The New England Patriots started off with a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins but bounced back with a strong win over the New York Jets in the second week of the NFL season. While there are certainly some bright spots so far, including the development of Mac Jones at quarterback, the team clearly needs some weapons around him as well as on the defensive side of the ball to improve their chances of competing for the AFC East title. And while opinions on Jones are high, perhaps too high, there’s always room to improve.
ESPN NFL Nation reporter Mke Reiss shared that the Patriots worked out six free agents on Tuesday, including a quarterback and two wide receivers.
Patriots had these FAs in for workouts: DB Kentrell Brice (Louisiana Tech), DB Shakur Brown (Michigan State), QB Anthony Gordon (Washington State), DB Grant Haley (Penn State), WR Jaylen Smith (Louisville), WR Javon Wims (Georgia).
Also, G/C Jake Eldrenkamp (Washington) visits.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 21, 2021
Probably the biggest name on the list is Javon Wims, who was a seventh-round selection in 2018 and played in 33 games for the Chicago Bears. The former Georgia player caught 28 passes for 266 yards in those appearances but he was waived back in August. Unfortunately, Wims is probably best remembered for the time he punched a defender wearing a helmet.
The Patriots worked out free agent WR Javon Wims on Tuesday.
Wims’ most memorable moment in the NFL came after the whistle, when he punched his opponent in the helmet…https://t.co/eHZMg32Wes
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) September 21, 2021
The other wide receiver that came into camp was Jaylen Smith, who had previously signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a rookie free agent in 2019. The former Louisville player also had brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks and CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
The quarterback that the Patriots brought in was Anthony Gordon, who threw for 5,579 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions as a redshirt senior at Washington State. Gordon went undrafted but did spend some time with the Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs.
The other three free agents were all defensive backs, highlighting the need that the Pats have in that position. They include 27-year-old Kentrell Brice, 22-year-old Shakur Brown, and 25-year-old Grant Haley.
The Pats currently do have a full roster after signing center Drake Jackson to its practice squad, filling an open spot after kicker Nick Folk was signed away from the practice squad to the official roster.
Drake will be playing at Patriots practice this week … as the team has signed rookie C Drake Jackson (Kentucky) to its practice squad.
There was an open p-squad spot as kicker Nick Folk was also officially signed from the practice squad to the open spot on the 53-man roster.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 21, 2021
However, if room opens up in the coming weeks, perhaps one of the six players they brought in today will be able to make a contribution or at least fill a spot on the practice squad.
