The New England Patriots' wide receiver corps was incredibly disappointing in 2024, and to their credit, they certainly aided their shortcomings with their offseason additions. Stefon Diggs was the marquee addition, but Mack Hollins was added as a depth option and special teamer. Kyle Williams was selected in the third round, and UDFA Efton Chism III impressed enough to make the roster.
The additions are, of course, welcome, but fans are mostly in agreement that this group isn't enough despite a 33-point offensive explosion on Sunday against the Dolphins.
The emergence of Kayshon Boutte has helped to alleviate the need further, but adding another name to an already crowded receiver room should be something the team does its due diligence on.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests one wideout that could be available is the Jets' Allen Lazard. The 29-year-old had his best season in 2022 with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, totaling 788 receiving yards and six touchdowns from 60 grabs. He would total 841 yards in his next two seasons after signing with the Jets, and has yet to make a catch this year.
Allen Lazard wouldn't make much sense for the Patriots
While Lazard has been a productive wideout in a depth role throughout his career, his time with the Jets has been less than ideal. The talent at the position for the Jets is nothing crazy either: Garrett Wilson is no doubt a star, but Josh Reynolds is ideally a WR3.
2024 UDFA Isaiah Williams and 2025 fourth-round pick from Georgia Arian Smith occupy the other spots alongside veteran Tyler Johnson, who had 828 yards in his first four seasons.
The Jets releasing the Iowa State product wouldn't make much sense given their lack of talent at the position, but it isn't off the table. Come Week 12 or so, if he is still struggling, they could opt for a younger option and show Lazard the door. It seems unlikely anyone would give more than a conditional late-round pick in a trade for him.
At this point, the Patriots have their depth. Diggs and Boutte are the surefire starters, and Pop Douglas mans the slot despite a disappointing start to the year. Mack Hollins had his first touchdown for the team in Week 2, and rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III offer depth. Should the Patriots acquire Lazard, he'd likely be in the WR4-WR6 range -- giving up a pick for that seems unnecessary.
As mentioned previously, Lazard could be released later in the year, and if that's the case, there should be interest in a practice squad role with potential elevations. For the time being, though, giving up draft capital for a depth receiver doesn't make much sense. Perhaps in the event of an injury, they could make a move, but time will tell.