The Patriots face a significant challenge at WR1 after Stefon Diggs’s unexpected departure. Amid the conversation, a former quarterback turned analyst is now urging the franchise to pursue a legitimate top receiving option.
Patriots Encouraged to Sign Elite Down-Field Threat After Stefon Diggs’ Exit
On Wednesday, March 4, moments after the Diggs release was officially announced, the NFL Live crew revealed the details and discussed what could be next for both Diggs and the Patriots.
Chase Daniel, a former NFL QB, began by stating, “They have to get a true, boundary X receiver who can do it all. … I love the fit of A.J. Brown there.”
He added, “You do have to have a playmaker for Drake Maye to go out there and actually throw the football to in those money downs… third-down, redzone.”
Daniel closed his speech by saying, “I love the fit of A.J. Brown there… or Alec Pierce, who stretches the field. Those are my top two options, and everything else you can sort of fill in.”
Later on, Daniel took to X to reiterate his initial thoughts. The analyst wrote: “A.J. Brown… Alec Pierce… Patriots HAVE to land one of these guys.”
This past season, Brown posted an 80.9 WR Impact Score, ranking 21st among all wideouts, according to the PFSN’s NFL WR Impact metrics. And despite a disconnect with QB Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni, the former All-Pro still managed to haul in 78 passes for 1,003 receiving yards and 7 touchdown scores.
Meanwhile, Pierce recorded an 84.6 WR Impact Score, placing 9th among receivers. Notably, the fourth-year WR posted his first 1,000-yard season and found the end zone 6 separate times. Pierce was also extremely efficient, logging the NFL’s second-highest yards per reception at 21.3.
As Daniel noted during the live show, New England needs a true alpha wide receiver. Thankfully, both Brown and Pierce fit that mold. Each brings size, speed, and the ability to consistently win on the outside, a skill set the Patriots seriously lacked during their postseason run.
Their current receiver room features Demario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Kayshon Boutte, players better suited for rotational roles. Either Brown or Pierce would immediately step in as the team’s top option.
With NFL Free Agency beginning on March 11, the Patriots will have a prime opportunity to sign or trade their alpha WR of the future. It will be worth monitoring the situation to see if either Pierce, Brown, or another WR ends up alongside Maye in New England.
