2016 NFL Free Agency: Rishard Matthews Signs With Titans; Patriots Need to Look Elsewhere for Wide Receiver Depth

Brandon LaFell, released. Brian Tyms, not tendered. Josh Boyce, not tendered. Brandon Gibson, not re-signed. The New England Patriots are in the middle of re-working their wide receiver depth chart and are in the market for some new bodies at the position.

The team has reportedly shown interest in numerous wideouts but have not yet come to terms with one. Among those, the Patriots were taking a closer look at, was former Miami Dolphin Rishard Matthews. However, according to ESPN's Paul Kuharsky, Matthews won't come to Foxboro:

The Titans have agreed to terms with receiver Rishard Matthews on a three-year deal.

Kuharsky called it "a rare Titans win over the Patriots", which says a lot more about how the both teams work the market than it does about actual success. As usual, New England has taken a step back early in free agency, to see how the market develops, while Tennessee has been more active.

Therefore, it should not come as too big a surprise to see the team led by former Patriots Director of College Scouting Jon Robinson get Matthews. The Patriots obviously did not feel comfortable to enter a bidding war for the receiver's services.

Naturally, this means that New England has too look elsewhere for reinforcements at the position, maybe in the form of Jermaine Kearse or Anquan Boldin.