Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Jalen Reagor

New England Patriots have added another young talent to the wide receiver room, signing former first round pick Jalen Reagor to their practice squad. The 24-year old was a highly touted prospect coming into the 2020 NFL Draft out of TCU, and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles #20 overall. He was taken just one pick ahead of Vikings All Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Other WRs who went soon after Reagor included Brandon Aiyuk (SF, 25), Tee Higgins (CIN, 33) and Michael Pittman Jr. (IND, 34).

Unfortunately for Reagor, he was unable to live up to expectations in Philadelphia. In his two seasons with the Eagles, he amassed 64 receptions, for 695 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. After the Eagles added DeVonta Smith (draft) and A.J. Brown (trade), Reagor was deemed expendable, and traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the start of the 2022 season, for a pair of late round picks.

The fresh start with the Vikings did not produce better results for Reagor in 2022. He played in all 17 games for Minnesota but finished with receiving totals of just 8-104-1. He was used primarily as a punt returner, though he lacked both explosiveness (6.4 yards/return) and security (4 fumbles, though he only lost 1).

A practice squad spot with the New England Patriots for a talented 24-year old is a classic “low risk, high reward” move by Bill Belichick. Similar moves have amount to nothing (i.e. Corey Coleman) but the upside of Reagor is intriguing just the same.