New England Patriots: Ranking top 5 veteran free agent signings in 2020
No. 5 Damiere Byrd – WR
The first player the New England Patriots reached an agreement with during the beginning of the free agency period was Damiere Byrd formerly of the Arizona Cardinals.
At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, the 27-year-old Byrd was nowhere near the name fans were hoping the Patriots went after, but he does fill a couple of needs on the team, particularly on special teams where he has experienced returning punts and kickoffs.
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As a former undrafted rookie free agent who entered the league with the Carolina Panthers in 2015, Damiere Byrd has shown some flashes that he can produce in the offense as well. Most of that production came last season with the Cardinals in which he caught 32 passes for 359 yards and one touchdown.
That production pretty much mirrors that of Phillip Dorsett, who left the Patriots to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
Again, Damiere Byrd is not a name that will jump out at New England Patriots fans, but his one-year contract with a value of up to $2.5 million tells you he is a player who will have a role on the team, unless he gets beat out by someone else.
What impact will he have on the team in 2020?
I see Byrd as primarily a gimmick type wide receiver in the offense. What I mean by gimmick is his speed will be utilized in multiple ways. Expect jet sweeps, bubble screens and some deep passes if he does indeed pencil himself in as the No. 4 or 5 receiver on the team.