Report: Phillip Dorsett Prepares For ‘Different’ Free Agency Approach

Patriots’ Phillip Dorsett entered unrestricted free agency last offseason. What did he do? He decided to return to the New England Patriots. What about this offseason?

“I would say that will probably be a little different,” said Dorsett. “Last year, I had my heart set on where I wanted to go and I didn’t have an open mind. This year, I know I have to go into it with an open mind.”

In his three seasons with the Patriots, Dorsett won a Super Bowl and was largely lauded for his professionalism and team-first approach. The Patriot acquired him through a trade for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Will this affect his offseason move?

“It’s just something that I feel like I need to be honest with myself about,” Dorsett said. “The way the roles changed in New England in the middle of the season out of nowhere … it took me off the field. So at the end of the day, I have to be smart about it and make the best decision.”

Phillip Dorsett has great plans for his free agency

Dorsett’s playing time and performance dipped after his December game against the Texans. The wideout averaged 13.5 snaps in the final four games and totaled two catches for 56 yards. Dorsett finished the 2019 season with 29 catches for 397 yards and five scores.

Dorsett’s 50-yard reception against the Miami Dolphins in the season finale was a short reminder that he can make big plays. However, the reduced role may indicate that the Patriots are ready to move away from the wideout in 2020.

Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu and first-round pick N’Keal Harry are the Patriots’ top receivers next season. Hopefully, the team will add more speed to the unit.

Dorsett said Tom Brady’s uncertain future has little bearing on his own. When asked if he was following the storyline, Dorsett laughed.

“Every channel you turn on, they’re talking about it,” the wideout said. “So it’s hard not to follow it.”

New England may lose 19 players in free agency, and this includes Kyle Van Noy. Will head coach Bill Belichick let this players go on March 18? NFL teams can contact players on March 16. Who is leaving New England?