The New England Patriots need it, just like every other NFL team. The Patriots are proud of one particular addition they made in free agency this offseason to further foster that success within their ranks. Likewise, New England has high hopes that its slot receiver, DeMario Douglas, can play at that level with a heavier workload next season.
Advertisement
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel praised Romeo Doubs’ consistency as one of the main reasons the team signed him in free agency, while also expressing the team’s desire for Douglas to play more in 2026 at the league’s annual meeting on Tuesday.
“We’re certainly targeting Romeo (Doubs). With the consistency that he’s had and shown in his first four years in the NFL. I think he’s gotten better,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s gotten better every year… I think Pop (Douglas) is a player that’s going to really continue to grow and develop, and we’ve got to find ways to get him the ball.
“Kyle (Williams), really excited. We talked about him just improving his play strength, and that’s something he’s trying to focus on here in the offseason. We know what his speed is and his throwing skills. We saw him go and track the ball down the field. There’s a lot of guys we’re excited about.”
Doubs caught 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 as a member of the Green Bay Packers. The Nevada product recorded 50 or more receiving yards in eight of the 17 games he played last season, consistent with his average of 45.3 receiving yards per game. He also posted a 64.7 percent sack rate on the year while dropping just three passes for Green Bay.
Advertisement
As for Douglas, he had 447 yards on just 31 catches in 2025. His 14.4 yards per catch reflected his ability to stretch the field in New England’s offense. Douglas was exceptional as a scoring threat early in games all year. Those traits suggest he’s capable of playing effectively with more snaps, as well as targets in 2026.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots coach Mike Vrabel shares honest perspective on WR unit in 2026.