Former New England Patriots receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey appeared to find a new home in New York after having spent the previous two seasons with the Broncos. However, things took an unfortunate turn for the former Patriot this week, with the Giants announcing the release of the veteran receiver. Could this open the door for a surprise reunion in New England?
Former New England Patriot Lil’Jordan Humphrey May Have Lost His Final Opportunity
If you're having trouble remembering Humphrey, this doesn't come as a surprise for a receiver who spent one lone season in New England. In 2022, the receiver appeared in only six games and offered twenty yards of production in his lone season with the franchise. As the team turns the page to the Drake Maye era, there simply isn't a fit for a receiver who is a fringe roster piece. With this in mind, it is possible that this is the end for the former Patriot receiver.
Not only did the Patriots bring in star receiver Stefon Diggs in the 2025 offseason, they also stole a key piece from their division rival in Mack Hollins. The receiver had a number of memorable plays as a part of Josh Allen's offense and now will look to help Maye take the next step as the future of the New England franchise.
For far too long, the Patriots have been content with drafting underwhelming receivers and signing bargain deals. Humphrey was an example of this tendency that defined the previous regime. While the Patriots remain one of the league's prestige franchises, they have started to lose steam. Failing to set up their quarterbacks and spend with the rest of the league is quickly pushing the days of their dynasty far behind.
Humphrey's release serves as a reminder of this, a look at the team's past failures at the position. Failures the fan base now has reason to believe are far behind them with the emergence of Maye and the addition of reliable talent at the receiver position.
For Humphrey, it is fair to wonder if we've seen the last of the veteran receiver. At a position that is flooded with talent both in the draft and still remaining on the free agent market, the veteran is going to have a hard time finding a new landing spot. Wherever that might be, it is clear it won't be with a Patriots team that remains focused on turning the page.