Patriots release second-round wide receiver following disappointing start to NFL career

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The Patriots released 2022 second-round pick wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Thornton, who had been a healthy scratch for the last few weeks, fell out of favor in New England and had been subject to trade rumors before the deadline.

With the wide receiver room in New England crowded, the Patriots elected to waive the speedy Thornton to make room on the roster for either Alex Austin or Christian Barmore, who is expected to make his 2024 season debut against the Rams on Sunday.

The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound wide receiver out of Baylor University ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, and his unique combination of speed and size led the Patriots to draft him 50th overall. But like many similar Bill Belichick wide receiver high draft picks, he never made a massive impact at the NFL level.

Thornton, 24, caught 22 balls for 247 yards and two touchdowns in over 13 games as a rookie. He missed time as well, landing on injured reserve after suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.

He finished with 13 receptions for 91 yards and no scores in nine games last year, then four catches for 47 yards in six games this season. He also had six carries for 67 yards and a touchdown in his time with the Patriots.

Ultimately, Thornton found himself down on the depth chart behind the likes of Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’lynn Polk, and K.J. Osborn.

One team that could emerge as a candidate to add Thornton as a free agent is the Steelers. Pittsburgh has been improving their wide receiver corps over the last couple of weeks, acquiring Mike Williams from the Jets at the trade deadline. With George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and Williams as outside threats, Pittsburgh could take a flyer on Thornton, stash on their practice squad, and see if they can unlock something New England couldn’t during his time in Foxboro.