With free agency just a few weeks away, the top candidates the Patriots should sign are starting to become clearer. Analysts and fans focus on which positions they should (and need to) prioritize, with the most dire being offensive linemen, pass rushers, and wide receivers.
Although those groups were arguably far improved this past season compared to the year before, there's still plenty of room for upgrading, particularly at wide receiver.
Stefon Diggs was a great addition, and the rise of players like Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins really elevated the receiving corps. But their inconsistencies, particularly in the postseason, became problematic and proved that Drake Maye needs more help.
The upcoming free agency class has some players who would fit that role perfectly, even if they aren't considered the most exciting names. That has prompted many fans to suggest a blockbuster trade as the only answer for players like AJ Brown or George Pickens, if he's franchise-tagged.
But there are other options to consider that could be more worthwhile, especially for the price.
Wide receivers the Patriots could sign who won't break the bank
Romeo Doubs
Because Mike Vrabel has made it clear that he wants to build a young team that can grow together, someone like Romeo Doubs makes a lot of sense. At just 25-years-old, the receiver has spent the first four years of his career with the Packers, splitting snaps with Christian Watson and others.
He hasn't served as a WR1, so he likely wouldn't for the Patriots, either. But if they want production and someone who has shown a lot of potential, Doubs fits that criteria.
In 2025, he recorded 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns, which would have made him the second-most productive receiver on the Patriots' roster last season. He can clearly be relied upon and bring the speed that is lacking in the current receiver room, and would add a veteran presence alongside Diggs.
Rashid Shaheed
If the Patriots want an explosive option that might not put up the most impressive stats but is a dual threat with his skills on special teams, they won't have to look any further than recent Super Bowl Champion Rashid Shaheed.
The 27-year-old was traded to Seattle last season before the trade deadline, and immediately made his mark to help fill the receiving corps beyond Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While he didn't stand out on the box score, he did record 59 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns between the Saints and Seahawks, and really came alive once the postseason began.
In fact, he returned the opening kickoff against the 49ers for a touchdown to put his team on top, and that edge on special teams makes him an even more intriguing option for the Patriots.
Jauan Jennings
Signing former 49ers receivers has worked well for New England in the past (e.g., Kendrick Bourne), so bringing in Jauan Jennings would presumably yield similar results.
The 2020 7th-round draft pick has seen his role in San Francisco increase since he joined the team, particularly over the last two seasons, as the offense has dealt with numerous injuries to their most important players.
That is especially true for Jennings in Brandon Aiyuk's absence, as he recorded 132 receptions for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns in 30 games over the last two years. He's the most proven player on this list, and could be a difference-maker for the Patriots.
He's not the fastest option, but he's physical and has proven to be a better receiver than many expected in the NFL. That's the kind of player Vrabel loves to have on the team, and Jennings has shown himself to be hungry to improve and be a leading producer on the offense, which he would inevitably bring to Foxboro.