DeMario Douglas is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, but with how he has played lately, the New England Patriots need to reward him with a new contract.
Douglas has been a solid receiver for the Patriots over the past few years, but he's turning it up to another level this season. He is showcasing more of his shiftiness after the catch and his versatility. This has especially been true over the past few weeks.
DeMario Douglas has stepped up big time for the Patriots
With injuries to players like A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Mack Hollins, the Liberty alum has been tasked with essentially leading the Patriots' receiving corps. And he has delivered.
In his past five games, Douglas has caught 22 of his 29 targets for 352 yards and four touchdowns. He was also one of New England's only bright spots in its embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers last week (he caught five receptions for 102 yards). He has been used in the slot, on the outside, on short, medium, and long routes, and he has played good football each time.
It's obvious that Drake Maye likes throwing to him, and their chemistry continues to build on a weekly basis. Douglas is about to turn 26 years old in less than a month. He has familiarity with the team and the system. He is a great fit because of his versatility. and shiftiness. And he is someone who can help the Patriots contribute in the short and long term.
The Patriots have already gotten rid of some of Maye's targets (see: Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte). It's important for them to have some stability and continuity around him, and keeping Douglas around is an easy (if not a no-brainer) way to do that.
The Patriots don't have a reliable replacement for DeMario Douglas
Even if New England opted to move on from Douglas in the offseason, it's not like there is someone on the roster who can be a clear-cut replacement.
Efton Chism III has looked solid in recent weeks, but he doesn't have the versatility that Douglas does, and his ceiling as an NFL talent is much lower. And not that he's traditionally a slot receiver anyway, but the jury is still out on Kyle Williams and whether he can actually develop into a real asset.
Douglas is continuing to thrive in New England's system and is constantly getting better. How he finishes the season is important, but as it stands, the Patriots have no real reason not to bring the Jacksonville native back into the fold once his contract runs out.
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