Still, while it might not be the whirlwind spree the Patriots went on at the start of last year’s free agency, they’re starting to spend.
The Patriots on Monday added two other notable pieces on offense: guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (three-year, $42M deal with $21M guaranteed) and fullback Reggie Gilliam (three-year deal worth up to $12M with $6M fully guaranteed). They also added Dre’Mont Jones to their defensive line (three-year, $39.5M deal).
Doubs joins a receiver group that currently includes Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. The Patriots released wide receiver Stefon Diggs last week, leaving a hole for Doubs to fill in their passing offense.
Prior to free agency, the Patriots were connected to other free agents, including Alec Pierce and Jalen Nailor. After Pierce re-signed with the Colts and Nailor left the Vikings for the Raiders, the Patriots pivoted to Doubs.
Doubs has caught 202 passes for 2,424 yards (12.0-yard average) and 21 touchdowns in 59 games (50 starts). He’s also been highly productive in four career playoff games, catching 20 passes for 371 yards and two TDs, including an eight-catch, 124-yard, one-TD outing in the Packers’ playoff loss to the Bears this past January.