The New England Patriots are finally making moves to support Drake Maye by signing veteran receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins early in the offseason. It is a move fans have been begging the franchise to make, dating back to Tom Brady's final seasons with the team. Under the previous regime, the receiver position was a consistent afterthought, and what moves the team made quickly aged poorly.
One example of this was New England's trade for Phillip Dorsett, which would send quarterback Jacob Brissett to the Colts. It appeared to be a move the team badly needed, however, it would quickly age poorly with Indy coming out on the winning side of the trade. Since leaving the Patriots, Dorsett has bounced around the league, unable to find a consistent role within any of his landing spots.
New England Fans Won't Be Surprised by Phillip Dorsett's Recent Release
TRANSACTION: The Falcons have signed linebacker, special teamer Caleb Johnson. In a corresponding move, they have released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II.https://t.co/TvvKPZxePN
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) May 12, 2025
Dorsett signed with the Atlanta Falcons, who have a solid starting trio of Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud. Beyond this, however, the Falcons lack any proven receivers or potential options if injury strikes or to give their starters snaps off. With this in mind, it speaks to where Dorsett's career has fallen that the receiver can't make Atlanta's roster.
The Falcons made the move to cut Dorsett in an effort to make room for a special-teams signing. This isn't a huge improvement or a signing that made the veteran receiver an obvious cut. It is a message that the Falcons believe Dorsett can no longer contribute to winning.
Dorsett has spent time with the Seahawks, Jaguars, Texans, Broncos, and Falcons organizations. It has been a frustrating career that hits another speed bump with the latest release. Despite New England's clear need for improved depth and secondary options at the position, a reunion simply isn't in the cards.
Phillip Dorsett's first tenure with the Patriots made it clear there simply wasn't a fit for either side. Fast forwarding years down the road, this is only more so the case with New England attempting to turn the page to Drake Maye. Dorsett will have to look elsewhere if his career is going to continue.