JUST NOW: WR Recently Cut $60 Million to Patriots, Considered a “Best Fit”

The Patriots’ most pressing need now that the quarterback problem has been resolved is at wide receiver, where a plethora of ideas have been floated but none of them have materialized into a real deal. The Patriots passed on Keenan Allen, who was traded to the Bears for a fourth-round pick, and missed out on top target Calvin Ridley, who chose to sign with Tennessee.

In the NFL Draft, the Patriots will require some long-term solutions at wide receiver. However, in March, they will require at least one temporary solution, even if it is only to breathe fresh life into a receivers room that has become stagnant. With two seasons of 1,000 yards receiving, Mike Williams of the Chargers is one such player who might be worth a low-risk wager.

According to Bleacher Report, Williams would be a “best fit” for the Patriots despite the fact that he will be 30 years old and recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of three games the previous season.

“Mike Williams is the best wide receiver still available in free agency, despite his left ACL tear that he is now healing from. Due to a cap shortage, the Los Angeles Chargers released the veteran before his age-30 campaign, but the website stated that he still merits a sizable contract.

Mike Williams Tore ACL at Terrible Time
The Patriots make some sense, as long as the financial commitment is right. They do not need to add a long-term solution to their receiver shortage, they just need a guy who can have an impact this year and provide a reliable threat on the outside.

If Williams wants to reset his career, New England would be an ideal place, where he would surely be the No. 1 option. B/R points out that the Cardinals and Colts could be options, too. But the Patriots have money and opportunity.

“The New England Patriots have a thin receiving corps and a mountain of cap space,” the site noted.

Williams caught 19 passes in three games last year, totaling 249 yards and a touchdown. He had seven catches and 121 yards in Week 3, despite leaving the game in the third quarter with the ACL tear. If healthy, Williams has WR1 ability.

Though veteran DeVante Parker is no longer with the team, bust free agency signing Juju Smith-Schuster and another bust, former second-round pick Tyquan Thornton, who has only managed 35 catches in 22 games over two forgettable seasons, are still on the roster.

Williams doesn’t quite fit in. However, given where the Patriots are at, the fact that he fits well should be sufficient.