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

Patriots WR depth chart: What addition of Romeo Doubs means for Drake Maye, New England offense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Patriots have a new No. 1 wide receiver in their ranks — one who has arguably never served in that role before.

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Days after releasing Stefon Diggs, New England found a new man to serve in his stead. The Patriots agreed to terms on a four-year, $70 million contract with Romeo Doubs, tabbing the former Packers wideout to dazzle under the Foxborough lights.

Doubs, 25, was a consistent performer in Green Bay’s offense, showcasing his speed and leaping ability. His numbers don’t pop — especially compared to Diggs, who eclipsed 1,000 yards — but the Patriots will be hoping Doubs can take his performances to new heights alongside star QB Drake Maye.

With that, here’s a look at how New England’s WR depth chart shapes up following Doubs’ acquisition.

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Patriots WR depth chart

Romeo Doubs

Commanding upwards of $17 million a year, Doubs is by far the highest-paid player in New England’s wide receiver room. He is slated to field the lion’s share of targets for the Patriots, who released its former No. 1 pass-catcher, Stefon Diggs, less than one week ago.

Doubs was Green Bay’s leading pass-catcher in 2025, although he benefitted from season-ending injuries to Tucker Kraft and Christian Watson. He should get a chance to improve upon his numbers in red, white and blue in 2026.

Kayshon Boutte

Boutte figures to slot in as New England’s No. 2 in 2026. The LSU alum has featured prominently in the Patriots’ offense, surpassing the 500-yard plateau in each of his past two seasons. He only started 10 games in 2025. But he was fairly productive in his appearances, averaging nearly 17 yards per grab while posting a career-high in touchdowns (six). Boutte hasn’t yet shown he can shoulder the load as a No. 1 receiver. But his fleetness of foot and physicality in the Z makes him an ideal option for Maye and Co. in the slot.

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Mack Hollins

Hollins enjoyed a sterling 2025, amassing more than 500 yards for the second time in his eight-year career. The 32-year-old was a steady presence in the Maye-led attack, catching 70.8 percent of his targets. He added to his exploits in the postseason, ranking second on New England in receiving yards.

What you see from Hollins is what you get. He isn’t the most prolific of pass-catchers. But his physicality and sure-handedness should keep him in Maye’s sights in 2026.

DeMario Douglas

Douglas took a step back in 2025, commanding fewer targets, receptions and yards than he had in either of his prior two campaigns. Perhaps that was to be expected; Diggs stepped into the No. 1 slot in his new digs, pushing Douglas — New England’s second-leading receiver in 2024 — down the depth chart.

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The former Liberty man projects to get more burn in the Patriots attack in 2026, although the extent of his contributions likely depends on the status of some of his counterparts.

Kyle Williams

A third-round pick out of UNLV in 2025, Williams’ maiden NFL season was solid, if unspectacular. He reeled in three touchdowns while contributing as a returner. He’s a depth option in New England’s attack who could see some looks if any of New England’s top-four is felled is by injury.

Efton Chism III

Chism tallied three catches for 75 yards and one touchdown with the Pats last year. He served primarily as a kick returner.

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John Jiles

Jiles was previously signed to New England’s practice squad, only to be released before the start of the 2025 season. He recently resigned with the Patriots on a reserve/futures deal.

Jeremiah Webb

Webb, a South Dakota and South Alabama alum, was released alongside Jiles ahead of the 2025 season. He also signed a reserves/future deal with New England in 2026.

MORE: Tracking all the Patriots’ free agents moves

Romeo Doubs contract details

Doubs landed quite the contract with New England, fetching a four-year, $70 million deal. He’ll earn $17.5 million annually, more than $16 million more than he fetched on his rookie contract.

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Doubs, 25, has never collected more than 724 yards in a single season. That didn’t stop New England from offering him more than Mike Evans, Khalil Shakir and Cooper Kupp earn annually.

MORE: Why did the Patriots release Stefon Diggs?

Romeo Doubs stats

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

Why does Romeo Doubs wear a helmet cover?

Doubs’ crown is sheathed in a Guardian cap, the soft, protective shell introduced into NFL practices in 2020 and NFL games in 2024 in an attempt to prevent head injuries. Doubs started wearing his Guardian cap in 2024, having previously suffered a concussion when sporting the traditional headgear. In his first game donning the apparatus, Doubs collected two touchdowns. He has continued to flaunt the item ever since.