Patriots WR depth chart: What addition of Romeo Doubs means for Drake Maye, New England offense

Patriots WR depth chart: What the addition of Romeo Dubs means for Derek Meyer, New England offense originally appeared on The Sporting News Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.

The Patriots have a new No. 1 wide receiver — and it’s fair to say he’s never played the role before.

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Days after releasing Stefon Diggs, New England found a new guy to replace him. The Patriots agreed to a four-year, $70 million contract with Romeo Dubs, allowing the former Packers wideout to shine under the lights in Foxborough.

Dubs, 25, has been a solid presence in Green Bay’s offense, showing off his speed and leaping ability. His numbers aren’t stellar — especially compared to Diggs, who has over 1,000 yards — but the Patriots hope Dubs can take his production to new heights alongside star quarterback Derek Meyer.

At this point, let’s take a look at how New England’s WR depth chart shapes up after acquiring Dubbs.

More NFL free agents: Live Tracker | Team Results | Best Players Available

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Patriots WR depth chart

Romeo Dubus

With an annual salary of $17 million, Dubs is by far the highest-paid player in the New England wide receiver room. He will be the bulk of the Patriots’ targets, less than a week after the Patriots waived former No. 1 pass catcher Stefon Diggs.

Dubs is Green Bay’s primary pass catcher in 2025, although he benefits from the season-ending losses of Tucker Craft and Christian Watson. In 2026, he should have a chance to improve his numbers in the red, white and blue.

Keshan Butt

Bute is expected to be New England’s No. 2 player in 2026. The LSU alum has played a prominent role in the Patriots’ offense, topping the 500-yard plateau in each of the past two seasons. He started just 10 games in 2025. But his performance was quite efficient, averaging nearly 17 yards per rush and scoring a career-high number of touchdowns (6). Boutte has yet to prove he can handle the heavy lifting as a No. 1 receiver. But his quick feet and Z-shaped frame make him an ideal option for Maye and Co.

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Mike Hollins

Hollins had a great year in 2025, rushing for over 500 yards for the second time in his eight-year career. The 32-year-old has been solid in Maye’s offense, catching 70.8 percent of targets. He continued his success in the postseason, ranking second in New England in receiving yards.

What you see from Hollins is what you get. He wasn’t the most prolific receiver. But his physicality and solidity should keep him on Maye’s radar in 2026.

Demario Douglas

Douglas took a step back in 2025, commanding fewer targets, receptions and yards than in either of his previous two campaigns. Maybe that’s to be expected. Diggs becomes the No. 1 pick at his new position, pushing Douglas – New England’s No. 2 receiver in 2024 – further down the depth chart.

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The former free agent is expected to see more damage in the Patriots’ offense in 2026, although the extent of his contribution may depend on the status of some of his peers.

Kyle Williams

Williams, a 2025 third-round pick out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, had a solid, if unspectacular, first NFL season. As a returner, he scored three touchdowns. He’s a depth option in New England’s offense and could see some action if New England’s top four players go down with injuries.

Everton Chism III

Last year, Chism had three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown with the Patriots. He primarily serves as a kick returner.

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John Giles

Giles was previously signed to New England’s practice squad but was released before the start of the 2025 season. He recently resigned with the Patriots on a reserve/futures agreement.

Jeremiah Webb

Weber, a South Dakota State and South Alabama alum, was released along with Giles before the 2025 season. He also signed a reserve/future contract with New England in 2026.

More: Track all the Patriots’ free agent moves

Romeo Dukes contract details

Dukes signed a four-year, $70 million contract with New England. His annual salary will be $17.5 million, $16 million more than what he earned on his rookie contract.

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Dubs, 25, has never had more than 724 yards in a season. But that didn’t stop New England from offering him more per year than Mike Evans, Khalil Shakir and Cooper Kupp.

More: Why did the Patriots release Stefon Diggs?

Romeo Doakes statistics

Here’s a breakdown of Dubs’ production year-by-year since entering the league in 2022.

Why does Romeo Dubus wear a helmet cover?

Dukes’ crown is encased in a Guardian Cap, a soft protective shell being introduced to 2020 NFL practices and 2024 NFL games to prevent head injuries. Dubs began wearing the Guard in 2024 after suffering a concussion while wearing a traditional helmet. In his first game with the device, Dubs threw for two touchdowns. He’s been showing off the item ever since.