Patriots add another receiver to their practice squad

As they prepare for their first game of the regular season, the Patriots hosted several players for free-agent workouts on Monday, most of which were receivers.  Although not a position of need, Bill Belichick appears to realize the importance of depth in such an important part of the roster, a position that has been a struggle for them over the last few years.

Of the group they brought in, the coach would choose to sign Laquon Treadwell to their practice squad. He will join a handful of other receivers there in Lynn Bowden Jr., Lil’Jordan Humphrey, and Tre Nixon.

Who is Laquon Treadwell?

• AGE: 27
• HEIGHT: 6’2″
• WEIGHT: 215 lbs.
• COLLEGE: University of Mississippi

Selected 23rd overall in the 2016 draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Laquon Treadwell never established himself as a key part of Kirk Cousins’ offense.

He would spend four seasons in Minnesota, playing in 53 games, totaling 65/107 receptions for 701 yards and two touchdowns. Because he was unable to live up to his draft status of a first-round pick, the Vikings would not pick up his fifth-year option.

Treadwell would choose to sign with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2020 free agency period but faced a similar fate with his new team. They would elevate him from the practice squad to the game-day roster, which led him to only play in five total games for the Falcons.

With such limited opportunities on the field, Treadwell only made 6 receptions for 49 yards and two touchdowns in his one season with the team.  He would go on to explore free agency once again in 2021, eventually signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. And unlike his previous seasons, he would make a bigger impact on this team.

Despite being signed, Treadwell would start the year on the practice squad. However, he would take the field for 12 games and have the most productive year of his career.  In those 12 games, he totaled 33/51 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown. Because of his ability to perform well for them, the Jaguars would re-sign him after the end of the season. But with the roster cutdowns of last week, Treadwell was unable to make the team and was released.

How can he help the Patriots?

Treadwell’s signing to the practice squad creates a good cushion for the Patriots in their receiver room. What makes his presence more interesting, however, is he was clearly viewed as a first-round talent when originally drafted. Although he has yet to perform up to his draft status, it’s possible Belichick found another hidden gem.

With rookie Tyquan Thornton sidelined for a minimum of four games, those on the practice squad will be vying for a chance to join the team in his absence. Treadwell joins the list of offensive talent competing to suit up with the team as soon as this week. But because New England is planning to leave for Miami far earlier than usual (on Tuesday), it’s unlikely he will make the trip.

How Treadwell can contribute to the Patriots is yet to be seen. Having not spent the preseason in New England, it’s unknown how his chemistry will be with Mac Jones and how he fits with the game-day roster.

Over the next few weeks, if he can make an impression at practice, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him chosen to be elevated from the practice squad. But until then, there’s a healthy competition brewing amongst some talented pass catchers in Foxboro.