on hand, because Vrabel has shown himself to be a quality player’s coach who will keep the aim of the team at the fore while also helping individual players maximize their value on the market.
It stands to reason, then, that with around $50 million–more if come contract money is moved around–to spend in free agency next offseason, the Patriots will be a much-desired destination. And with Maye always in need of a weapons upgrade, New England could be in line to add to the wide receivers room.
Patriots and Colts Star Alec Pierce?
That’s one potential outcome for next spring, according to Patriots insider Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston. He mentions, too, the possibility of the team focusing on offensive line upgrades, but adding a receiver is an easier path to boosting the offense.
And one that will be on the market is Colts fourth-year star Alec Pierce, who is leading the league in yards per reception for the second straight season at 20.9. Pierce, a second-rounder in 2022, could remain with the Colts, but he would make an intriguing fit in New England.
Writes Perry: “Alec Pierce … would be a nice fit with Maye, you would think.
“Big catch radius. Plus ball-tracking skills. He leads the NFL in yards per catch right now (20.9). He’s a free agent this offseason, and could hit the $20 million per year threshold. That sounds like a lot, and it is, but it’s not quite ‘No. 1’ dollars, considering there are 24 receivers making over $20 million annually right now.”
Getty
Patriots QB Drake Maye
Patriots Have Had WR Success This Season
Pierce makes some sense, and it would be wise for the Patriots–no matter how this season shakes out–to keep building and adding weapons, rather than sitting on the current roster. But bringing in another receiver means dumping one of the guys currently in the WR room. And who would that be?
Stefon Diggs has certainly earned another season. Kayshon Boutte, too, has had a breakout season and is a rarity in these parts–a homegrown, productive receiver. Pop Douglas has been outstanding in whatever role the Patriots have asked him to play. So has Mack Hollins. And rookie Kyle Williams has shown flashes of star power even as his playing time has been limited.
Oh, and there’s still Efton Chism to figure out. Signing Pierce could be a big addition, but do the Patriots really want to upset the WR chemistry they’ve got going?
The money might be better spent on a running back or some offensive line help. As Perry noted, “Would it be better to build an improved line — and therefore a better rushing attack — to maximize Maye’s abilities? All pertinent questions come the offseason.”
