The Patriots have struggled in recent years to find a true No. 1 wide receiver for their quarterback — a problem that wasn’t entirely due to a lack of effort, though Bill Belichick’s approach has drawn some criticism. Still, the team hadn’t invested enough resources into securing a top-tier pass catcher.
That changed this offseason under the new leadership, with the acquisition of Stefon Diggs. Despite recovering from an ACL injury, the 30-year-old is still regarded as one of the league’s elite receivers and is already emerging as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. With Diggs under contract for the next three seasons, Maye finally has a high-level weapon to support his development.
This move marks a major shift for the Patriots’ offense, giving them not just one but potentially two starting-caliber receivers heading into the fall — a development that should make opposing defenses take notice.
The Patriots could surprisingly have two top-tier wide receivers on their 2025 roster
Since being drafted in 2023, Demario Douglas has consistently shown explosiveness and reliability in the offense. Despite playing with different quarterbacks, he’s totaled 115 receptions, 1,182 yards, and three touchdowns, becoming the ideal slot receiver for New England. With Josh McDaniels now calling plays again, Douglas is expected to elevate his game even further.
His strong performance in training camp has sparked talk of him being the true WR1 the team has been searching for. Pairing him with veteran Stefon Diggs and rising rookie Kyle Williams gives the Patriots a receiving group with serious potential.
While Drake Maye has developed a strong connection with Diggs, his growing chemistry with Douglas provides stability and versatility in the offense. That connection could be key as the team aims for a playoff push, with Douglas emerging as a potential breakout star.
This could be the first time since the Brady era—with names like Edelman and Gronkowski—that the Patriots have multiple legitimate receiving threats. Douglas’s unexpected rise may not have been part of the original blueprint, but it’s already proving to be a major asset for Mike Vrabel’s offense.
