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New England Patriots make big splash move to add high-upside playmaker the rest of the NFL completely overlooked
Nov 2, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (13), wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (9), wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3), offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76), and tight end Hunter Henry (85) come together to celebrate wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) touchdown during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

New England Patriots make big splash move to add high-upside playmaker the rest of the NFL completely overlooked

Originally posted on A to Z Sports  |  By AJ Schulte  |  Last updated Apr 28, 2026 2:04 PM ET
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Undrafted free agent Kyle Dixon received a huge investment from the New England Patriots, and his upside is through the roof.

Last year, the New England Patriots got a huge return on their investment from the addition of undrafted free agents Elijah Ponder and Efton Chism III. While neither lit up the stat sheet, both were contributors for the team in their Super Bowl run last season.

This year, they are hoping for an even bigger impact from a player they made quite the investment into.

Three things to know about Patriots UDFA WR Kyle Dixon

One of four undrafted free agent wide receivers signed by the New England Patriots.

  • Posted 24 total career touchdowns at Culver-Stockton. Dixon was the first receiver in school history with two 1,000-yard seasons.
  • At Missouri’s pro day, Dixon posted a 40.5″ vertical and 131″ broad jump at 6’2 220. Those numbers would both be top-three among wide receivers at the NFL Combine.
  • Was named a First Team NAIA All-American in 2025

Culver-Stockton wide receiver Kyle Dixon received one of the largest guaranteed amount of money any undrafted free agent the Patriots have ever signed. That fact alone should speak to the fact that the Patriots have a clear vision for his upside on the team.

From undrafted to impactful?

Last season, the Patriots signed Chism to a deal worth $259,000. Lo and behold, Chism ended up making the roster. This feels like a similar situation, and the Patriots are banking on Dixon’s incredible upside.

Ahead of the draft, many suspected the Patriots would draft a wide receiver. However, that never ended up occurring. De-facto general manager Eliot Wolf spoke just after the draft on it.

“There were some situations where there were some receivers that we liked that we – they just got picked in front of where we were. … I think we’ll probably be pretty competitive here with the undrafted guys at that position.”

With the signing of Dixon to one of the largest UDFA deals of the cycle alongside three other undrafted free agent wide receivers, I think it’s safe to say Wolf was true to his word.

It’s uncommon to assume UDFAs will make rosters. However, the money Dixon received should be a huge indicator of their internal belief in him. Additionally, the Patriots don’t really have a player with Dixon’s blend of height, weight, and speed. Given how poorly the position room fared last year, Dixon could be a contributor to keep an eye on. New England has done a good job of developing players under Mike Vrabel, and Dixon could be a sneaky contributor because of that.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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