The New England Patriots signed receiver Phillip Dorsett to a one-year deal worth up to $2.6 million in 2019. Here’s how that deal broke down for the upcoming season, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Chances Dorsett makes the roster: 90 percent.
What the contract means for Dorsett: Dorsett entered free agency with hopes of being a starter, and returned to New England on a relatively small deal. Clearly, he didn’t find what he was looking for in free agency. He’ll have to take one more year in the Patriots offense to try to prove himself as a legitimate starting receiver. Perhaps next offseason, he’ll get that starting role and starting contract that comes with it. With New England’s receiving corps as they are, Dorsett could compete for a starting role. He’d be a favorite if the position group stayed the same. But surely, it won’t. The Patriots will likely add more players in free agency, through the draft and, perhaps, with a trade. But Dorsett’s knowledge of the playbook should be an asset as he fights for a roster spot. He’s also one of Belichick’s favorites. So Dorsett is likely to make the roster, and make all of the money on his deal. But he’s banking on himself to put up big numbers in 2019 — we’ll see how that gamble pays off.
