The New England Patriots are clearly concerned about their wide receiver situation. Otherwise, they wouldn't have parted ways with Stefon Diggs early in the offseason, signed Romeo Doubs, and reportedly inquired about trading for A.J. Brown.
Doubs has the potential to break out as the go-to guy in Foxborough, but the Patriots would be wise to make another addition just in case. While they also have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas, none of them might give them the second dominant pass catcher they need.
That's why, given how dry his market has looked, Jauan Jennings might be an intriguing option in Massachusetts. He might be just what the doctor ordered for Drake Maye in the second year of the Mike Vrabel era.
The Patriots Should Make a Run at Jauan Jennings
According to Spotrac, Jennings is projected to sign a three-year deal worth $67.8 million. Admittedly, that projected price tag of $22.6 million a year might be a little too high for a player who has yet to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season, which could be playing into why he remains unsigned. That said, the Patriots have $35.2 million in available cap space, so they can definitely afford to get the hunt for the wideout, if they so choose.
With Diggs gone, the Patriots don't have a possession receiver who can get them those hard yards in short and intermediate routes. Jennings entered the league as a depth piece, but he's shown that he can get the job done whenever the San Francisco 49ers have needed someone to step up because of their injuries.
While Doubs is capable of making plays in the short and intermediate passing game, adding a veteran like Jennings would free the offseason signing up to be more of a downfield threat, thanks to his ability to win vertically.
The former Tennessee Volunteers standout battled multiple ailments last season, yet he still managed to haul in nine touchdown receptions in 15 games. He had a career-best 77 receptions on 113 targets for 975 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, and he might only need a bigger role in the offense to break out.
More than that, signing him would give the Patriots some insurance for the A.J. Brown situation. The Philadelphia Eagles don't seem overly eager to move him, barring an offer coming along that is too good to refuse, and there's no guarantee that a deal will ultimately get done. They can't roll into next season with this good-not-great WR corps, and Jennings would certainly elevate their ceiling.
The Patriots were a feel-good story in 2025, but they won't sneak up on anybody in 2026. They're a Super Bowl-caliber team, at least on paper, and with a huge target on their backs and a first-place schedule on the horizon, they're going to need more weapons to get back to the mountaintop.