Getty Former New England Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak.
The New England Patriots could use some help at the wide receiver position and a former member of the organization believes that New England should look within their division.
During the Buffalo Bills‘ 34-31 wild-card win over the Miami Dolphins on January 15, former Patriots quarterback and current analyst Scott Zolak tweeted that New England should try to acquire the Bills’ Cole Beasley.
“Go get Cole Beasley @Patriots,” Zolak wrote on Twitter.
Beasley’s career took a rapid downturn after the 2021 season. In fact, he was actually retired at one point, calling it quits in October after two insignificant performances with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then, on December 13, he unretired and signed with the Bills, where he’d played from 2019 to 2021. During the regular season, he played in games but failed to top 50 total receiving yards.
But against the Dolphins, he recorded his first career postseason touchdown in 12 games. It was one of his two receptions for 35 yards.
Beasley, 33, became a polarizing figure in early 2021 for statements he made criticizing the NFL’s COVID protocols and for his stance on vaccines.
The New England Patriots Will Need Reinforcements in 2023
Heading into the offseason, New England will have some decisions to make regarding whom to bring back for the 2023 season. Arguably the biggest decision revolves around wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.
Meyers is poised to enter free agency because he and the team failed reach an agreement regarding a contract extension. The wide receiver was once again one of the best on the Patriots roster in 2022, recording 67 catches for 804 yards and six touchdowns.
The veteran wide receiver did say after the January 8 season finale that he hoped to stay in New England.
“Oh yeah, definitely, definitely,” he told reporters when asked whether he wanted to stay with the Patriots. “Put in a lot of time here. Built a nice home here. It’d be nice.”
Meyers has a vocal advocate who just happens to be the most important player on New England’s offense. Quarterback Mac Jones stated that he hoped Meyers would return in 2023.
“Jakobi’s one of the best — if not the best — teammates I’ve ever had,” Jones said in his postgame press conference. “He’s a great person. He comes to work every day, doesn’t complain. Does everything right. And he deserves everything that’s coming his way.
“So, hopefully, it’s with us,” Jones added. “He means a lot to me.”
Marcus Jones Is Lone Representative for the New England Patriots on All-Pro Roster
While the Patriots season ended in disappointing fashion, punt returner Marcus Jones ended his rookie year on a high note. The rookie out of the University of Houston was named to the Associated Press All-Pro first team. Jones led the league in punt-return yards (362) and ranked second in punt-return average (12.5) in his first pro season.
Jones earned praise from defensive end Matthew Judon.
“Marcus is always in the right spot at the right time, and he makes the correct plays, Judon said told The Athletic’s Chad Graff in a story published December 27. “I don’t think you can ask more from a guy, but every week we do, and he delivers.”
Judon failed to earn All-Pro honors even though he had a spectacular 2022 season. The pass rusher tallied 15.5 sacks, the most he has tallied in a single season in his seven-year career.