Patriots Add A Former First-Round Receiver

Surprisingly, the New England Patriots haven’t been good at drafting receivers or tight ends.

They have whiffed more than they succeeded outside Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman.

However, they went back to the playoffs last season thanks to players like Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Jakobi Meyers, and Kendrick Bourne.

This season, they feel that the talent level at that position isn’t enough.

That’s why they are bringing in a former first-round draft pick to their practice squad.

The Patriots are signing WR Laquon Treadwell to their practice squad, per source.

Treadwell finished with 451 receiving yards in 12 games for the Jaguars last season.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 5, 2022

ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted, “The Patriots are signing WR Laquon Treadwell to their practice squad, per source. Treadwell finished with 451 receiving yards in 12 games for the Jaguars last season.

The Minnesota Vikings made Treadwell the 23rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

After four seasons with the Vikings, he joined the Atlanta Falcons and lasted for one season.

He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars before signing with the Patriots practice squad.

His 451 receiving yards last season were a career-high.

As a practice squad player, he may be elevated to the active roster a maximum of three times.

He will also be one of the 16 players filling up New England’s practice squad.

As a veteran member of the practice squad, he could receive a weekly salary ranging from $15,400 to $19,900.

The salaries are not guaranteed, but they count against the salary cap.

Practice squad members also get a salary of at least 18 weeks or the entire regular season.

Patriots Depth Chart At Wide Receiver

Meyers, Bourne, and DeVante Parker are the projected starters for New England.

Backing them up are Matthew Slater, Tyquan Thornton, and Nelson Agholor.

It’s a thin rotation, and Treadwell could contribute, especially if injuries mount up.

The Patriots will open the 2022 season against the division rival Miami Dolphins on September 11.