The New England Patriots are signing receiver Marqise Lee, according to a ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Jacksonville Jaguars released Lee earlier this week after he spent all but six days of the 2019 season on injured reserve.
He logged just three receptions for 18 yards last season, but had three touchdown catches and over 700 receiving yards in each of his previous two seasons.
Lee joins a receiver group which includes Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Devin Ross and Quincy Adeboyejo. The Patriots also have 12 picks in the upcoming draft. It’s likely the Patriots’ list of wideouts will grow in the coming days.
Patriots are signing former Jaguars’ WR Marqise Lee to a one-year contract, per source. Trade a TE, land a WR.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 23, 2020
Lee’s upside is solid, considering he was, at times, the No. 2 receiver in New England’s offense. Though the Patriots won’t count on him doing the same in 2020. This signing is an attempt to give Lee a shot at a revitalizing season, with the recognition that he isn’t likely to make a big impact. It’s not clear what the terms of his deal are, but New England has practically no money left in terms of salary cap space. They can’t have spent much on Lee.
This is a low-risk signing, with the potential to net a starting caliber talent. That said, New England probably won’t be surprised or enormously disappointed if Lee doesn’t stick on the roster.
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