Patriots sign NAIA star WR to $252,000 contract after draft

Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) holds the AFC Championship trophy while speaking to the media after defeating the Denver Broncos in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots have never been shy about unearthing players in fascinating places.

Like their latest addition, from NAIA school Culver-Stockton College.

Kyle Dixon is a wide receiver, and he's signing a $252,000 undrafted free agent deal with the Pats, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

He is quite the athlete:

Dixon put up monster numbers in the 2025 season, catching 83 passes for 1,282 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The year prior, he had caught 60 passes for 1,112 yards and 12 more TDs.

The Patriots have a pretty crowded WR depth chart, and it'll only be more full if they trade for A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles.

By the same token, they gave out one of this year's biggest UDFA contracts to bring Dixon aboard. Clearly, they're fans of what he can do.

It's never easy to transition up to such a higher level, but the Patriots are giving Dixon a chance, and now it's up to him.

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• Why Diego Pavia didn't get drafted
• Inside Garrett Nussmeier's crazy slide
• Eli Heidenreich was the draft's perfect pick