Getty

Josh McDaniels is already changing the New England Patriots' passing game.

The New England Patriots will have several decisions to make over the course of this offseason, and some of them may revolve around their wide receiver room. Demario Douglas could be a candidate to be cut from the team. Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard listed Douglas as a name who could be cut over the course of this offseason. The latter is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Douglas had a productive year for the Patriots in 2025. He recorded 31 catches for 447 yards and three touchdowns. The three touchdowns matched his career-high. He also had 21 rushing yards on the year. The Liberty standout proved himself as a complementary weapon for quarterback Drake Maye.

However, things may be changing in the wide receiver room in short order. Bedard expanded on why he believes Douglas could be a cut candidate before the season.

Pop was part of Bill Belichick’s final draft disaster, which already puts him on the chopping block… Douglas is just not a good fit for this offense — he’s a space player in a precision-based passing scheme — and his lack of size is also an issue. He should be a little slot in this offense, but he’s not built for that. Shows some good skills with the ball in his hands, but the Patriots probably want those touches going to Kyle Williams and TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots signed at least three undrafted free agents, and also have Efton Chism, who is a real blocker out of the slot. Seems like a when-not-if question with Douglas.

Patriots Wideout Was Dynamic In College

Douglas has an interesting backstory. He was a standout wide receiver at Liberty University, where he had 172 career receptions for 2,193 yards and 16 touchdowns. The playmaker had his best season in his redshirt junior year of 2022. He caught 79 passes for 993 yards and six touchdowns. That being said, he also proved himself elsewhere.

Douglas was also a dynamic punt returner. He was named an FWAA Freshman All-American as a punt returner in 2020. He recorded 15 punt returns for 166 yards and a touchdown, averaging 11.1 yards per return.

The playmaker made an immediate impact as soon as he was drafted by the Patriots. He caught 49 passes for 561 yards in his rookie season. Although not spectacular numbers, he made himself known in the wide receiver room. That assent continued in 2024 when he recorded 66 catches for  621 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots did not have a true top receiver that year, and Douglas was thought to be a major playmaker.

Patriots Changing Things Offensively

Now, the whole outlook of the offense has changed. The offensive system has undergone a new direction under Josh McDaniels, and Douglas might be the odd man out. Couple that with the persistent rumors surrounding A. J. Brown, and it is fair to wonder if there is room for Douglas on the unit.

The Patriots made some upgrades in the wide receiver room already. They signed Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers in March. They are also returning Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte (at least for right now).

Between the offensive system fit, and the crowded room, Douglas may eventually end up being the odd man out. Production is not the issue. He is certainly a productive receiver in the right system, and he has played well for the Patriots throughout his tenure here. This is just going to be a matter of having to move pieces around in order to best fit the team. It is certainly fair to wonder if Douglas can still fit in New England to some degree. That being said, it’s also fair to go into the offseason with the idea that you can upgrade at the position.

Whatever happens to Douglas will be interesting. He has been a dependable piece for the Patriots. At this stage though, his departure may be best for both parties.