Brian Tyms could add some electricity to the New England Patriots’ offense if Tom Brady can improve his deep-ball accuracy.
Tyms, who is fresh off a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy last season, seemed like a long shot to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster in training camp. Now New England might have no choice but to see what it has in the 6-foot-3, 204-pound receiver with 4.4 40-yard dash speed.
The Patriots deactivated second-year pros Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson for Monday night’s 41-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, electing to roll with just three receivers (Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola). If Thompkins and Dobson can’t find the field, it would seem logical for the Patriots to play Tyms, who caught 11 passes for 188 yards with two touchdowns in four preseason games.
The Patriots have until 4 p.m. ET Monday to decide if they’ll cut Tyms — and hope to slip him through to the practice squad — or free up a 53-man roster spot for him.
Tyms was described by an NFL scout as a “build-up speed guy” who can replace Dobson’s size and speed. Tyms’ speed works best on deep passes — an area where Brady has struggled mightily this season. The Patriots have lacked a receiver who can stretch the field.
Tyms showed potential with the Cleveland Browns last season, but former head coach Rob Chudzinski was hesitant to play young undrafted players, according to a source informed of the situation. Chudzinski was more comfortable playing experienced players, even if they had lesser talent.
Tyms was active in seven games with the Browns, but he was targeted just five times, catching two passes for 12 yards. Michael Lombardi, who was fired as the Browns’ general manager after the 2013 season and later latched on with the Patriots, was instrumental in bringing Tyms to New England.
Photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
