5 Free Agent Targets to Prepare the Patriots for a Rookie Quarterback

4. Marquise Brown

Marquise "Hollywood" Brown isn't a name that's been connected to the Patriots, but they clearly still need to upgrade at the receiver position, and they can't hinge all of their hopes on Calvin Ridley.

Brown's production in Arizona never reached the level that he showcased in Baltimore, but the Cardinals started three different quarterbacks last season and ranked 26th in passing yards per game. Brown's numbers are conceivably more of a product of his environment.

The 26-year-old's numbers in Arizona aren't horrendous, as he put up 709 yards in 2022 and 574 in 2023 while dealing with injuries. Those numbers would have been the second-most on the Patriots in 2022 and most on the team in 2023, but it still falls short of the 1,000-yard level talent that he put up with the Ravens. 

There is little to no chance that the Patriots would look to sign both Brown and Calvin Ridley, but amidst Ridley's reported preference for Jacksonville over New England, they may be forced to pivot should their first option decide to re-up with the Jaguars. Brown isn't bad for a consolation prize, if they can convince him to join the Patriots.