New England Patriots: Top 3 remaining free agent fits at wide receiver

A very cheap, but possibly rewarding option is Rishard Matthews.

A former seventh-round pick, Matthews had his best seasons in the NFL in 2016 and 2017.

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Following an above average season with the Miami Dolphins in 2015, Matthews signed with the Tennessee Titans where he put together back-to-back solid seasons.  In 2016, he nearly hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark with 65 receptions for 945 yards and 9 touchdowns.

He did drop off in 2017 but was still a solid contributor with 53 receptions for 795 yards.  His production and playing time considerably dipped in 2018 which eventually led to his release from the Titans near the end of the season.

Rishard Matthews signed with the New York Jets, but there were rumors or at least thoughts of the New England Patriots picking him up when they were in need of wide receiver depth.

After a down year, Matthews is exactly the type of player the Patriots typically target at the position.  He is approaching 30, but if he can come close to replicating the seasons, he had in 2015 and 2016 with the Titans, he would be a nice pickup.

Of course, that depends on whether he could build chemistry with Tom Brady.  If you remember, the New England Patriots brought in another Matthews (Jordan Matthews) last year who didn’t make it through training camp.

This is a low-risk, high-reward situation.