4 free agents the Patriots should happily let leave

2. Nelson Agholor

Pass protection was a problem for the Patriots last year, but the lack of options at wide receiver was a bigger reason why the offense failed to put points on the board. The idea that Agholor could function as a No. 1 wideout was a clear error in the team’s planning.

The former first-round pick only managed to catch 31 passes for 362 yards with a pair of touchdowns. That’s nowhere near the production required for a starter on the outside. Agholor has the speed teams look for to stretch the field vertically, but the reality is he just isn’t productive enough to be a starter.

Wide receiver is another position that deserves investment this offseason by the Patriots. Spending a hight draft choice on a true No. 1 wideout who can grow alongside Jones should be a priority for the team. Keeping Agholor on the roster would only serve to take away snaps from a young player who needs them to develop.

Some team will gamble on Agholor’s speed again this offseason, but the Patriots should have learned their lesson in 2022. He isn’t the answer to their problems on the outside and should be allowed to leave without a second thought.