Last 10 receivers to surpass 1,000 yards for the New England Patriots
Brandin Cooks – 2017
Brandin Cooks is a former first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints who was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in 2017 for a first-round draft pick and other additional picks.
In Cooks’ one season playing in New England, he reeled in 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Cooks averaged 16.6 yards per catch, which is the highest in his career.
Cooks appeared in his first Super Bowl with the Patriots in Super Bowl LII, a losing effort to the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, Cooks went into concussion protocol early in the second quarter and didn’t return to the game.
The Patriots traded Cooks in 2018 to the Los Angeles Rams for a future first-round draft pick that became Isaiah Wynn and a sixth-round pick.
Wes Welker – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
The New England Patriots conducted a trade with the Miami Dolphins for Wes Welker in 2007 after he had accumulated the second-most all-purpose yards in NFL history in his first three years since Gale Sayers.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Welker evolved the slot receiver position and became an immediate workhorse for Tom Brady and the offense. Welker led the NFL in receptions in 2007, 2009, and 2011.
He also became the Patriots’ all-time receptions leader with 672 receptions.
Welker surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five of his six seasons in New England, which is the most in franchise history: 2007 (1,175 yards), 2008 (1,165 yards), 2009 (1,348 yards), 2011 (1,569 yards), and 2012 (1,354 yards).
In the same seasons, Welker also caught over 110 receptions and holds the Patriots franchise record for the most receptions in a single game, the most receiving yards in a single game, and the longest reception. He also holds the four highest single season reception totals in team history.
Although he doesn’t have the rings to prove it, Welker is by far one of the greatest wide receivers Brady has ever played with, as well as being one of the greatest receivers in NFL history.