Although the roster cut deadline is an emotional day in the NFL for various reasons, it also creates big opportunities for teams like the Patriots to sign players they otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to sign. Given their desire to be a competitive team as soon as this fall, there will inevitably be a list of names they'll be seriously considering.
They'll have some depth issues to address, and can easily resolve them by signing some of the recently released free agents. There is an emphasis on their offense, particularly the offensive line and wide receiver room, which is why they are named as a primary candidate to sign some of the more notable players.
But one name in particular, wide receiver Diontae Johnson, is not one they should even entertain, despite outlets like Pro Football and Sports Network naming them a potential suitor.
The Patriots have no reason to sign Diontae Johnson after the last two years he's had
Because most analysts believe there is a need at wide receiver this upcoming season, it's not shocking to see that the Patriots are considered a team that could sign the recently available Johnson.
It's even less surprising given the kind of productive player he once was and how that would immediately boost Drake Maye's production moving forward. But the wide receiver has had a chaotic few years in the NFL, with rumors of refusal to play late in games among other chatter, which led to him playing on three teams in 2024.
That is enough for the Patriots to avoid him, even if PFSN believes he would be a good fit.
"Maye could use Johnson as a route runner as part of the rotation, which features Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, and Kyle Williams as the primary targets. He would have to fight for reps alongside Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne at first, and could even start out on the practice squad while waiting for his chance."
While they make some intriguing claims about what Johnson could do for the offense, the idea that he could land on the practice squad doesn't make much sense for a team that went into the roster cut deadline with 11 receivers on the team, many of whom are likely going to remain with the team or be moved to the practice squad.
That would presumably make it nearly impossible for Johnson to make much of an impact and eventually play on game day. On top of that, the drama that has followed him over the last few years is not something Mike Vrabel will want in the locker room.
He has made that abundantly clear throughout the offseason, so Johnson doesn't fit the attitude that the head coach is looking for.
Furthermore, Johnson wouldn't be the type of game-changing wide receiver that the offense needs, which is why there were so many rumors connecting the Patriots to Terry McLaurin if he became available for trade. So, there's no real reason for the front office to seriously consider bringing him in for the upcoming season.