Wide receiver was a major need for the Patriots in the 2025 offseason. Head Coach Mike Vrabel moved aggressively to shore up the position by adding two veterans in Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. He also drafted explosive wideout Kyle Williams and signed a pass-catching machine, undrafted free agent, Efton Chism III, to add to his current less-than-stellar cast.
The best of the remaining cast was the capable Demario Douglas, who caught 66 passes in 2024, and Kayshon Boutte, who caught 43. No other receiver did much of anything. The question remains, especially with Diggs' uncertain injury situation, whether there's still a need for an infusion of talent there.
Absent a blockbuster trade for Terry McLaurin (a fabulous option) or Brandon Aiyuk, the options are limited. One name who's been floated as a possibility is 27-year-old Chase Claypool, a four-year veteran of three teams who didn't play at all in 2024.
The Patriots could take a flyer on Claypool for cheap
Chase Claypool began his NFL career in 2020 with 62 receptions for 820 yards and nine touchdowns. It was an auspicious debut. But after a decent 2021 season, he then proceeded to bounce around to three other teams and missed the 2024 season entirely with an injury.
CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo wrote about Claypool's start in the NFL and his hopes for a comeback.
"Claypool was the 49th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Claypool's 11 total touchdowns tied a Steelers franchise rookie record he shares with Steelers Hall of Honor member Louis Lipps and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris. Claypool's success that year helped Pittsburgh capture its most recent AFC North division title...the Steelers dealt him to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second-round pick just before the trade deadline.
"After failing to produce in Chicago, Claypool was traded to the Miami Dolphins during the 2023 season. He was not re-signed by Miami after catching just four passes during his nine games with the team...Despite those setbacks, Claypool clearly believes he can be a valuable asset for a team that could use a playmaking receiver."
The receiver made it clear that despite his time away from the game, he's feeling better than he has in recent years, emphasizing his excitement about returning to the game he loves.
"'I am back to being the strongest and fastest I've ever been,' he wrote, 'and couldn't be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves.'"
Is Claypool worth a chance signing by the Patriots?
With Diggs' situation still unclear, the Patriots might be well-served to consider signing Claypool to a show-and-tell contract. If it's predicated on his making the team, it may be worth a try since he's still only 27 years old.
Any deal would have to be contingent on his passing a physical, of course, and a conditioning test. If he does, and shows something in camp, he might just land a final spot on the roster. As a huge wideout at 6'4" and 238 pounds, Claypool would be another big target to add to Mack Hollins for Drake Maye.
At his size, he can be counted upon to do some blocking in the run game as an almost tight-end-sized wideout. Additionally, he can maybe double as an H-back to add to Drake Maye's arsenal. All things considered, Claypool might be worth an audition for Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The worst that could happen is he won't be signed.