New England Patriots: internal free agent preview
By Hal Bent
Phillip Dorsett
Position: Wide Receiver
Overview: Dorsett is a bit of a conundrum for the Patriots: he has excelled in short bursts of action but also has largely failed to light up the stat sheet. He lost playing time to both Patterson and Hogan last season, and has yet to live up to his first-round draft grade and fully utilize his blazing speed to become a big-play weapon in the NFL.
Dorsett’s limited production and size work against him in a crowded free agent market. In New England’s offense, he seemingly could fill that outside receiver role that Deion Branch occupied so well despite being undersized. Another year in New England with Tom Brady could conceivably get Dorsett to another big step forward.
If Dorsett does not find a suitor willing to throw money at him, he is likely to return for a short contract with a chance to re-establish his value.
Expected Cost: One year, $4 to $5 million mostly guaranteed
Keep or Cut Loose: KEEP