Patriots Rumors: Demaryius Thomas, T.J. Yeldon Visit New England in Free Agency

In keeping with their annual tradition of free-agent bargain shopping, the New England Patriots are hosting two veteran offensive players. 

Per ESPN's Field Yates, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and running back T.J. Yeldon visited the reigning Super Bowl champions Wednesday. 

Yeldon would essentially be a luxury item if the Patriots chose to sign him. Sony Michel looks like a budding star after running for 1,267 yards and 12 touchdowns between the regular season and playoffs as a rookie. 

In four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Yeldon had 1,872 yards and six touchdowns on 465 carries. 

Wide receiver seems like one area the Patriots need to address before the start of next season. Julian Edelman is their only returning wideout who had more than 550 yards in 2018. Running back James White led their offense with 87 receptions. 

Thomas has to prove he's still capable of contributing after rupturing his Achilles while playing for the Houston Texans in a Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 31-year-old had 677 yards and five touchdowns on 59 receptions with the Texans and Denver Broncos last season. 

The Texans released Thomas in February. He told reporters after the season ended that retirement wasn't something he was considering. 

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was Thomas' head coach in Denver during his rookie season in 2010.