New England Patriots
“Just being around [McDaniels], being in the system, understanding the system thus far, I can already see how he thinks offensively.”
Romeo Doubs is expected to be one of Drake Maye’s top targets in 2026 and beyond. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
-
What would AJ Brown bring to the Patriots if they land him? All-Pro DB Kevin Byard knows.
-
Is Patriots’ 2026 schedule actually easier than many expected? This win-projection metric says so.
FOXBOROUGH – For the first time in his career, Romeo Doubs is adjusting to playing for a team other than the Packers.
After four years in Green Bay, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound receiver is coming off of his most productive NFL season during which he totaled 724 yards and 13.2 yards per catch, along with six touchdowns.
There aren’t any hard feelings towards Green Bay, he said. He’s ready to write a new chapter in his career, one that will include a home game against the Packers at Gillette Stadium this year.
“Green Bay took care of me,” Doubs said. “There wouldn’t be a reason for me to have that type of pressure against them, because again, my career started there.
“They taught me the foundation of football, how football works, situational football. Just understanding complimentary football, the overall game in general. They showed me the ropes in that area.”
Now that he’s with the Patriots, Doubs has a new quarterback to learn and a new offensive system to get used to. The transition feels right on time, he said, as he learns what to expect with New England.
“Just being around [McDaniels], being in the system, understanding the system thus far, I can already see how he thinks offensively,” Doubs said. “It’s a completely different mind to say. That’s just something you need as a player. Different gameplans, different perspectives, different concepts of how to run routes. It’s just something to see.”
Quarterback Drake Maye is one of the reasons Doubs chose to sign with the Patriots. Doubs said he likes the quarterback’s energy.
“Very poised guy, very energetic, and all about ball,” Doubs said. “That’s just something I really appreciate just being around him. He’s an amazing dude amazing quarterback in this league. I just look forward to just continuously just building and understanding this offense just one day at a time.”
Doubs led the Packers in targets, catches, and yards last season and figures to be near the top of the Patriots’ depth chart at receiver given the mix of players currently on the team.
However, there have been numerous reports of the Patriots’ interest in trading for AJ Brown, who would almost certainly become the Patriots No. 1 receiver if they were able to land him.
Doubs said he is staying open minded as to what his role will be. He also mentioned that he respects Brown’s game and would “love” to see the Patriots add him.
“I was true to my word when I came here that there is no No. 1 guy in this offense,” Doubs said. “So, whatever it is I have to do whether it’s playing into the strength more or playing on the backside every here and now or even having a role on [special] teams, which I am really familiar with because I’ve done it in Green Bay.
“I’m open to all roles. That’s just part of this league. The more you can do for the team, the more you can do for yourself.”
The Packers lost in the Wild Card round last season, while the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl.
The chance to make another deep run, along with Maye and Vrabel’s presence, helped him choose the Patriots.
“Part of my decision coming here had a lot to do with the winning culture, and I know outside of just what Drake has going on with himself and coach Vrabel, just the history that it brings,” said Doubs.
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
