The Patriots made some noise on Day 2 of Free Agency, where they signed players in positions of great need for the team. The Patriots found their next left guard and added much-needed help at wide receiver.They are still in need of another edge rusher, another dynamic receiver at tight end, and a safety. And they are certainly not done at wide receiver.But they are in good shape heading into Day 3. Two of their needs could be met just by bringing back their own free agents in K’Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins, but they’re still testing their market value…as they should.There is never a dull moment in Foxborough. So, expect the news to continue.Patriots Sign Left Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker To Three-Year Deal:They found their left guard in free agency, agreeing with former Jets’ offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million on Monday night. Vera-Tucker is an uber-talented, very versatile offensive lineman who has played every position except center. However, his signing comes with great risk. No one has ever doubted AVT’s ability. But his availability has been a huge question mark. He has struggled to stay on the field. He has suffered three major injuries in five years: a torn Achilles and torn triceps (in each arm). He has missed one full season (2025) and large chunks in two others (2022, ’23). All told, he has played in only 43 out of 85 games, making him a high-risk/high-reward free agent.The Jets moved up in the 2021 NFL Draft to select AVT 14th overall, one pick above New England, who selected Mac Jones with the 15th pick. Given his injury history, backup interior offensive lineman Ben Brown’s roster spot takes on even more importance. However, it would be surprising to see the Patriots draft a young guard in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft in April.Doubs Solidifies Wide Receiver Position:The Patriots addressed their biggest need on Tuesday, agreeing to bring in former Green Bay wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal worth up to $80 million. But they certainly aren’t done adding to the position.It was a big signing for the team; they had released Stefon Diggs prior to free agency, and missed out on Colts WR Alec Pierce, who opted to remain in Indianapolis for a four-year, $116 million contract on Monday. The best part of the deal was that the Patriots didn’t have to give up any draft capital to bring him on board.The terms that the Patriots signed Doubs for are favorable compared to other WRs that have also been signed this week. Free-agent wideouts Wan’Dale Robinson (Titans, four years, $70 million), Mike Evans (49ers, three years, $60.4 million), and Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks, three years, $51 million) also signed on Monday. Evans is the most productive of all the players listed, but apparently, the Patriots were not interested in him. Perhaps his age (he turns 33 in August) and the fact that he was coming off an injury-riddled season played into that decision. Doubs caught 55 passes for a career-high 724 yards with six touchdowns in 2025. He also had a big playoff game with eight catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ postseason loss to the Bears.He’s not an elite WR, and he’s not a #1 receiver either. But he’s a very good one, who excels in one area the Patriots struggled in all season; the red zone. Eighteen of his 21 touchdowns have come in the red zone, and 12 of those come within the 10-yard line or closer. His two TDs in the postseason are also in the red zone.That means he’s very good at getting separation off the line of scrimmage quickly. That will resonate well with his new quarterback, Drake Maye. Doubs has good size at 6’2, 204, and was a fourth-round draft pick out of Nevada. He’s a good route-runner and can play inside, outside, and out of the slot. And at just 25 years old, he’ll turn 26 this year. He’s young and has time to grow with Maye. And it is safe to assume, he’ll have a bigger role in New England than he did with Green Bay.The WR depth chart now consists of Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism, John Jiles, and Jeremiah Webb. Only Doubs, Boutte, and Williams are signed beyond 2026.Adam Schefter reported that this move doesn’t preclude them from still pursuing WR A.J. Brown from the Eagles. One player whose name keeps popping up is Brian Thomas of the Jaguars, but Schefter reported that Jacksonville is not open to trading him. If the Patriots decide not to pursue Brown any further, there are a lot of wide receivers available in the draft. If that is the route they choose, look for them to target a bigger slot receiver and possibly trade DeMario Douglas at some point.Remaining Patriots’ Free Agents:The Patriots still have several free agents who have not yet been signed by the team or others. Chaisson, Hawkins, and Gibbens are the three biggest names on the list. There are rumors that the Washington Commanders are interested in Chaisson. So, that will bear watching.We’ve read that Hawkins isn’t getting the interest that he’d hoped to find in free agency. Now would be a perfect time to bring back Hawkins and add a younger safety in the draft, and let him develop. We still expect the team to bring back Gibbens soon. K’Lavon Chaisson LB Jaylinn Hawkins S Jack Gibbens LB Thayer Munford Jr. OT Yasir Durant OT Alex Austin CB Jaquelin Roy DL Isaiah Iton DL Deneric Prince RBChristian Gonzalez Extension News: While there is still no news on the team and Christian Gonzalez working on an extension, we should expect that to get done at some point before the team gets to training camp this July. Stay tuned for the comings and goings on Day 3.Crosby Trade Nixed By Baltimore:The Baltimore Ravens, after agreeing to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, sending two first-round draft picks for Maxx Crosby, have pulled out of the deal. According to Diana Russini, Crosby failed his physical with the Ravens after his offseason knee surgery, and the Ravens have backed out of the deal. No deals agreed to are valid until the league year begins on March 11, at 4:00 p.m.Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]Listen to our PatsFans.com Patriots No Huddle podcasts on Apple and YouTube as Derek Havens, Mike D’Abate, and I discuss the latest Patriots news and game analysis.
ð Questions Answered in This ArticleWhat are the terms of Alijah Vera-Tucker's contract with the Patriots?The Patriots signed Alijah Vera-Tucker to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million. He is an uber-talented, versatile offensive lineman with a significant injury history, having missed 42 out of 85 games.What is Romeo Doubs' contract with the Patriots?Romeo Doubs signed a four-year deal worth up to $80 million with the Patriots. He is a very good wide receiver, excelling in the red zone, and is expected to have a bigger role in New England.What are the Patriots' remaining needs after Day 2 of free agency?After Day 2, the Patriots still need another edge rusher, a dynamic tight end, and a safety. They are also not done adding at wide receiver. Key remaining free agents include K'Lavon Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, and Jack Gibbens.Like this article?Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
About Steve BalestrieriA former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
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