The New England Patriots aren’t done shopping.
Even after landing Stefon Diggs in one of the biggest free agent wide receiver splashes of the offseason, the Patriots are reportedly still in the market for veteran pass-catchers — including one notable three-time All-Pro — as they look to surround second-year quarterback Drake Maye with as much talent as possible.
Patriots Eye Additional WR After Diggs Deal to Boost Drake Maye’s Weapons
Diggs, who agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with $26 million guaranteed on March 25, is expected to be the featured weapon in New England’s passing game. He fills a glaring need for a true No. 1 receiver — a piece the Patriots have been missing for years — and gives Maye a reliable playmaker with elite route running and big-play ability.
But according to recent chatter, the Patriots may not be done just yet.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Despite recently signing Stefon Diggs, the Patriots are still in the market for a veteran wide receiver, per @scottzolak
Tyler Lockett has been heavily rumored around the Pats.
(via the @ZoandBertrand show) pic.twitter.com/XIpJ10WBUm
— Patscentral (@JT_MVP100)
Patriots color analyst Scott Zolak said on his 98.5 The Sports Hub show “Zolak & Bertrand” that former Seahawks standout Tyler Lockett has been “heavily rumored” around Foxborough. Lockett, a three-time All-Pro with more than 7,600 career receiving yards, would add speed, veteran leadership, and a slot presence to a receiving room that’s starting to take shape.
In addition to Diggs and potentially Lockett, New England signed Mack Hollins earlier this offseason to a two-year deal. Hollins brings size, blocking ability and special teams value, further rounding out the group.
The urgency to upgrade the offense is justified.
New England finished 28th in EPA per play and 30th in points per drive last season, placing in the bottom six of Pro Football Network’s Offense+ metrics. The lack of consistency and firepower at wide receiver made life tough for Maye, one of the few bright spots on an otherwise stagnant offense.
Still, there’s room for optimism in Foxborough.
Between Maye’s promising rookie campaign and the team’s aggressive moves in free agency, the Patriots appear focused on building a strong foundation around their young quarterback — and the upcoming NFL Draft could further that effort.
According to Bet Massachusetts, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks is New England’s current favorite to be selected with the No. 3 overall pick, listed at +350. He’s followed by a two-way tie between LSU tackle Will Campbell and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, both at +400.
Whichever direction they go, the message is clear: the Patriots are building around Maye.
If the front office can follow through, land another proven veteran at wide receiver, and hit on the right player at No. 3, it could mark a pivotal moment in New England’s rebuild. For the first time since the Tom Brady-era Super Bowl runs, the Patriots may finally be putting together a complete supporting cast on offense.