New England Patriots Rumors: Why Tom Brady would love Adam Humphries

With free agency right around the corner, let’s take a look at how free agent wide receiver Adam Humphries fits with the New England Patriots.

While the focus is on the New England Patriots finding a successor to Tom Brady or possibly a replacement tight end for Rob Gronkowski, let’s not forget the age of Julian Edelman.

The 32-year-old wide receiver doesn’t appear ready to walk away from the game, but the Super Bowl LIII MVP is on the down side of his career so it may be time for the team to look for their next great slot receiver.

Enter free agent wide receiver Adam Humphries.

Who?

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At 25 years old, Humphries hauled in 76 receptions for 816 yards and five touchdowns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018.  He put up that production as a third option for a team that didn’t have much stability at quarterback.

With numbers similar to that of Julian Edelman during the season, Humphries stands out in the free agent class as a potential Tom Brady target because of the tools he brings to the game.  He may not be as flashy as an Odell Beckham Jr. or even Golden Tate, but he has Patriots written all over him because of his relentless approach to the game and the similarities he has to Edelman.

Why he fits and why Brady would love him?

Other than what Adam Humphries can do on the football field (a shifty, versatile, gutsy slot receiver), he is the classic New England Patriots story.

Undrafted out of Clemson in 2015, Humphries fought his way on to the Buccaneers roster and made an impact in his second season with the team.  With 620 yards receiving in his second season with the team, he progressed as a reliable possession receiver who would fit right in to what Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes to do offensively.

Also add the fact that he can return punts and you have the type of player versatility Bill Belichick loves in his players.  He also has a mental toughness like Julian Edelman in that he will fight for extra yards and be that reliable target for Tom Brady.

With 2018 sixth-round pick Braxton Berrios waiting in the wings, would the New England Patriots give Adam Humphries the big pay day that may be in store?  Depending on the asking price and market, they may if they fill, he will give them close to what Julian Edelman has done over the years.

Remember, they did pay Danny Amendola to come in and replace Wes Welker.  Amendola ultimately worked out, but it was Edelman who eventually replaced Welker’s production from the slot.

There is no doubt Humphries would continue to strive catching the ball from Tom Brady.  The only question is whether he fits into what the New England Patriots could afford money wise.  Somehow, you get the feeling if this marriage is meant to be, it will happen.