Patriots: Reordering wide receiver depth chart after Nate Washington signing

The New England Patriots signed veteran wideout Nate Washington on Friday, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation at wide receiver.

Digging deeper into the ramifications of Washington joining the Patriots, here is the reordered wide receiver depth chart. Matthew Slater is left off intentionally, as he is a special teams ace and will make the final 53-man roster unless pigs start to fall from the sky.

8. DeAndre Carter

You may not be all that familiar with Carter, but he will factor into training camp competition at wideout this summer.

The Patriots signed Carter after the undrafted rookie had bounced around the league with the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders. After getting released and re-signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, Carter signed a futures contract in late January, indicating that the Patriots will likely at least keep the Sacramento State product on the practice squad.

In terms of a potential role in the passing game, you have to view the 5-foot-8 Carter as a Julian Edelman-type of slot receiver. Many things would have to happen for Carter to even sniff the active roster, as there are seven better qualified pass catchers ahead of him, including a fellow 2015 undrafted rookie…

Next: 7. Chris Harper