The New England Patriots finally added a slot receiver after trying and failing to court Golden Tate, Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley. The Patriots instead landed on Bruce Ellington.
Ellington could factor into the Patriots’ plans in two ways. He could be a slot receiver, like he has been for a similar offense in Houston, where Ellington spent a year and a half. He will also factor into the competition at kick returner and punt returner, where Ellington contributed during his three-year stint in San Francisco where he started his career.
The receiver has bounced around the league from the 49ers to the Texans to the Lions because of injuries issues. He suffered a series of hamstring problems that led him to getting some of the hamstring surgically removed. Perhaps in part because of the injuries, Ellington has not realized his potential after being a fourth-round pick in 2014. The 5-foot-9, 200-pound pass-catcher had an impressive final college season with 49 receptions for 775 yards (at 15.8 yards per reception) and eight touchdowns. The flashes of talent he showed in that college season haven’t come to fruition in the NFL.
The Patriots seem intent upon giving him another shot to show his potential with a one-year deal. So far, the depth chart is shaping up in a way that could give him a serious chance to make the roster and contribute. The Patriots missed out on the best receivers in free agency, and will likely have to look to the draft to restock the position. Ellington will join receivers Julian Edelman and Phillip Dorsett, among others. The Patriots also placed an original-round tender on Josh Gordon in restricted free agency, which should be enough to retain him. But then there’s the question of when he can get off suspension — and if he can stay off suspension.
The picture is hazy for the Patriots at receiver. Ellington’s future in the NFL is even hazier. But perhaps that’s advantageous for both parties as they’ve come to a deal together. Ellington will get a shot and the receiver-needy Patriots will get a pass-catcher with knowledge of their system and, likely, a sense of desperation.
