3 Players Patriots Should Sign After the First Week of Free Agency

1. Mike Williams, WR

None of the wideouts on the New England roster are bonafide number one receivers. Kendrick Bourne was widely applauded as a good re-signing, but he should slot in as a No. 2 receiver. K.J. Osborn is an intriguing pickup from the Minnesota Vikings, but he projects as a number three option. JuJu Smith-Schuster is still a candidate to part ways with the Patriots, and Jalen Reagor underperformed in his first season in New England, but was brought back at a low cap number. Meanwhile, Tyquan Thornton is desperately trying to shed his "bust" label. DeMario Douglas shone during his rookie campaign, but again, it feels like this team is just stockpiling second and third option wideouts. There is no shortage of question marks in that wide receiver room.

The Patriots were reportedly in on another former Charger wide receiver, Keenan Allen, but felt that Los Angeles' asking price of a fourth-rounder was "too rich". Allen ultimately went to Chicago.

Williams missed the remainder of his 2023 season after tearing his ACL in the third quarter of Week 3, despite getting off to a hot start. In only 11 quarters of football, Williams had 19 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown. A former seventh overall pick, the Clemson product has twice surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. In his career, the 29-year-old has 309 catches for 4,806 yards and 31 touchdowns.

The Steelers, Jets, and Panthers are all reportedly scheduled to meet with Williams. The Patriots need to pick up the phone.

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