After parting ways with Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots need a new No. 1 WR.
The New England Patriots have been urged to target a future Hall of Famer in free agency after parting ways with Stefon Diggs.
Austin Konenski of Sportsnaut believes the Patriots should pursue Mike Evans, who may not return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"As of last week, the Patriots weren’t showing much interest in Evans. However, things change quickly in free agency. He’s one of the most accomplished receivers on the open market. The 32-year-old is coming off a season where a hamstring injury limited him to eight games. Before 2025, Evans had 11 straight seasons of over 1,000 yards. If the Patriots want to bring in a veteran X-receiver, it’d be hard to beat Evans."
Evans is one of the best wideouts in NFL history. Last season was the first time in his legendary career that he didn't record 1,000 receiving yards. The Super Bowl champion played in only eight games due to injuries.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Evans put up 368 yards last season on 30 receptions for three touchdowns. The veteran turns 33 in August.
Evans enters next season with 866 receptions for 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns. He has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers, who missed the playoffs last season. Evans is said to be open to leaving Tampa Bay.
The goal for the Patriots is to find QB Drake Maye a new No. 1 WR after the release of Diggs. Maye finished the 2025 regular season with 4,394 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns while completing 72.0% of his passes. His numbers dropped in the playoffs to six touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Maye finished the Super Bowl with 295 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two interceptions. It's fair to wonder how he would have played against the Seattle Seahawks had he not gotten hurt against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
Along with Evans, the Patriots have been linked to A.J. Brown, who could get traded by the Philadelphia Eagles.
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