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Patriots Shockingly Sign NAIA WR To Massive Guaranteed Deal
TL;DR
The New England Patriots signed NAIA wide receiver Kyle Dixon to a significant guaranteed contract following the 2026 NFL Draft. This move is surprising as Dixon did not compete in the NCAA.
Key points
- New England Patriots signed Kyle Dixon as undrafted free agent
- Dixon received the largest contract among undrafted players
- Dixon did not compete in NCAA football
Kyle DixonNew England Patriots
New England Patriots helmet
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The New England Patriots, like several other teams around the league, wasted no time on Saturday night inking undrafted free agents after the 2026 NFL Draft concluded.
Among those signed, wide receiver Kyle Dixon received the biggest contract. This is bizarre considering Dixon did not even compete in the NCAA.
Dixon played for Cluver-Stockton College, which competes at the NAIA level.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that the contract includes more than a quarter million dollars in guarantees.
Dixon was invited to Missouri's pro day, where he absolutely showed out.
He measured in at 6-foot-2, nearly 220 pounds, and posted a 40.5-inch vertical jump.
While at Culver-Stockton, Dixon was heavily featured in the passing game. This past season, he caught 83 balls for 1,282 yards and 12 touchdowns. This added to a 12-touchdown season the year prior and capped off his college career with 143 receptions, 2,394 yards and 24 touchdowns.
He will walk into a very crowded receiver room in New England and has a very steep uphill battle to make the roster.
More NFL:Â The Patriots Didn't Draft Well, But Does It Matter?
Q&A
Why did the Patriots sign Kyle Dixon after the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots signed Kyle Dixon as part of their strategy to secure undrafted free agents, and he received the largest contract among them despite not competing in the NCAA.
What was unique about Kyle Dixon's football background?
Kyle Dixon played in the NAIA, which is a lower level of college football, and did not have NCAA competition experience.
What does this contract mean for Kyle Dixon's future with the Patriots?
The significant guaranteed deal suggests that the Patriots see potential in Dixon, providing him an opportunity to prove himself in the NFL.