The New England Patriots’ search for a free-agent receiver reportedly continues Thursday.
The Patriots will host restricted free agent Chris Hogan on a visit, a league source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hogan, who came into the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011 with the San Francisco 49ers, has spent the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound receiver had 36 catches on 59 targets for 450 yards with two touchdowns in 2015. He had 41 catches on 61 targets for 426 yards with four touchdowns in 2014. He posted his best career game against the Patriots in November, when he caught six passes for 95 yards.
Hogan played lacrosse at Penn State, then transferred to Monmouth University and played one year of college football. Hogan has the versatility to play as a slot or outside receiver.
The Patriots would have to sign Hogan to an offer sheet if they hope to acquire him. The Bills then would have five days to match the Patriots’ contract offer. New England has considerably more salary-cap space available than Buffalo, which could help in the offer-sheet process.
Free-agent receiver Mohamed Sanu, who reportedly has a five-year, $30 million contract offer from the Atlanta Falcons, said he’s also visiting the Patriots. Hogan likely would come at a much lower price tag despite having better stats than Sanu in 2015. Sanu caught 33 passes for 394 yards with no touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals last season.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
