The New England Patriots are in need of improving their wide receiver position and it appears that they're about to make their first move.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots intend to extend an offer to Bills restricted free agent wide receiver Chris Hogan. The Bills will have 5 days to match the offer.
More RFA fun: The #Patriots are believed to be preparing an offer sheet for #Bills WR Chris Hogan, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2016
The Patriots are clearly not looking to exceed the $4.25 million per year that wide receiver Julian Edelman is earning, which is why the team was unable to open up the checkbook for top tier free agents like Marvin Jones or Rishard Matthews.
The Bills placed the low tender on Hogan, which sets the price at a minimum of $1.67 million per season. Since Hogan was an undrafted player, the Patriots would not have to compensate the Bills with a draft pick.
The 6'1, 220 lbs receiver is 27-years-old and is an athletic marvel. Here's a list of fun facts that will endear him to head coach Bill Belichick:
How thoroughly have the #Patriots researched #Bills RFA WR Chris Hogan? Bill Belichick likes that he could be a backup punter. Honest!
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) March 10, 2016
A lefty punter too. Belichick loves those. Also a former lacrosse player. Belichick also loves those. https://t.co/EajX1UzW6f
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) March 10, 2016
The Ping Pong trash talk is underway. WR Chris Hogan, visiting the #Patriots today, was the runaway best player. https://t.co/YTtrW11CoD
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 10, 2016
Hogan has collected 876 yards and 6 touchdowns on 77 receptions over the past two seasons, while just lining up on 50.2% of snaps. While he is primarily a slot receiver, he offers ability on the outsider and his versatility would be welcomed in the offense.
The Bills currently are strapped for cap space, so the Patriots might want to offer a front-loaded contract quickly before Buffalo can open up space to match.