After collectively being one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL for multiple seasons, the Patriots weren’t that in 2025-26. Imagine having players line up where they’re supposed to, and then - most of the time - run the right routes? This group was well-coached by Todd Downing and well-coordinated by Josh McDaniels. That matters because, truth be told, it’s still not an overwhelmingly talented group. Better than it’s been, but no one I’ve talked to league-wide would put them any higher than middle-of-the-road, which is fair.
Will there be changes? I’m sure that’s on the docket, but unless the Pats veer from their previous history, there’s probably not nearly as much cash to burn as you would hope, especially after last year’s spending spree (Greg illustrated this on Thursday).
Under contract: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, Pop Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb.
Per Over the Cap, Diggs’ contract takes a major leap in year two of this three-year deal he signed (which isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on). Try $20.6 million in salary, and a $26.5 million cap hit. That last number would put him behind only Milton Williams on this roster. Is a 32-year-old receiver, who will turn 33 in December, worth that?
Certainly, Diggs had more production than anyone could have anticipated. That ACL injury suffered midway through the 2024-25 season didn’t hold him back. He was ready for week one, and led the Pats with 85 catches and became the team’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelmanback in 2019, finishing just north of that barrier (1,013). He also did a hell of a job in that room. Perhaps I’m overstating his influence, but the selflessness of that group was rather stunning after living through what we have with at least a couple of those guys last year (Douglas, Boutte). They deserve credit for growing up, first and foremost, but Diggs was quick to throw flowers their way both publicly and, I’m told, privately. That mattered.
But, like the rest of the offense, Diggs faded down the stretch and made very little impact in the postseason (14 catches, 110 yards). If you go back and look at the history of players at that position, it is rare to maintain this level of production at this stage of a career. I mean, Larry Fitzgeralddid it, and he’s headed to the Hall of Fame. Is Diggs in that same class physically? The Pats will certainly have to answer that question in the affirmative if they choose to either keep the player at that number or rework the deal (something he would have to agree to).
It’s important to note that Diggs only has $1.7 million in guaranteed money coming to him…until day 3 of the league year (March 13). That’s when another $6 million becomes his. So yes, the Pats are on the clock to either renegotiate his big number or send him packing (you’re obviously not guaranteeing that number on the 13th and then walking away unless his off-field issues become untenable). If they cut Diggs and designate it as pre-June 1, they'd free up $16.8 million in cap space for the 2026 season ($9.7 million in dead cap).
My feeling is that the Pats explore all options, but if they feel there’s a younger avenue to pursue, either via trade, free agency or the draft, that’s exactly what they'll do.
Hollins is another aging pass catcher who - like Diggs - had a damn good season. The 33-year-old played 60% of the offensive snaps, made a major impact as a blocker, but also earned a spot in the Drake Mayetrust tree with 46 receptions for 550 yards.
Hollins has one year left on the two-year contract he signed, but there are zero guaranteed dollars. If the Pats choose to keep him, he makes less than $4 million in cash and accounts for just over $5 million on the cap. Chump change, really (1.5% of the cap). He, too, proved invaluable in the locker room and took Chism under his wing.
Boutte is entering the final season of his 4-year rookie deal. He’s been a productive player in each of the last two years, even though it seems unlikely that he’ll be a heavy-volume target. And therein lies a future conundrum. Do you extend a player who averages less than 4 targets per game at around $12 million per? Why that number? That’s the ballpark Spotrac puts him in, comping him statistically to Rashod Bateman, Khalil Shakir, Darnell Mooney, and TuTu Atwell.
Kayshon Boutte and his comps. pic.twitter.com/ldXtg6cOYs— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) February 21, 2026
Obviously, that’s a future problem, but the Pats budget this out not just for the upcoming year but for future years as well. At that money, depending on guarantees, you’d be looking at not just the present at the X spot, but at least a couple of years beyond.
Douglas is also in the final season of his deal, and his base salary jumps to $3.7 million. He had just 31 catches in this McDaniels offense, and remains a slot-only option. No harm in keeping him, but if Chism can beat him out, you can save almost $3 million (hell, Chism’s deal is only worth $2.99 million over three years). When every dollar counts, I’d say it’s on the table.
Of course, we have no idea if Chism can be a legit contributor. He got some playing time when Hollins missed that handful of games with a lacerated spleen, but there was nothing in there that made me think ‘That’s the guy.’ Or even “a guy.’ He did, however, show decent feel and had no fear of mixing it up physically. Chism will have an opportunity to show whether a year in the strength and conditioning program makes him a viable option for Maye going forward.
I saved Williams for last because I don’t think we know. I don’t think they know. There were certainly moments where you could convince yourself that he has a chance to make an impact going forward. The play speed is legit. So is his release package. He also seemed to have improved field awareness as the season progressed, although perhaps it wasn’t at the level billed at pre- and post-draft. In fact, it may have been less than, if you will. Williams got about 30% of the offensive snaps this year, but had a couple of moments in the middle of the year where his opportunity increased because of Boutte’s injury, and he didn’t pop. Bottom line, this isn’t just a huge offseason for Chism, a UDFA, but even bigger for Williams because of the draft capital invested as a third-rounder.
FREE AGENTS
1. Alec Pierce (25 years old, Indy) - He might be too expensive (PFF has him at 4 years for $96 million, $45 mil guaranteed), and there remains the chance that the Colts decide to franchise him (UPDATE, Colts will tag Pierce) if they can find a taker for Michael Pittman(I’d make that call if I’m Eliot Wolf). Pierce is, simply put, the best deep ball threat in the league, and while he can win by being physical at the catch point - he’s 6’3”, 211 pounds - oftentimes he wins off the release and then just runs away from dudes. We’re talking about one of the premier athletes in the sport. This past season, when he went over 1,000 yards, was the first time Indy let him showcase more than just his verticality, and Pierce did some solid work in the intermediate areas of the field. He’s not an elite route runner by any means; however, he has shown growth in that area. But if you’re going to back up the brink’s truck - and that’s what it will take - then the Pats best be certain he can be a 75 to 85 catch guy for multiple seasons. If they believe that, and you want someone to grow with Maye, Pierce can be that dude.
2,. Wan’Dale Robinson(25 years old, NYG) - Robinson is a throwback to the slot receivers you grew to love over the last 25 years. Small, but quicker than a hiccup and twitchier than me after that 3rd cup of caffeine. He spent 55.7% of the time working out of the slot, and separates in short space, which helps him overcome a smaller catch radius than most (he’s got short arms…). Robinson’s also a smooth route runner. All that led to his first-ever 1,000-yard campaign in the NFL. PFF estimates $63 million over three years ($40 mil guaranteed)
3. Jalen Nailor (26 years old, Minnesota) - If you want to roll the dice on a player who seems like he’s poised for a breakout, Nailor is the choice in this class. He’s never been a target magnet playing alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but he’s got sure hands (one drop last year), shows excellent feel, and can play both inside and out (though he’s much better from the slot). There’s even an element of verticality to Nailor’s game despite not being a burner. Could Nailor gobble up a lion’s share of Diggs’ targets? Let’s see what Vrabel and the braintrust think. PFF has him coming cheap: one year, $3.5 million. The Athletic’s model is significantly higher (3 years, $36 million)
4. Jauan Jennings(28 years old, SF) - By a number of metrics, Jennings was a top-20 receiver, and better than Diggs (and that’s the financial math they’d have to engage in). He’s an excellent blocker - Hollins-esque - and can win both at the line of scrimmage or at the catch point. Throw in his red zone proficiency - 7 touchdowns from inside the 20 this year - and there’s a lot to like. Of course, he has that quality that all these top pass catchers seem to have, so you gotta be comfortable with the personality he brings. PFF estimates 3 years and $50 million total ($29.5 million guaranteed)
5. Mike Evans(32 years old, Tampa Bay) - I’m at least making the phone call. Evans had 11 straight seasons of 1,000 yards end this year because of a number of injuries. He’s good for a hamstring strain or pull every year as well, and I would guess that wouldn’t stop any time soon, especially in the northeast. However, as a short-term option and an outside-the-numbers threat, Evans would marry well with Maye’s ability to push the ball, but he’s not a one-trick pony. He’s a player who can attack all levels. How much does he have left? PFF projects one year (I think it will be more) for $18 million.
Others of note: Romeo Doubs (GB), Christian Kirk (Houston), Deebo Samuel (Washington). Then throw in possible trade candidates: AJ Brown (Philly), DJ Moore (Chicago), and who knows what happens to Brandon Aiyukin San Fran (release likely, but trade can’t be ruled out).
