Mac Jones’ favorite college receiver in talks with Patriots

It’s that time of year when every interaction the Patriots have with a free agent, or who they meet with at the combine, becomes front-page news that we all obsess over for weeks.

The latest player that piqued our interest was Slade Bolden, the former Alabama wide receiver who also happens to be close friends with quarterback Mac Jones.

So when Bolden was available to be drafted last year, many fans hoped Bill Belichick would add either him or Jones’ other favorite college receiver and teammate, John Metchie. Instead, Bolden went undrafted and eventually signed with the Ravens, while the Texans took Metchie in the second round.

But now the Patriots have their chance to reunite the former teammates, as Bolden is currently a free agent after being released by Baltimore in October. They had him in for a workout last week, which excited many fans, but with no contract signed and no further information provided, it seemed like Jones’ reunion would not be taking place.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, that’s not necessarily the case.

"“The Patriots had free agent slot receiver Slade Bolden in for a workout last week, and while there wasn’t an imminent signing, the sides are expected to keep an open dialogue as free agency unfolds. Bolden is one of Mac Jones’ closest friends from their time together at Alabama and also played one season under O’Brien, the Patriots’ new OC. The workout could be a tip-off that the Patriots are altering their view of what they want in the slot, going back to their old-school roots.”"

Reiss essentially says that no news isn’t bad news while also revealing the Patriots and Bolden will remain in contact. Because they’re still looking to add depth to their receiving corps, especially with Jakobi Meyers’ return appearing more doubtful by the day, their interest in Bolden could rise in the coming weeks.