The New England Patriots signed receiver Marqise Lee on the first day of the 2020 NFL Draft, shortly after he was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Details of the contract now have been released, according to a report from The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
The Patriots signed Lee to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum. The contract comes with a $300,000 guarantee while Lee has the opportunity to earn up to $1.0475 million. His cap number, if he earns a spot on the Patriots roster, will be $887,500.
Contract note: WR Marqise Lee, who made nearly $17m the last two seasons with the Jaguars, signed a 1-year deal with the Patriots for the veteran minimum. Comes with $300k guaranteed and is worth up to $1.0475m. Has a cap number of $887,500 if he makes the team
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) May 9, 2020
That’s not bad for the 28-year-old receiver, who also is a former second-round pick. Especially considering the fact Lee had signed a four-year, $34 million contract ($16.5 guaranteed) with Jacksonville in 2018.
Of course, that was prior to Lee being impacted by knee injuries during each of his last two seasons. Lee caught three passes for 18 yards in 2019, however he has been productive when healthy.
The former USC product recorded 56 catches for 702 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games during the 2017 season. And that came after a 2016 season, his only 16-game campaign, in which Lee had a productive 63 catches for 851 yards and three scores.
The Patriots certainly will hope Lee can return to full health, and essentially look more like the player they reportedly were interested in coming out of college.
