The Baltimore Ravens acquired wide receiver Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals at the start of the free-agency period. Could their acquisition lead the Patriots to sign former Ravens wideout Derrick Mason?
According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Ravens no longer view Mason as a priority following their acquisitions of Boldin and former Patriot Donte' Stallworth. The Patriots lack wide-receiver depth, so signing Mason could improve their receiving corps while also providing the perfect complement to Randy Moss.
Despite his age, Mason, 36, is no Joey Galloway. The veteran has missed only one game in the last seven NFL seasons, and has recorded at least 63 receptions in each of the last 10 seasons.
Mason is reportedly seeking a two-year deal, NationalFootballPost.com reports. The former All-Pro receiver could sign a short-term deal with the Patriots, allowing Wes Welker to take his time in recovering from his torn ACL while also providing veteran leadership to young receivers like Julian Edelman and Sam Aiken.
In addition, Mason could provide Tom Brady with a reliable No. 2 receiver. The Patriots need a wide receiver to replace Welker's production, and while Mason probably won't lead the NFL in receptions next season, he could provide a dependable short-term replacement for Welker.
The Patriots could face heavy competition for Mason's services as the AFC East rival Miami Dolphins are reportedly also interested in the veteran receiver.
