Just before their playoff showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots caught the NFL’s attention with a flurry of decisive moves over a 48-hour span. In a postseason where mistakes are unforgiving, the Patriots delivered a clear message: they will not enter the playoffs with a roster lacking depth. This was not merely a personnel tweak, but New England putting itself firmly into “win-now” mode.
The urgency stems from a shortage in the receiving corps. Veteran wide receiver Mack Hollins has missed two consecutive games and was placed on injured reserve following a Week 16 injury. Internal evaluations suggest Hollins is unlikely to return before at least the AFC Championship Game. That reality has forced the Patriots to rotate their wide receivers at the most delicate point of the season, when every snap can determine a postseason fate.
In that context, undrafted rookie Efton Chism III was thrust into a larger role than anticipated. Against the Dolphins, Chism played 44% of the offensive snaps, just one week after setting a career high with 41 snaps in the win over the Jets. From being the team’s sixth receiver for most of the season, Chism suddenly became a necessary option. But with the playoffs looming, the Patriots understand that placing too much burden on a rookie is a risky gamble.
Recognizing the need for immediate insurance, the Patriots opened tryouts for two free-agent wide receivers, according to ESPN reporter Mike Reiss. The first was Cole Burgess, a former Division II standout from Cortland State who totaled 3,133 receiving yards in his college career, including 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns during his senior season. Burgess has spent the past two seasons on the Bengals’ practice squad, standing out for his smooth route-running, ability to create separation, and reliability in traffic.
The other was Dymere Miller, an undrafted rookie previously on the Jets’ practice squad. Miller’s path is unique: he was a Walter Payton Award finalist at Monmouth (FCS) after a historic season with 90 receptions, 1,293 yards, and multiple school records. After transferring to Rutgers, he showcased speed, yards-after-catch ability, and vertical threat potential — the profile of an explosive receiver capable of providing a spark when the offense needs options.
While the Patriots have not officially announced any signings, their actions speak loudly. Head coach Mike Vrabel underscored a philosophy of urgency at the decisive moment: “We’re not looking for temporary solutions. If there’s an opportunity to make the team better, even by a little, we’re going to do it. This is the playoffs — and we’re playing to win the whole thing.” In the NFL, ambition is often revealed not through words, but through the speed of action — and the Patriots have just shown they remain firmly in the Super Bowl race.
