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Patriots Add Intriguing Wide Receiver to Drake Maye’s Supporting Cast
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- Patriots Add Intriguing Wide Receiver to Drake Maye’s Supporting Cast
Patriots Add Intriguing Wide Receiver to Drake Maye's Supporting Cast originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New England Patriots are giving another wide receiver an opportunity to earn a roster spot before the 2026 NFL season begins. New England claimed Tejhaun Palmer off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, adding a 6-foot-1, 210-pound target to its training camp competition. The Patriots released rookie tight end Jeremiah Franklin in the corresponding transaction.
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"Patriots claim WR Tejhaun Palmer off waivers from Arizona," the team announced on X. "Release rookie TE Jeremiah Franklin."
The move is not as significant as New England 's additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs , but Palmer brings an intriguing combination of size and big-play ability. With roster decisions approaching, the former sixth-round pick will have a short window to show Mike Vrabel and his coaching staff that he belongs.
Tejhaun Palmer Gets Fresh Opportunity with Patriots
The Cardinals selected Palmer with the No. 191 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after he completed his college career at UAB. Palmer began at Snow College before transferring to UAB, where he gradually emerged as a productive downfield threat. He recorded 47 receptions for 858 yards and seven touchdowns during his final college season, averaging an impressive 18.3 yards per catch.
His production demonstrated the ability to create explosive plays, but that potential has not yet translated into regular-season NFL statistics. Palmer appeared in Arizona's 37-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in January but did not record a target. vNow 26 years old, Palmer arrives in New England with an opportunity to restart his career. He will have to make an immediate impression in practice and preseason games because the Patriots already have significant competition at wide receiver.
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Palmer joins a group that includes Brown, Doubs, Kayshon Boutte , DeMario Douglas , Mack Hollins , Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III . Several of those roster spots appear secure, leaving Palmer to compete for a depth role and potential special teams responsibilities.
Drake Maye Has a Deeper Collection of Weapons
New England's approach to building around Drake Maye has changed dramatically following the quarterback's breakout second season. Maye helped lead the Patriots to a 14-3 record, an AFC East championship and their first Super Bowl appearance since Tom Brady 's departure. After losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the championship game, New England spent the offseason adding more offensive talent.
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The Patriots signed Doubs in free agency before making their biggest move on June 1, acquiring Brown in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round selection. Brown gives Maye a proven No. 1 receiver, while Doubs provides another established option capable of contributing immediately.
Palmer is considerably less proven, but training camp additions are frequently about finding players with at least one trait worth developing. His college average of 18.3 yards per reception suggests he has the speed and ball-tracking ability to challenge defenses vertically. The challenge will be proving he can contribute in other areas. Palmer must quickly learn the Patriots' offense, build chemistry with New England's quarterbacks and demonstrate value on special teams.
His first preseason opportunity could come Aug. 13, when the Patriots host the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. New England will then open the regular season against Seattle on Wednesday, Sept. 9, in a rematch of Super Bowl LX.
Palmer is unlikely to alter the top of the Patriots' depth chart, but his arrival gives Maye one more potential target and adds another name to watch as New England's roster competition enters its decisive stage.
