The New England Patriots have nearly completed the offseason's Phase 2 of their rebuild with the trade for A.J. Brown. While the unfortunate season-ending injury to blocking tight end Julian Hill may require a move, for all intents and purposes, the offseason is complete.
Because of that, former NFL quarterback and now full-time analyst Dan Orlovsky voiced his view that he expects the Patriots' offense to be "one of the best" in the NFL during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show earlier this week.
If the offensive line has been improved, Orlovsky may be right. The team's major problems later in the playoffs, especially against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, will surely be tested this upcoming season.
In one area, however, they have unquestionably improved a key foundational offensive component, the receiving corps, and that will be a massive asset to Maye.
The Patriots' receiving corps is now considered among the most elite
It's been eons since the Patriots fielded a receiving corps that was elite or even approached that lofty status. Think back to the Randy Moss days, and prime Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola to remember such a luxury.
Yet now, Orlovsky thinks the Patriots have climbed to a new level in their wide receiving corps.
"I expect the New England Patriots to be one of the best offenses in football..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 2, 2026
This is the deepest wide receiver team in the AFC"@danorlovsky7 #PMSLive https://t.co/VJAufeUUel pic.twitter.com/Jk9i1nMTmh
Orlovsky hit the nail on the head. The Patriots made a concerted effort this offseason to upgrade their receiving corps, and they succeeded. First, after jettisoning de facto 2025 No. 1 receiver Stefon Diggs, they added a top No. 2 receiver, free agent Romeo Doubs. But that was just the first act.
Now, after months of endless speculation, they have finally culminated the long-anticipated trade for a true No. 1 receiver, Brown. Adding the 3-time Pro Bowler elevates an already solid Patriots' receiving corps into perhaps an elite one.
The room now is deep and talented. That combination, if the offensive line can do its job, is a prescription for victory, no matter how strong the 2026 schedule is.
Besides Brown and Doubs, the Patriots will field big-play, big target veteran receiver Mack Hollins. They also have three qualified No. 3/4 receivers. One is Kyle Williams, who'll make the roster, and the others are Kayshon Boutte and Pop Douglas, one or both of whom could be traded.
They'll round out the unit with a potential star-in-the-making, slot receiver, Efton Chism III, if the offensive coaches ever realize his potential. Undrafted free agent Kyle Dixon will probably be around on the practice squad to help when injuries bite.
No matter who comprises the final wide receiver contingent, as Orlovsky believes, it will be one of the NFL's best. Couple that with Maye, and tougher schedule or not, if the offensive line can actually deliver clean pockets, it's a prescription for another deep playoff run for the New England Patriots.
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