Patriots rumors: New England Patriots still searching for a WR, but is their latest target the answer?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 22, 2025, 17:40 IST

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The New England Patriots are exploring wide receiver options like Tyler Lockett, though his recent performance may not be the solution they need. Speculation surrounds Stefon Diggs after a visit, hinting at a potential deal. The Patriots must secure a strong player to support their rookie quarterback and address their ongoing wide receiver issues effectively.

Patriots rumors: New England Patriots still searching for a WR, but is their latest target the answer?

(Images via Getty)

The New England Patriots are desperate for wide receiver help. They’ve been linked to big names—D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins—but nothing has materialized. Now, the conversation has shifted to former Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett.
This is not the move that changes anything.

New England Patriots reportedly interested in Tyler Lockett, but does that actually help?

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Patriots have "Tyler Lockett on their radar."

That sounds fine until you realize Lockett is 32 and coming off a 600-yard season. That’s not exactly WR1 material. A decade ago, this might’ve been a different conversation. Now? It feels like New England is settling—again.
Yes, Lockett is a solid route-runner. Yes, he has experience. But if this is the best the Patriots can do, they’re in trouble. They need a difference-maker, not a stopgap. And let’s be real—does Lockett even want to play for a rebuilding team with a rookie quarterback?

Stefon Diggs left the New England Patriots without a contract, but the internet thinks there’s more to it

Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs came in for a visit and walked away without a deal. At first glance, that’s the end of the story. But then social media did its thing.
Diggs, who didn’t follow New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye on Instagram before, now does.
That’s all it takes for fans to start speculating. Did the two connect during the visit? Is something still brewing? Or was it just a courtesy follow?
What’s not speculation: Diggs would be the best receiver Drake Maye has had. If New England is serious about giving their rookie QB a chance, they need a player like him.

New England Patriots cannot afford to miss again

New England has been in wide receiver purgatory for years. They missed on DeAndre Hopkins last year. They fumbled their shot at drafting top-tier talent. Now, they’re linked to aging receivers while their division rivals stack elite talent.
Tyler Lockett? That’s not the move that saves them. Stefon Diggs? That’s a different conversation. If they want to be relevant, they need to stop settling.
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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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