The New England Patriots are in a major makeover mode in the 2025 offseason. New head honcho Mike Vrabel took the reins in January and has reshaped, remodeled, and refashioned a roster that was among the worst in the NFL in 2024.
Vrabel hasn't spared even seasoned starters and veterans like David Andrews, Davon Godchaux, Jonathan Jones, and Ja'Whaun Bentley in his reconstruction. If they don't fit his new model, they will be on their way. Expect more turnover in the coming months.
One player who seemed immune to such a scenario is the team's best 2024 receiver, Demario Douglas. Douglas led the Patriots with 66 catches last season, yet that hasn't discouraged some surprising speculation that he could also be on the hot seat.
Analyst speculates Pop Douglas could be traded or released
In a shocking suggestion, an analyst isn't ruling out the unlikely scenario that Pop Douglas could be part of the exodus from Foxborough this offseason. As farfetched as it may seem, Cam Garrity of Patriots Wire lists Douglas as a possibility for what he calls "shocking roster cuts".
"Let’s be clear: DeMario “Pop” Douglas was one of the few bright spots in New England’s 2023 and 2024 offense... But the 2025 roster build tells a different story.
Keeping both Douglas and (Efton) Chism would be redundant. Both are smaller slot receivers, and both would require designed touches to make a weekly impact. If the Patriots prefer to diversify their receiver archetypes—or save a roster spot for special teams—Douglas could become an unlikely trade candidate, or even a cut.
This wouldn’t be about talent. It would be about fit, direction and managing a suddenly deep receivers room. It would certainly be surprising, but not impossible. I, for one, would love to keep them both and move on from Mack Hollins, if I had to make a choice."
Garrity pulled no punches about the Pats possibly moving on from their best receiver in 2024. Yet, he makes some interesting points about the redundancy of skills that could mitigate towards Vrabel's trading Douglas for a player at a position of greater need.
Douglas may be a trade candidate
If Efton Chism III and Mack Hollins, both slot reviewers of different types, continue to impress, then Garrity's hypothesis may have traction. Both Chism and Hollins are Vrabel signees. Douglas was part of the old regime. It's an issue.
Chism is a pass-catching machine who caught 120 passes and 13 touchdowns in 2024 at Eastern Washington. He signed as an undrafted free agent on a guaranteed $234,000 deal. He's also impressed mightily in the camps and has already established a rapport with quarterback Drake Maye. He'll make the team and maybe get a lot of reps.
Hollins, alternatively, is a veteran playmaker who has top size at 6'4", and 221 pounds. Almost all of his catches are for first-downs or touchdowns. He'll also be part of the mix and will be a definite third-down and big red zone target for Maye. There's super value-added there.
The thought of Douglas being released is unrealistic. He's a solid player with talent. He won't be sent packing without remuneration. The best option for the Pats, if they think Chism can play the right way and Hollins is a solid fit, is to include Douglas in a trade.
Vrabel needs a left guard. He's operating now with a hodgepodge of maybes. He rates the offensive line, having already brought in a half dozen new participants. Yet, left guard is a weak link, and that can break the chain of protection. If he can get a solid guard for Douglas, it makes sense.
Alternatively, Vrabel may wish to go for the gold and try to trade for a star player. Names like receiver Terry McLaurin, or super edge players T.J. Watt or Trey Hendricksen, are game-changers. It would take a first-round pick and more to land any of them. Including Douglas in such a trade might help bridge any valuation gaps.
Speculation that Pop Douglas may play elsewhere in 2025 is just that, speculation. It's unlikely he'll be playing anywhere but Foxborough in 2025. Yet, it all depends on how Vrabel and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels view Douglas and the rest of the receiving corps. If they think they can improve the team with a trade of Douglas or anyone else, don't be surprised if it happens.