Now, it feels as though it’s less about adding depth and more about hunting for another elite playmaker to join Diggs, who can perform against top defenses. Given that opponents were clamping down on Diggs and TE Hunter Henry between the numbers, adding a dynamic outside receiver to complement their two inside threats makes the most sense for the Patriots. That said, it gets tricky for two reasons. First, Boutte and Hollins played well in those outside receiver roles, so adding an impact playmaker means there will be an odd man out. Second, the options for adding a legitimate No. 1 receiver or a 1B to Diggs are limited in the veteran market.
If he hits unrestricted free agency, which is far from a given, Colts free-agent Alec Pierce is the top prize. Pierce is one of the league’s premier deep threats as the league-leader in yards per reception over the last two seasons. Pierce has good size (6-3, 211) and legit vertical speed (4.41s 40), making him a great size-speed weapon on the outside for a deep-ball artist like Maye. There will be debates about whether Pierce is a true No. 1 option or a nice sidekick, which could bring into question how much of an upgrade Pierce is compared to Boutte, Hollins, and others. Plus, Pro Football Focus projects Pierce will earn roughly $25 million per year on the open market. If he shakes free, Pierce would be a great fit, but the price tag will be hefty.
Barring a splash trade acquisition such as A.J. Brown or another veteran, Pierce is the guy on the veteran market. After him, there’s either pass-catchers with more baggage (Pickens), receivers similar to the Patriots current players (Shaheed, Doubs), or aging veterans (Evans, Samuel, Hopkins, Cooks) – it thins out quickly. New England might need to turn to the draft, where they could take another swing on projected first-rounders Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion or a day-two cluster that includes Chris Brazzell II, Omar Cooper Jr., and others.
Ideally, the Patriots could find another blue-chip talent to add to their wide receiver room that would make defenses pay for taking out or think twice about doubling Diggs and complete New England’s passing offense by having true coverage-dictators on the inside and outside. If that opportunity doesn’t come to fruition, the Patriots have enough with proper protection, sound scheming, and an elevator in Maye to be a productive passing offense in 2026.
