The New England Patriots knew that this offseason, they had to get Drake Maye a No. 1 receiver.
With Stefon Diggs released, some thought A.J. Brown would make his way to New England, and at least right now, that hasn't happened.
Instead, the Patriots signed Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract. That is a lot of money.
But Doubs could be worth it, as he's posted at least 600 yards in each of his last three seasons, with 2025 (724) his best return.
However, for ESPN's Aaron Schatz, he has a rather bold prediction for Doubs in New England if the franchise doesn't land Brown.
"Doubs gives the Patriots a strong receiver who can replace Stefon Diggs and run all kinds of routes: intermediate, over the middle, outs and even the occasional deep pattern,β Schatz wrote.
βHe might end up as the Patriots' top option if they can't work out an A.J. Brown trade, so don't be surprised if he tops 1,000 yards for the first time.β
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Could Doubs top 1,000 yards?
Of course, he could, but given his best-ever is 724 yards last season, Doubs would have to improve significantly to reach that mark.
There aren't many top weapons on New England's roster who can take catches away from him, and if the roster stays as it is, then Doubs would be the No. 1 weapon for Maye.
He's also never had more than 59 receptions in a season, either, so Doubs would need to have a career year in New England to accomplish Schatz's prediction.
It does feel like a tall order, but this is the NFL, so you never say never, and who knows, 2026 could see Doubs emerge as a genuine star in the league.
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