New England Releases Wide Receiver Tyquan Thornton

The New England Patriots drafted Tyquan Thornton in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Less than three seasons later, Thornton is no longer with the franchise. The Patriots released Thornton on Saturday, opening up a spot on the team’s 53-man roster.

Thornton exits New England, having played 28 games for the Patriots. He caught 39 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns during his tenure with the team. Thornton struggled to stay healthy during his first two years in the pros. He began both the 2022 and 2023 seasons on injured reserve. After a solid training camp in 2024, which included staying healthy, it appeared this season could get his career back on track.

Tyquan Thornton started in New England’s Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught two passes in the game for 27 yards. It ended up being his most productive game of the season. Thornton’s playing time continued to decrease over the next several weeks until he played only one offensive snap in Week 5. He has been inactive for four of the last five games. In 2024, Thronton caught four passes for 47 yards and no touchdowns.

Also Read – Identifying the Core New England Patriots Players Moving Forward

2022 NFL Draft

New England needed help at wide receiver heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. They selected Tyquan Thornton with the No. 50 overall pick. Thornton enjoyed a productive senior season for the Baylor Bears. He finished the season with 62 receptions for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns. He bolstered his draft stock considerably at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash. It remains the fastest time for a player drafted by New England.

WOW. JUST WOW.@BUFootball WR Tyquan Thornton might've just broken the all-time 40 record with a 4.21u.

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/WvR8FfKv6M

— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2022

Making Thornton’s lack of production more frustrating for many Patriots fans is how receivers drafted after him have performed. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected George Pickens just two picks after Thornton. Pickens’ career numbers to date are 155 receptions, 2,580 yards, and 11 touchdowns. No. 53 pick Alex Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts has 98 receptions, 1,623 yards, and eight touchdowns. Both players dwarf Thornton’s modest career line of 39-385-2.

What’s Next?

Thornton’s release gives the Patriots an open spot on their 53-man roster. This week, Cornerback Alex Austin and defensive tackle Christian Barmore have practiced with the team. Austin has been on injured reserve with an ankle injury. After a blood clot diagnosis in training camp, Barmore spent the entire 2024 season on the reserve/non-football injury list. Either could be activated to fill the vacancy.

If Tyquan Thornton clears waivers, the New England Patriots could re-sign him to their practice squad. The Patriots have two wide receivers on the practice squad, John Jiles and Braylon Edwards. However, a fresh start elsewhere could be preferable to Thornton. His athletic ability alone will attract suitors for a practice squad spot, at the least. If Thornton does not return to New England, he exits as the team’s first top-50 pick to play fewer than 30 games for the Patriots since Dominique Easley, who was drafted No. 29 overall in 2014.