Pats reinforce the thin WR unit with Thomas signature



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The New England Patriots have signed Demaryius Thomas in the hope that his addition will strengthen an otherwise slim receiver group.

The team announced the move Tuesday, less than a week after welcoming Thomas to a free visit.

Thirty-one-year-old Thomas was acquired by the Denver Broncos Texans just before last season's trading deadline. He had a torn Achilles tendon in December and was released by Houston in February.

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He has 23 assists for 275 yards and two touchdowns in seven games after trading with the Texans. Thomas finished 2018 with 59 catches for 677 yards and five touchdowns.

The Patriots lost to Adam Humphries, one of their main goals in terms of self-employed players, who signed with the Titans of Tennessee. They return the best option, 32-year-old Julian Edelman, who won the most valuable player award at the Super Bowl LIII and signed a new contract with Phillip Dorsett for a one-year contract of up to 2, $ 6 million.

Former Washington Redskins receiver Maurice Harris and slots receiver Bruce Ellington have signed a one-year contract to help complete a depth chart that also includes the player of the day. Damoun Patterson's training squad and the 2018 sixth-round pick, Braxton Berrios, who spent his injured reserve rookie season.

The club could have brought back Chris Hogan, who was an unrestricted free agent, but without being aggressive. Hogan signed a one – year contract with the Carolina Panthers last week, worth up to $ 2 million.

Thomas, four Pro Bowl selections, owed $ 14 million in 2019, but nothing was guaranteed. Just before the release of the Texans, he stated that he was not planning to retire.

"I can still play, man," he says.

Thomas was arrested on February 27 and charged with assault (criminal conduct), reckless driving and unsafe driving as part of an accident on February 16 in downtown Denver. He and two passengers were injured and taken to the hospital after his SUV left the road and overturned after reaching a median value greater than 70 mph, more than twice the limit. of speed.

Thomas pleaded guilty on March 27 to a felony offense of driving while the felony charge was dismissed. He was sentenced to a $ 300 fine, 50 hours of community service, and one year of supervised probation.

A former first-round pick, Thomas spent his first seasons in the NFL with the Broncos, including a stint under the former Denver head coach and current Patriots offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels. Thomas has the second highest number of rushing yards (9,055) and touchdowns (60) in the history of the Broncos, ahead of Rod Smith in both categories.

Thomas will be the fifth receiver of the Tom Brady was at the time (since 2000) to sign with the Patriots after amassing five seasons or more than 1,000 yards elsewhere. The list includes Reggie Wayne (8), Randy Moss (7), Chad Ochocinco (7), Joey Galloway (6).

Mike Reiss and Sarah Barshop of ESPN contributed to this report.

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