Patriots Signing Former First-Round Pick to Bolster Receiver Group
By Tyler Maher
The New England Patriots need all the help they can get at wide receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster has been a massive bust and DeVante Parker, creating a glaring need for help at the position -- especially with a pivotal Week 8 matchup on tap against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
Fortunately, the Patriots took a step to address that issue by signing a former first-round draft pick to their active roster on Thursday.
The #Patriots are signing WR Jalen Reagor to the 53-man roster, source said. The former first-rounder has impressed behind the scenes in New England, earning praise from Bill Belichick. He played his most snaps of the season on Sunday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2023
Patriots Sign Jalen Reagor
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday morning that New England is signing wide receiver Jalen Reagor to its active roster.
This is not a huge surprise, as Reagor has spent most of this season on the Patriots' practice squad. This marks the fourth time that the third-year receiver has been elevated to the active roster, which was also the case in Week 2, Week 6 and Week 7.
That Reagor has now been elevated three weeks in a row speaks to the coaching staff's growing confidence in him. That was reflected in last week's win over the Buffalo Bills as well, when Reagor played his most snaps of the season (25) and made his first catch of the year for 11 yards. He also made a nice block for fellow wideout Demario Douglas.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the #Patriots roster shuffling ends with Jalen Reagor on the active roster. He’s out of elevations and played a season-high 25 snaps Sunday.
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) October 24, 2023
Had one catch and made a nice block to spring Pop Douglas free. pic.twitter.com/alZdtqJaQH
As the 21st overall pick in the 2021 draft, Reagor certainly has potential. The 24-year-old wasn't able to break through in his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, but then again it's hard when you're competing with the likes of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert.
Hopefully Reagor can have an even bigger impact for New England this week. The team is going to need him to step up if it wants to upset the first-place Dolphins on the road.
Think Reagor can help the Patriots take down Miami this week? Make sure to back them at BetMGM Sportsbook! They're offering $200 in guaranteed bonus bets to new users who sign up using the link below and wager $10 on any sport after registering. Your bet doesn't even need to win for you to get the bonus, so act fast before this offer disappears!
More New England Patriots news and analysis:
feed