Patriots shopping young WR (report)

With a roster crunch coming to the Patriots wide receiver room, one young player has reportedly been put on the trade block.

“The New England Patriots have let it be known that Tyquan Thornton is available,” according to the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora.

A second-round pick in 2022, Thornton has blazing speed, but has yet to make an impact at the NFL level.

The 24-year-old wideout has caught just two passes for 27 yards this year, and he’s been held without a reception since the season opener. Thornton’s snap count has fallen in every game thus far. In his third season with the Patriots, he’s has caught a total of 37 passes for 365 yards.

With Kendrick Bourne nearing a return from the PUP list, New England’s wide receiver depth chart is getting crowded. Bourne will likely shoot to the top, with Pop Douglas, K.J. Osborn and rookie Ja’Lynn Polk getting plenty of snaps. Competing with Javon Baker and Kayshon Boutte near the bottom of the roster, Thornton’s playing time is drying up.

New England’s passing game currently ranks dead last in the NFL, but Jerod Mayo said Bourne’s impact was felt immediately when he returned to the practice field this week.

“One thing about Kendrick, great energy,” Mayo said. “You can honestly feel the different vibe just in the huddles. It’s good to have him back, great energy, and a good player for us. You always want good players on the field.”