The New England Patriots are attempting to sign stud wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency, but it seems the Florida native is favoring a return to Jacksonville instead.
The Pats must pivot quickly if they're to land one of top wideouts remaining on the market. And thankfully, there's quite a few veterans who'd be perfect backup plans.
1. Marquise Brown
Marquise Brown is now the marquee WR who's without a team following Ridley's deal, and he'd be a great consolation prize for New England.
Brown is an exciting playmaker with great speed who could help open up the Pats' offense. He has a strong recent résumé, with averages of 66.8 receptions, 765.0 yards and 5.3 touchdowns over the last four seasons. That includes a 90-catch, 1,000-yard showing in 2021 as Lamar Jackson's top WR target.
Hollywood never quite reached that height in Arizona, but he also had a couple minor injuries that sidelined him and dealt with quarterback health issues as well.
Brown is the clear best option to bring in for a team in desperate need of a top wide receiver. DeMario Douglas led this squad in receiving yards with just 561 this past season, and second-leading wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is coming off of a torn ACL.
This group craves someone who can step in and take charge. With four straight years of 100-plus targets across two different teams, it's obvious Brown is the perfect man left standing for the job.