Last-Minute Preseason Signing Turning Into Weapon For Patriots Offense

All of a sudden, the Patriots have a usable third tight end — and he’s pretty good.

New England on Aug. 30 took a flier on Pharaoh Brown after the likes of Matt Sokol, Anthony Firkser and Johnny Lumpkin failed to earn roster spots. Brown, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts, joined Sokol on the Patriots practice squad. The 29-year-old seemed like little more than a blocking-first tight end who happened to have prior experience with Bill O’Brien.

Well, Brown was added to the 53-man roster before the season opener to provide depth behind Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. And in the weeks since, he’s turned to a legitimate weapon in the Patriots offense.

Brown came up big again Sunday, catching two balls for 51 yards in New England’s dramatic home win over the Buffalo Bills. He also had a 22-yard reception wiped out by a Vederian Lowe penalty.

First down Pharaoh!@PharaohsDream | @MacJones_10

📺 on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/j9afiD5k2d

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2023

Brown now has five catches for 137 yards, leaving him just 34 yards away from tying his career-high, which he set in 2021 with the Houston Texans. Big plays have been his thing (27.4 yards per reception), especially on his 58-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 3. The yardage totals on Brown’s five catches are 58, 26, 25, 15 and 13.

When asked Monday whether he’s surprised by Brown’s production, Bill Belichick said “no” while citing Brown’s 6-foot-5 frame.

“I think Pharaoh’s a big target,” the Patriots head coach said. “He’s got good hands. He’s done a really good job of running with the ball and securing the ball. A couple of those plays that you’re referring to, he got hit almost as soon as he caught the ball — not on the one against the Jets, but on some of these other plays.

“As soon as he caught the ball, somebody was right there trying to knock it away from him or knock it out of his hands. He’s done a great job of securing the ball and picking up positive yardage after the catch. So, he’s been consistent doing that and it’s been a big help.”

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Listen, we’re not trying to tell you that a journeyman tight end who’s played for five teams since entering the league in 2017 now is a star. Nor are we suggesting Brown should play over Henry or Gesicki, though you could make a case for the latter.

But third tight end was a sneaky big hole for the Patriots entering the season, and they apparently have filled it. When you’re a 2-5 football team, you’ll take bright spots anywhere you can find them.