5 receivers the Patriots can still sign after falling short on Calvin Ridley

D.J. Chark

One of the younger options still available to sign is D.J. Chark, whose career with the Jaguars started strong, but with the constant turnover on the roster and coaching staff, he moved on to the Lions and is now a free agent after one season with the Panthers.

The last two years have been consistent for Chark, recording 30+ receptions and over 500 yards in each while averaging 15.8 yards per catch. Those were the numbers he put up, not being the WR1 for either team, yet those were similar to DeMario Douglas's numbers for the Patriots last season, which was the highest among all receivers on the team.

If Chark could bring that type of production to Foxboro, he'd fit right in and make an impact.

He wouldn't necessarily be considered the top receiver on the team, but the Patriots may not be fortunate to find that this offseason. They'll have to accept a guy like Chark, who has consistent production and reliability, over a flashy top-name player.

Michael Thomas

Remember when Michael Thomas was one of the best receivers in the National Football League? He recorded over 1,000 yards four seasons in a row with the Saints, earned three Pro Bowl honors, and won the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2019.

Well, that guy is available now but is far from who he used to be. He might not be setting records or remaining atop the leaderboard in receiving yards, but he could still be a productive part of an offense when adequately utilized.

The now 31-year-old has had a tumultuous four-year stretch in his career, headlined by repeated injuries that kept him off the field far more than on it. That makes his desirability a little more questionable, but at this point, the Patriots don't have the luxury of being too picky.

Thomas has proven he can be an offensive threat that intimidates opposing defenses. Although most of those days are likely behind him, he still has many tools in his arsenal that can make him a legitimate threat within the Patriots' offense.

With a better coaching staff to work with and a more consistent quarterback to catch from, there's no reason to believe he couldn't be a sneaky good signing for them this offseason.

Read more from Musket Fire: