The New England Patriots released wide receiver Brandon LaFell and tight end Scott Chandler earlier this month, and while many expected to New England to land a notable free agent like Jets running back Matt Forte, they have continued to go about their business quietly.
The Patriots have been known for finding talented playmakers that other teams have passed on or haven't utilized correctly. New England grabbed tight end Rob Gronkowski in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, and he has very quickly become the best player at the position in the league, if not the best overall weapon. Gronkowski is just one of multiple examples, as former seventh round draft pick and collegiate quarterback Julian Edelman has developed into arguably the best slot receiver in the NFL and has become a reliable outlet for quarterback Tom Brady.
The Patriots may have found their next unexpected playmaker in New England, as they have reportedly offered a three-year deal to restricted free agent wide receiver Chris Hogan. The deal is reportedly worth $12 million, and his former team, the Buffalo Bills, will have five days to match whenever the offer sheet is officially signed.
The Bills will get no compensation for the receiver, as they used a low restricted free agent tender on him, and given the structure of his new deal in New England, the Bills are reportedly not expected to match the offer. Hogan's contract is reportedly front-loaded counting for a $5.5 million salary cap charge this upcoming season, which will make it difficult for the Bills to retain him.
The undrafted receiver out of Monmouth checks all the boxes for the Patriots system, as he is a hard worker who played lacrosse at Penn State before playing both wide receiver and cornerback at Monmouth. Hogan is an athlete that has shown that with time in the league, he can progress, and he is coming over two-consecutive seasons in which he recorded over 400 receiving yards in Buffalo.
While he may not be the big playmaker that Patriots fans were hoping to land in free agency, Hogan could prove to be a viable weapon for New England, as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is one of the best talent evaluators and continually gets the most out of his players.
