New England Patriots: The case for re-signing Phillip Dorsett

The New England Patriots are expected to make some moves at the wide receiver position which should include re-signing Phillip Dorsett.

If Phillip Dorsett proved anything in 2018 is that he is capable of being a reliable No. 3 or No. 4 receiver for the New England Patriots when his named is called upon.

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the former Indianapolis Colts first-round pick had something to prove in 2018.  First, he needed to prove he can be a factor in the offense.  Secondly, he was out to prove that he wasn’t a bust.

During training camp and at the beginning of the season, Dorsett showed that he can be a reliable receiver in Tom Brady’s circle of trust.  With Julian Edelman serving a four-game suspension and the lack of depth the team had at receiver, it was the prime opportunity for Phillip Dorsett to put his name on the map.

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Unfortunately, he didn’t break out as a wide receiver.  With 32 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns Dorsett did not live up to the expectations that shadowed him entering the season.  But what he did do is prove to the team that he can make a big play or two when his name is called.  He showed that in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs catching a big end of first half touchdown from Tom Brady.

While his production and snaps decreased once Edelman returned and Josh Gordon was brought in, Dorsett still has a trust from Brady that is hard to earn for many receivers going through Foxborough.

Accepting a role as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver is something Dorsett has done during his time in New England and is something that he has to be willing to do if he wants to re-sign with the team.

Besides that, he loves it in New England.

"“Yeah, [I want to come back],” Dorsett said in early February, via WEEI.  “They traded for me for a reason.  I love it here.  They work hard every day and that is how I was raised.”"

The case against re-signing

The simple reason for re-signing Phillip Dorsett is that Julian Edelman is the only receiver on the 2018 roster slotted to return.  With the overhaul the wide receivers’ group is expected to take, it would be important to have someone besides Edelman familiar with the offense.

While Dorsett hasn’t produced as much as Chris Hogan, he is younger, faster and should come at a cheaper price.  Along with his speed, Dorsett has also shown a toughness and spirit to work hard during his tenure with the New England Patriots.

If the price is right, that should get him another deal with the Patriots.  It could be just a one-year deal, but Phillip Dorsett should get another chance to prove what he can do in the Patriots offense when he is the No. 3 or No. 4 receiving option.

Potential landing spots

Teams will have interest in Phillip Dorsett for the simple fact that he played in New England and is a Super Bowl champion.

A couple of teams that come to mind is the Miami Dolphins because of the connection new head coach Brian Flores and a few other coaches on the staff have to the Patriots.  With Dorsett playing his college football at the University of Miami, going back and playing in Miami could be good for him.

Another team is the Cincinnati Bengals who are shopping wide receiver John Ross.  Dorsett is a similar receiver who could get more opportunity with the Bengals.  Again, his championship experience would prove a value to a team like Cincinnati.

Overall, his best fit is with the New England Patriots as a depth receiver who can step up and make plays when his name is called.