The New England Patriots spent part of this offseason trying to find wide receivers who fit their offense. They tried to land Adam Humphries, who ended up signing with the Tennessee Titans instead.

The Patriots' influence across the NFL likely creates challenges for the team in free agency, per Mike Reiss of ESPN

According to multiple reports, Humphries was offered more money by New England to play there than he got from the Titans. But the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver still decided to side with Tennessee.

Humphries signed a four-year, $36 million deal with the Titans, including $19 million in guarantees. The Patriots reportedly sent an offer for the receiver after he verbally committed to Tennessee.

The former Buccaneers receiver said that it was “tough” turning down the Patriots, but he wasn't going to go against his word to commit to the Titans.

New England has a few connections in the NFL. For example, the Detroit Lions have former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their head coach.

The Lions were able to secure Trey Flowers and Danny Amendola in free agency. Both come from previous stints with New England. There's no doubt that both guys were comfortable signing due to the connection with Patricia.

Humphries would've been a perfect fit in the Patriots' offensive scheme. He's an excellent route runner with good hands and can get himself open in small spaces.

The Patriots would've loved to land Adam Humphries due to him being 25 years old, and he has the potential to break out in 2019.

New England decided to sign Maurice Harris and Bruce Ellington at the wide receiver position instead. However, we'll likely never know what could've been if Humphries signed with the defending champions.