New England Patriots sign wide receivers Corey Coleman, Bennie Fowler
The New England Patriots have added some players to their somewhat depleted wide receiver corps.
The New England Patriots addressed the wide receiver position on Tuesday. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rappoport, the team signed former first-round wide receiver Corey Coleman.
The #Patriots are signing former first-round WR Corey Coleman, I’m told. A huge opportunity for Coleman to restart his career catching passes from Tom Brady.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2018
Coleman, 24, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played in 19 games for the Browns over the last two seasons, including 18 starts, amassing 56 receptions for 718 yards and five touchdowns. Coleman was traded to the Buffalo Bills for a future late-round pick in August but was waived by Buffalo at the end of training camp.
Coleman isn’t the first former first-round wide receiver the Patriots have taken a flier on. The team traded for Phillip Dorsett (29th overall pick in 2015) last season and acquired Cordarrelle Patterson (29th overall pick in 2013) this spring.
In addition, ESPN’s Field Yates reported the Patriots signed former Bears and Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler.
The Patriots are signing former Broncos WR Bennie Fowler, per league source. More WR depth in New England.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 11, 2018
Fowler, 27, was signed by Denver as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and hauled in 56 receptions for 698 yards and five touchdowns in 45 games with the Broncos. He signed with Chicago earlier this offseason but was unable to earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.
New England’s updated wide receiver group is Dorsett, Patterson, Coleman, Fowler, and Chris Hogan.
It isn’t a surprise to see the Patriots address the wide receiver position. The team released Riley McCarron and Chad Hansen on Monday and were down to three wide receivers on their active roster (not including special teams ace Matthew Slater). Veteran wide receiver Julian Edelman is scheduled to return from suspension in Week 5, however, the team needed to add depth in the meantime.
McCarron served as the Patriots’ primary punt returner in Sunday’s win over Houston but, following his release, they’ll need to find a new punt returner. Neither Coleman or Fowler have adequate experience returning punts and are unlikely to assume the role.
Phillip Dorsett provides help in win over Texans. dark. Next
Expectations should be set relatively low for the two new pass catchers. Both are at a disadvantage, having missed the Patriots’ offseason program, and will need to adapt to the offense quickly. That being said, Tom Brady threw for 277 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in Week 1 and the Patriots’ passing attack should hold over fine until Edelman returns in October.