Patriots: 3 free agents that will be a total waste of money for New England

1. WR AJ Green

AJ Green has his worst professional season in 2020

Green is a seven-time Pro Bowler that will go down as one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, while many expected him to be a reliable safety blanket for Joe Burrow, injuries that limited him to nine games in the last two years really seemed to take their toll on him. The most noteworthy issue was his struggles with getting separation deep.

Green tallied just 47 catches and two touchdowns last year, falling behind Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins in Burrow’s pecking order. Belichick has been known to give second-chances to veterans who have been hampered by injuries, and the Patriots need reinforcements at wide receiver. This pairing could be a win-win, right?

Wrong. The Patriots need speed and downfield playmaking right now, and Green offers neither of those traits. When his lack of speed is piled onto the fact he’s been hurt for the last few seasons and could seek a featured role in whichever passing game he ends up in, New England would be better off without him.

Belichick tried to poach an elite Bengals wide receiver once before in Chad Johnson, and he failed with the Patriots. Green can still use his frame to be a solid possession receiver, but the Patriots need more guaranteed production than projectable production. Green isn’t the answer.

Patriots Mock Draft: 7-round mock with all SEC players

This New England Patriots mock draft is seven rounds and only features players from SEC schools given Bill Belichick's history with the conference