Patriots Rival Named Potential Landing Spot For Receiver Who Could Be Cut

Patriots Rival Named Potential Landing Spot For Receiver Who Could Be Cut originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots may have to make some tough decisions in the wide receiver room when they finalize their roster.

Between A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas and Efton Chism III, the Patriots receiver room is getting crowded. Douglas and Chism will likely have to fight for one of the final spots on the roster, and Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay listed him as a “likely” cap casualty on Wednesday.

“Chism was a solid depth option and special teamer for the club, which could give him an edge over Douglas on cut day,” wrote Kay. “While Douglas was one of New England’s more consistent pass-catchers during his first two seasons in the NFL, the team’s ascension back into contention coincided with a reduction in usage for the 2023 sixth-rounder. He posted career lows in targets (46), receptions (31) and receiving yardage (447) last year, opening the door for a potential exit this offseason.”

Douglas will be a free agent after the season, and Chism has another year before being a restricted free agent. Douglas has been a solid player for the Patriots, but they likely know that they will let him walk after the season. If they cut him this year, Chism could have more opportunities to grow.

If Douglas is released, plenty of teams could look to add him. He would not be expensive, and has traits that any offense would desire. Kay named the New York Jets as a potential landing spot.

“If Douglas does hit free agency, expect him to generate a lot of interest from receiver-needy squads,” wrote Kay. “The New York Jets would be a strong candidate to poach from a divisional rival, adding him to a thin receiver’s room that only goes about four deep right now.”

The Jets’ receiving corps currently features Garrett Wilson and a bunch of unproven pass catchers. Douglas would have a great opportunity to earn significant playing time and be a difference maker.

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