The New England Patriots continue to stay active in the receiver market in free agency. They are interested in veteran wideout Jordy Nelson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Raiders released Nelson last week after just one season. He is among the best receivers available in free agency. The Patriots, meanwhile, showed interest in free agent receivers Adam Humphries, Cole Beasley and Golden Tate. The team went so far as to get into a bidding war over Humphries. Clearly, New England is interested in adding talent at the position.
So far, the Patriots have signed receivers Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris. While they may provide some depth at the position, they don’t have a history as starters, and are unlikely to compete for top jobs at the position.
Nelson, however, would be immediately relevant in the competition for a starting role among receivers Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett and, if the Patriots can retain him in restricted free agency, Josh Gordon. Nelson, 33, finished 2018 with 63 receptions for 739 yards and three touchdowns. He had a three-year stint in Green Bay when he notched over 1,000 yards in every season from 2013 to 2016. Perhaps the Patriots think they can bring some of that production back, despite Nelson’s age.
