Patriots could bring back familiar receiver after recent release

With all the struggles the Patriots offense has been going through this season and Bill Belichick reiterating changes would be coming to that part of the team, they could pursue a familiar player they once liked who was recently released.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey was a standout during summer practices in New England last year. He had initially signed a one-year deal in June but was waived in August during the roster cutdown and signed to the practice squad. He was elevated and reverted a few times until he was officially waived for good in November.

During his time with the Patriots, Humphrey appeared in six games and started two. He didn't get a lot of time on the field, recording just two receptions for 20 yards, but he was a player that Bill Belichick took a liking to, which may play in his favor now that the Broncos made him a free agent.

Because changes may be coming to the offense and the wide receivers have been problematic overall, Humphrey could be an intriguing prospect to sign. Not only is he familiar with the Patriots system and working with Mac Jones, but he was a unique player whose versatility could come in handy right now.

Throughout training camp last year, he stood out for his run-blocking and was primarily used as more of a tight end than a receiver. Since the offensive line has been the weakest part of the offense so far, adding a proven blocker to the lineup who can also catch some passes seems like a win/win scenario.

The good thing for Belichick will be that Humphrey is a free agent, and because he is not a top-name player, signing him would almost certainly be cheap.

It's unclear what direction he really wants to take the team, as he wouldn't be specific when grilled by the media during the week about his comments, so signing a player may not be in the cards. However, Humphrey feels like a low-risk, potentially high-reward player, which would be ideal for the offense in their current state.