What happened: New England overhauled its receiver room this offseason, trading for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles and signing Romeo Doubs away from the Green Bay Packers after releasing Stefon Diggs. Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Demario Douglas return as depth pieces, joined by second-year receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III. Veterans report to the Patriots' Foxborough facility July 24.
Why it matters: The same A.J. Brown who called New England 'close to heaven' in his first Patriots remarks now headlines the group alongside Doubs, replacing the production Diggs provided. Douglas is positioned to reclaim the slot role he ran before Diggs arrived, while Boutte has told reporters he wants to remain in New England despite ongoing trade speculation around him.
By the numbers: Dixon signed for $252,500 guaranteed, the third-largest guarantee for a Patriots UDFA in Dorner posted 911 receiving yards and eight touchdowns at North Texas last season. Boutte and Drake Maye connected for 340 yards and six touchdowns on deep targets a year ago.
What to watch: Patriots veterans report to Foxborough on July 24 to open training camp, where the receiver depth chart behind Brown and Doubs will begin to take shape.