Patriots & Phillip Dorsett Have Mutual Interest In Return, But Dorestt Likely To Test Open Market

Michael Giardi of NFL Media reports that there is “mutual interest” between the Patriots and WR Phillip Dorsett in a contract extension.

However, given that were just a few weeks until the start of free agency, Giardi says the intention from Dorsett’s camp is to test the free agent market and see what’s out there for him.

Meanwhile, Dorsett tells Mike Reiss that he’s open to returning to New England, but prepared for anything. 

“I’ve never been through this process. I don’t know what the future holds for me,” Dorsett said. “I believe [Bill Belichick] wants me back, but you never know how it will go.”

Dorsett actually generated some interest leading up to the trade deadline last year from the Texans and Titans, so it will be interesting to see what kind of market he has this offseason. 

Dorsett, 26, is a former first-round pick by the Colts in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Patriots acquired him from the Colts in exchange for QB Jacoby Brissett.

Dorsett played out the final year of a four-year, $8.135 million rookie contract and is now in line to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career. 

In 2018, Dorsett has all 16 games and caught 32 passes for 290 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 29 yards on four carries.