Damiere Byrd

In 2020, Byrd became a full-time player for the first time in his five-year career and posted career bests in receptions (47), yards (604) and targets (77) with one touchdown in 16 games for the Patriots. Although he's a small receiver at 5-9, 180, he's been used primarily as an outside receiver in the NFL, experience that may help him compete with Marquise Goodwin and Rodney Adams for a depth role behind Bears starters Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. Should he emerge from that group and reps open up due to injury, Byrd could be thrust into a large role in an offense that's become pass-heavy over the past couple seasons.

Though not a splashy signing, Byrd has a chance to compete for the Patriots' No. 3 wideout role, a vacancy open now that Phillip Dorsett is no longer with the team. If Byrd can claim the assignment, he'd work behind veteran slot maven Julian Edelman and 2019 first-rounder N'Keal Harry. The 27-year-old wideout is coming off a 2019 campaign in which he caught a career-high 32 passes for 359 yards and a TD in 11 games for Arizona. Even if the 5-9, 180-pounder doesn't end up being a high-volume target with his new team, the speedy Byrd does at least also offer special teams value.

Byrd's efforts on the Panthers' practice squad were rewarded by a promotion to Carolina's 53-man roster for eight games last season. As a reserve receiver, his involvement was understandably limited, but Byrd still managed to score twice from his 10 receptions. He'll once again aim to make the team this season.

Byrd spent most of his rookie year on the Panthers practice squad, but did make one appearance during the regular season, catching his lone target for 16 yards. Like last year, the local product is in competition with Brenton Bersin and Keyarris Garrett for a roster spot this term.

Will compete for a roster spot this season.