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Dec 1, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) catches a pass for a touchdown against New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo (21) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The New England Patriots are making some changes to their WR depth chart this offseason.
One is already locked in: Romeo Doubs signed in free agency, essentially taking the spot vacated by Stefon Diggs.
It could get more crowded as soon as June 2, though. The Pats are looking at a trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown. It's better for Philly's salary cap situation if they trade Brown away after June 1, so that's the rhythm this is operating on.
One guy who would be greatly impacted if Brown comes to town is second-year wideout Kyle Williams.
Williams was a third-round pick last season but had just 10 catches the whole year.
The Pats still have Kayshon Boutte, so the best Williams would potentially do is seize the No. 4 WR role.
Clearly, that's not a spot where he can maximize his potential.
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"Williams hopes to do more work in the middle of the field," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio wrote on Sunday. "He’s also intent on building chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye and mastering the team’s playbook. The passing attack in New England undoubtedly will be very different this season. Stefon Diggs has been released. Romeo Doubs has arrived. And A.J. Brown could still be on the way. Williams will have extra competition for reps and targets. The offseason work seems to be all about getting more than his 336 snaps in 2025 (31 percent) and 21 total regular-season targets."
Florio mentioned an ESPN report that says Williams gained between five and eight pounds this offseason.
It's a good sign that Williams is putting the work in. That's the first step toward breaking through.
But if the Pats do get Brown, it'll hold back Williams' development. That's not to say they shouldn't do it, but it's certainly a potential consequence.
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