The office as the knowing the Patriots begin the off-season, one ESPN writer identified an area that could be an upgrade for New England.
The Patriots were able to get decent production out of their receivers. However, it became clear over the course of the season that they were missing a true top weapon. Jakobi Meyers led New England in receiving with 866 yards. even still, they struggled to get production out of tight end Jonnu Smith, and Hunter Henry carried the bulk of the production at the position.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote a piece on Monday, detailing the Patriots production at wide receiver. He was able to identify one particular weapon that could really give New England that top production they are looking for.
“Maximize Mac Jones’ production with more help, A college quarterback-turned-wideout led the Patriots in receiving (Jakobi Meyers, 866 yards). One of their $50 million tight ends caught fewer than two passes per game this past season (Jonnu Smith, 28 receptions in 16 games). A wide receiver due $9 million next year is coming off a 473-yard campaign (Nelson Agholor). The Patriots should strengthen their pass-catching arsenal. New England has a multidimensional attack with an imposing running game but needs more. Free-agent wideout Chris Godwin would be perfect for New England’s offense if the team is comfortable with his medical evaluation, coming off a torn ACL. The Patriots must decide on Agholor, who has a $14.9 million cap hit versus $10 million in dead money.”
As Fowler indicated, this could be an opportunity for New England to move around a player in order to make this happen. Godwin is a player that could provide an instant impact. He recorded 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns despite the ACL injury. He had five games of over 100 receiving yards. His best game came against Atlanta on December 5. In that contest, he caught 15 passes for 143 yards.
With New England looking to take the next step as an organization, a player like Godwin could certainly expedite the process. He would give New England the go-to weapon they have been looking for.
