The Patriots would be wise to target the Jets’ #1 WR Berrios. Here are 5 reasons why New England should go after him in free agency.
The “ny jets roster” is a team that has been struggling for some time. The Jets are in need of an upgrade, and the Patriots should target New England’s division rival to acquire the wide receiver.
Highlights of the article:
- In free agency, the New England Patriots must chase New York Jets receiver Braxton Berrios.
- Berrios, a former New England draftee, was surprisingly named All-Pro last season for his special teams prowess.
- Despite the fact that the Miami product checks all of the Patriots’ boxes, he must decide whether the six-time Super Bowl winners are the right fit for him.
Because the New York Jets are still the laughingstock of the NFL, its finest players frequently go unrecognized. When the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots battled for the AFC East crown, why should anybody have worried about veteran receiver and All-Pro returner Braxton Berrios?
Berrios’ accomplishments in 2021 should have been noted by the Patriots, and not only because the six-time Super Bowl winners picked the Miami native in 2018. New England would be smart to explore a reunion with the powerful slot receiver when the new league year starts later this month, more than two years after giving up on him.
Braxton Berrios ticks all of the boxes for the New England Patriots as a wide receiver.
Berrios isn’t the most intimidating receiver at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds. Last season, despite his lack of stature, the former All-ACC wideout had 46 receptions for 431 yards and two scores in 16 games and one start. On seven carries, he ran for 40 yards and two scores.
However, making Berrios the full-time kick returner was maybe the finest choice first-year Jets head coach Robert Saleh made in 2021. In order to win first-team All-Pro honors, the former Miami Hurricanes player averaged 30.4 yards per kick return and scored a 102-yard touchdown.
Berrios ticks all of the boxes that the Patriots should be looking for in a wide receiver. Even though he isn’t the largest player on the field, he exploits his stature and physique to avoid tacklers. He’s a starter who helps on special teams, although as a returner rather than a kickoff and punt coverage specialist who just runs downfield.
Berrios was selected with a sixth-round selection by the Patriots for a reason. They noticed his potential as well as the tenacity he continues to display on every down. Although advanced statistics may not account for much in the way of attitude and spirit, certain personality qualities still matter in 2022.
Berrios is nearing the end of his career, which is excellent for Mac Jones.
Should the New England Patriots sign Braxton Berrios of the New York Jets? | Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Given the Jets’ abysmal season, Berrios’ 2021 stats may have been forgotten, and the Patriots’ out-of-character 2021 expenditures may have been overlooked as well. Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, as well as wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, each received a $77.5 million guarantee from the Patriots. The Patriots, on the other hand, reached the playoffs mostly due to a strong rushing game and a formidable defense.
Some Patriots supporters may argue that the organization should not promise any more money to a skill player, particularly one who failed to break out in New England the first time around. Let’s not pretend, however, that Berrios is on track to sign a five-year, $100 million deal. The 26-year-old is expected to sign a four-year, $23.6 million contract this summer, according to Spotrac.
Let’s pretend Spotrac is being nice and Berrios is being paid $4 million every season. New England can afford to sign Berrios at that salary, particularly given his importance on special teams. Even if he isn’t a very dangerous receiver, his flexibility might rapidly propel him to the top of Mac Jones’ target list in 2022.
It’s also worth mentioning that veteran receiver N’Keal Harry, who has consistently failed in his first three seasons, is largely likely to be released by the Patriots. Despite the fact that Jakobi Meyers is a restricted free agent, there is no reason to believe he will not return to the Patriots in 2022.
Would the Patriots use Berrios in the same manner as the Jets? And would it make a difference?
Berrios does not seem to be a receiver capable of averaging 70 receptions, 800 yards, and six touchdowns every season. He’s a versatile menace who can outshine opponents in the air, on jet sweeps, and on kick returns. There’s no shame about that, and he was named to the All-Pro team for a reason.
Despite their limitations, the Jets used Berrios well. Would the Patriots make the same decision? New England have yet to appoint an offensive coordinator as of publishing, and there’s no certainty the Patriots would replace Josh McDaniels, who resigned to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Some may argue that the absence of a typical offensive coordinator is unimportant. However, head coach Bill Belichick and offensive assistant Joe Judge, who is said to be engaged in play-calling, could not employ Berrios as well as the Jets did, which would be a mistake.
Despite our pessimism, Berrios is an excellent fit for the Patriots. Whether or whether they make perfect sense for him will be a topic of discussion between the two parties in the coming weeks.
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