After a disappointing three seasons with the New England Patriots, the team released Wide Receiver Tyquan Thornton on Saturday morning according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter. Thornton was drafted 50th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Baylor University. Unfortunately for the New England Patriots, and Thornton, things never got off the ground between the two. He only mustered four catches this season for a measly 47 yards.
One of the reasons Thornton was drafted so high was his blazing 40-yard dash time. He ran a 4.28 which was the third-fastest recorded time at the 2022 NFL Combine. He finished his tenure in New England with 39 receptions and 385 receiving yards. Thornton was a promising prospect a few years ago but has disappointed thus far in the league. Will he be able to latch onto another team and revitalize his NFL career?
New England Patriots Season Summary
Patriots are releasing 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton, per source. pic.twitter.com/7ofxNS4Kij
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 16, 2024
The Jerod Mayo regime in New has gotten off to an inconsistent start. This season began with a shocking home victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. New England then preceded to lose the next six games which put a damper on the season and led to Mayo calling his team “soft.” The New England Patriots responded well to Mayo’s comments by winning two of their next three games including a shocking 19-3 victory last week at home against the Chicago Bears.
New England’s offense in 2024, with no help from Thornton, is last in the league in total yards per game and passing yards per game. Rookie Quarterback Drake Maye has shown flashes in his starts this season but has been hampered by a sub-par receiving corps. With Thornton no longer in the picture, New England will need to rely on their in-house receivers to get by in the final seven games of the regular season.
Final Thoughts
New England will look to keep up their improved level of play as they host the Los Angeles Rams tomorrow afternoon. Los Angeles will come into Gillette Stadium in a foul mood tomorrow following a miserable game on Monday against the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots are playing much better with Maye at the helm, and have some positive momentum.
While Thornton did not experience much success during his three-year year tenure with the New England Patriots, the National Football League is known to give a second chance to talented players. Thornton fits that bill and has many years ahead of him to find the right NFL fit.
