Jayden Daniels will reportedly be selected by the New England Patriots, who will give priority to receivers in free agency: Four potential targets, Michael Pittman among them
According to two sources, the New England Patriots are more focused on acquiring a standout receiver in NFL free agency than they are on making Jayden Daniels the first pick of the Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf era.
The New England Patriots have an incredible amount of resources going into this summer to immediately upgrade the roster from the poor bunch that finished with a 4-13 record in 2023. They may have over $100 million to spend in free agency and choose highly in every round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Many theories have surfaced regarding the team’s priorities for the next two months, and two recent stories may have revealed their main objectives. LSU standout Jayden Daniels did a great job during his NFL Combine interview, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, who reported on Saturday. Daniels also “gained steam this week as the favorite to land in New England at No. 3” in the first round.
He and colleague The Athletic reporter Chad Graff asserted earlier this week that wide receiver will be the front office’s first priority when free agency begins. Probably so they have a dependable target on game day for the rookie quarterback they select in April.
In light of this, let’s examine four impact wide receivers that the New England Patriots may choose to sign in the NFL’s free agency.
Patriots from New England, Michael Pittman Jr.Trevor Ruszkowski/USA TODAY Sports is credited.
Michael Pittman Jr., a receiver with the Indianapolis Colts, has developed into a legitimate No. 1 receiver with even more upside throughout his first four seasons in the NFL. His rapid rise is noteworthy since, in his brief career, he has had a new starting quarterback each year. Nevertheless, he has persisted and recorded two seasons with 1,000 or more yards.
Although he won’t be cheap, his asking price might not be as high as that of a player like Mike Evans because his career doesn’t include many Pro Bowl selections. But compared to the legendary Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has greater long-term potential.
Calvin Robinson
Calvin Ridley demonstrated that his breakthrough 2020 season was not an exception by leading the Jacksonville Jaguars in receiving yards (1,016 yards) and touchdowns (8 touchdowns) in the previous season after serving a one-year suspension for NFL wagering. With his game-breaking ability, the former first-round selection will probably be at the top of the Patriots’ want list when free agency begins this month.
Mike Evans, patriots of New EnglandCredit: USA TODAY Sports/Lon Horwedel
It makes sense that Mike Evans is the most well-known receiver available in the 2024 NFL free agency class. He has five Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, a Super Bowl championship, and a 10-year career of 1,000 or more receiving yards in every season.
Evans, who is still a very good player, would be very beneficial to a rookie quarterback. The major negative is that he will turn 31 in August, which means his extraordinary talents will eventually start to wane.
A former general manager of the NFL feels that Russell Wilson might unexpectedly be the 2024 Joe Flacco.
Odell Beckham Jr.
It’s widely accepted that a player will probably return to their prior level of performance during the second season following an ACL tear. For this reason, it is sense to examine Odell Beckham Jr. closely as he is a three-time Pro Bowl player. Even though he didn’t exactly blow everyone away in Baltimore this past season, he might improve this offseason and have one or two more impact seasons after suffering his second ACL injury.
