Phillip Dorsett returns to Patriots on 1-year deal

Phillip Dorsett is staying in New England.

According to a source, Dorsett agreed to a 1-year contract with the Patriots on late Wednesday night. The Pats have been talking with Dorsett about a new deal all week. After briefly testing the free agent market, the 26-year-old wide receiver decided to return to Foxboro on a short deal.

Dorsett was reliable last season, catching 32 of 42 passes that came his way. He finished the season with 290 yards and three touchdowns. [...]

Phillip Dorsett is staying in New England.

According to a source, Dorsett agreed to a 1-year contract with the Patriots on late Wednesday night. The Pats have been talking with Dorsett about a new deal all week. After briefly testing the free agent market, the 26-year-old wide receiver decided to return to Foxboro on a short deal.

Dorsett was reliable last season, catching 32 of 42 passes that came his way. He finished the season with 290 yards and three touchdowns. Dorsett had 12 catches and 194 yards in 2017, which was his first with the Patriots.

Dorsett had a strong start to the 2018 season. The 5-foot-10 receiver caught 19 passes for 190 yards in the first five weeks of the NFL season. After Julian Edelman returned combined with the acquisition of Josh Gordon, Dorsett fell down the depth chart. He caught 13 passes for 100 yards in the final 11 games.

The Patriots, however, are in need of some receivers and Dorsett has a chance for more opportunity, which could pay off next year in free agency.

At the moment, Dorsett and Edelman are the only receivers on the Patriots roster with NFL experience. Gordon is currently suspended and a restricted free agent.  The Pats also have Braxton Berrios and Damoun Patterson on the roster. 

The Pats already lost Cordarrelle Patterson, who signed with Chicago. Chris Hogan is also a free agent.