6 Offseason Moves the Patriots Must Make to Return to the Playoffs Next Season

4. Figure out how to scout WRs

Moving on from the overpaid wideouts is just the first step. Once they do this, the Patriots then have to figure out how to scout wide receivers who actually fit in their system. The good news is that they have a new offensive coordinator who likely has a better idea of what he wants out of his pass catchers.

Alex Van Pelt spent the past four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and while they didn’t always have elite wideouts, they found a way to make the offense work. They also were able to land an elite route-runner who had more than 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons in Amari Cooper. Cleveland even had more than 800 yards from Donovan Peoples-Jones in 2022, showing they could develop a former sixth-round pick.

Meanwhile, in New England, their top receiver was Demario Douglas who had just 49 receptions for 561 yards with no touchdowns. Their second most productive wide receiver was Kendrick Bourne who had 37 catches for 406 yards with four touchdowns. They leaned heavily on tight end Hunter Henry, who was in between the two receivers when it came to receptions and yards while leading the team with six touchdowns. But to take the next step, they’re going to have to stretch the field.

New England does have the No. 3 pick in the draft which should probably be used on a quarterback. If so, they should strongly consider a receiver at 34. They could also trade down and add several picks in the process. Whatever they decide, they need to bring in a wideout and they need someone new to do the scouting.