Patriots Sign WR Damiere Byrd in Weak Attempt to Distract From Tom Brady Leaving for Tampa Bay

New England Patriots fans have to be in a state of shock and disbelief Tuesday night. Tom Brady first announced he was not re-joining the team earlier in the day, and then the news later came down that he is headed to Tampa Bay to lead Bruce Arians' Buccaneers, a blockbuster with implications that radiate across all of football.

The team is facing a huge transition phase in 2020, and the announcement of signing a new wide receiver may not even register on the radar of most Patriots fans. That said, Damiere Byrd is headed to Foxborough.

The #Patriots are signing WR Damiere Byrd to a one-year deal source says. Coming off a 32-catch season with the #Cardinals. This is where I usually say, "And his next pass will be from Tom Brady" but, ya know...
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 18, 2020

The former Cardinals wideout is joining the Patriots on a reported one-year deal. He had 32 catches for 359 yards last season in Glendale. Before that, he saw limited action over the course of three seasons in Carolina.

New Patriots WR Damiere Byrd is built like a slot receiver (5-9, 181) but played mainly outside for Arizona. Coming off his most productive season to date (32-359-1) after not doing much in three seasons with Carolina. Also can return kicks and punts.
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) March 18, 2020

While it is no fault of Byrd's, this is a bad time to learn of a new signing if you're a Pats supporter. A fanbase is in a state of shock and sorrow, after all. The only question remaining? Who Byrd will catch passes from in 2020. Ball's in your court, Belichick.