The New England Patriots are coming off a disappointing end to their 2017 season, falling just short of repeating as Super Bowl champions. The front office has shifted gears entirely to addressing the state of their roster for next year with a few decisions lined up to make with pending free agents, one of which is veteran wide receiver Kenny Britt.

Britt holds a $1.5 million option for the 2018 campaign that he signed last season when he was picked up off waivers by the Patriots. According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, New England decided on Tuesday afternoon to pick up that option.

Britt joined the Patriots last December after being let go by the Cleveland Browns as one of the first moves by new general manager John Dorsey. He was in his first year with the team after inking a four-year, $32.5 million deal with over last offseason.

His stock was at an all-time high after posting his most productive season with the Los Angeles Rams, recording career-best numbers across the board with 68 catches, 1,002 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.

He struggled tremendously in his nine games with the Browns, hauling in 18 receptions for 233 yards and two touchdowns. This included no more than three catches in each contest while failing to garner more than 55 receiving yards in any appearance.

Kenny Britt, Patriots
Matt West/Boston Herald

Britt played in just three games with the Patriots this past season, making two catches of five targets for 23 receiving yards. He did not take the field in the playoffs and was not on the active roster for Super Bowl LII.

That said, the decision to bring back Britt shows that he will play a part in their offensive game plan next season. He could be a huge asset given his size and ability to make big plays down the field. Next on the agenda for the Patriots at the wide receiver position should be re-signing veteran wide receiver Danny Amendola, who is set to hit the free agent market this offseason.