Patriots Encouraged to Sign Pro Bowl Wide Receiver for Added “Juice”
The New England Patriots are opting for a young and untested group at wide receiver, but signing Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow, who remains available in free agency, could inject “a little more juice” into the team.
According to Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus, “the Patriots could use more help at receiver” to support the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, as “there’s no true standout receiver on the roster.”
While Valentine noted “options out there aren’t extensive,” he suggested one-time Tom Brady favorite Russell Gage and Renfrow as potential targets. Gage, a well-traveled veteran, excels at getting open over the middle, but Renfrow, a former Las Vegas Raiders standout, has proven himself a reliable catch machine capable of beating coverage in various ways.
Hunter Renfrow Makes Sense for Patriots
Renfrow has often been cited as a good fit for the Patriots. His tough and resourceful possession-style aligns with the type of receivers the Patriots have featured for over two decades under former head coach Bill Belichick. Players like Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, and Julian Edelman thrived in the slot, moving the chains and staying productive between the numbers.
Belichick favored these QB-friendly targets, and a first-year passer like Maye would benefit from a veteran with Renfrow’s work ethic and intelligence.
Renfrow, 28, earned Pro Bowl honors by catching 103 passes from 128 targets in 2021, primarily from the inside. He continued to excel from the slot in 2023, playing 314 snaps from the position. Renfrow can also beat coverage on the perimeter, as demonstrated by his touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during his standout season. His ability to beat press coverage and present an easy target and large throwing window would be invaluable for Maye.
Patriots Can Risk Trusting Young Receivers
While signing Renfrow would make sense for a team with $40,595,395 in cap space, the Patriots might choose to trust their younger receivers. This could mean a larger role for 2023 NFL draft sixth-round pick DeMario Douglas, who was prolific as a rookie and has already impressed Maye.
Douglas isn’t the only young pass-catcher the Patriots could feature. A member of this year’s draft class has a knack for making tough catches, and another rookie could play his way into a niche role. With veterans Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, and JuJu Smith-Schuster still on the roster, the Patriots might feel sufficiently stocked at receiver without adding Renfrow.
However, the risk remains in relying on the unproven potential of younger players instead of the experience of a proven playmaker like Renfrow.