Analyzing the terms for WR Marqise Lee’s contract with Patriots

Marquise Lee’s deal with Patriots is extremely team-friendly.

The New England Patriots got an absolute steal with the signing of wide receiver Marqise Lee this offseason.

Lee, 28, was drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He came into the league with an extremely high ceiling, but injuries have put a halt on his success. Lee missed the entirety of the 2018 season with a knee injury and he was only able to suit up for six games in 2019.

Because of this, the Patriots were able to get him on a tremendously team-friendly contract. He signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum — giving him $300 thousand guaranteed and it’s worth up to $1.05 million, according to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.

Chances he makes the roster: 40%

The Patriots are lacking firepower at the wide receiver position and Lee could bring a much-needed outside threat if healthy. He was durable in his first four NFL seasons and had two years to work through and recover from his knee injuries.

The players with who could likely make the roster right now are Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, Damiere Byrd, Lee and Jakobi Meyers. Edelman will be 34-years-old by the time the season starts and he was beat up the majority of 2019. Lee’s health will obviously play the biggest role in whether or not he makes the roster — because the team needs help.

What it means for Lee:

This story has been written before. A high ceiling player coming off an injury joins the Patriots for a year and increases his stock. Then, they leave for a much larger deal elsewhere after helping New England work toward its annual goal of bringing the Lombardi Trophy home.

He’s already earned $14.4 million in his NFL career so far and those earnings won’t increase if he can’t prove his value. The Patriots’ championship mindset won’t change with the absence of Tom Brady and a healthy Lee will get opportunities. It’s a win-win situation for both parties involved.

Lee’s best season was in 2016 when he recorded 63 receptions for 851 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots would be better off this year if they could even get half that production.

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