Report: Patriots Work Out Free-Agent QB, Four Receivers

The New England Patriots are always open for a change, and it seems like they have bigger plans for their roster. The team worked out five free agents Friday, and we already know of them.

The Patriots decided to give a change to quarterback Mike White and wide receivers Deontay Burnett, Amara Darboh, Anthony Johnson and Spencer Schnell. The information was confirmed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Darboh was part of the Patriots roster at the beginning of the 2018 season. The Seattle Seahawks waived the 2017 third-round pick on Aug. 27.

The Dallas Cowboys selected White in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky. They cut him on Aug. 31.

Burnett was undrafted out of the University of Southern California last spring. He played with the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets. The receiver was able to catch 10 passes for 143 yards in five games with the Jets in 2018. He was cut Aug. 31.

Johnson was undrafted out of Illinois State ths spring. He was able to catch seven passes for 119 yards with the Buccaneers in Week 1 of the preseason, but was eliminated on Aug. 31.

The Patriots don’t have a quarterback or receiver on their practice unit. They have two quarterbacks and seven receivers on the 53-man roster. These five players are fit for the Patriots practice squad.

Stidham is now a backup quarterback for Tom Brady. The Patriots released Brian Hoyer in the final roster trimmings.

“I obviously got the news that I’m the No. 2 guy,” the rookie said Sunday. “I’m very excited for this role, obviously. But (I’m) getting back to work and working as hard as I ever have and trying to do everything I can to help out this team and to help Tom out. That’s my job.” 

“This is obviously a huge opportunity for me, but the work’s not done,” Stidham said. “I’ve got to continue to come in here and work my butt off every day to make sure that I can continue to get better and do whatever I can to help this team out. … My job, obviously, as the backup quarterback is to be ready, but I’ve also got to give the defense a great look, so I’m just trying to do everything I can to make sure I’m helping those guys out, as well.”