Most Career Receiving Yards by a New England Patriots Player
For decades, the Patriots have featured receivers who dominated defenses in every era. From Stanley Morgan’s vertical brilliance to Rob Gronkowski redefining the tight end position, this list is packed with legends who shaped New England’s offensive identity. Whether it was Tom Brady’s pinpoint throws or earlier eras of aerial attacks, these pass-catchers left their mark in Foxborough.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Gino Cappelletti – 4,589 Yards
Cappelletti was one of the AFL’s early stars, contributing as a receiver and kicker. His production helped put the Patriots on the football map.
9. Terry Glenn – 4,669 Yards
Glenn brought explosiveness to the Patriots’ offense in the late ’90s, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie with over 1,100 yards.
8. Jim Colclough – 5,001 Yards
Colclough made his mark as a reliable target in the AFL, posting strong totals during the franchise’s early years.
7. Ben Coates – 5,471 Yards
Coates was one of the most productive tight ends of the ’90s, blending size and soft hands to become Drew Bledsoe’s security blanket.
6. Irving Fryar – 5,726 Yards
Fryar’s blend of speed and consistency made him a go-to option in the ’80s. He later added to his legacy with other teams but started his career as a Patriot.
5. Troy Brown – 6,366 Yards
Brown was the ultimate Patriot—clutch catches, tough yards, and even snaps as a defensive back. He played a key role in the early 2000s dynasty.
4. Julian Edelman – 6,822 Yards
Edelman’s postseason heroics cemented his legend, but he was also a chain-moving machine during the regular season. His toughness and reliability defined the Brady era.
3. Wes Welker – 7,459 Yards
Welker redefined the slot receiver role, posting five 100-catch seasons and leading the NFL in receptions multiple times. His quickness was almost impossible to cover.
2. Rob Gronkowski – 7,861 Yards
Gronk was an unstoppable force with unmatched size and athleticism. His ability to dominate both as a blocker and pass-catcher makes him an all-time great.
1. Stanley Morgan – 10,352 Yards
Morgan set the standard for big plays, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch early in his career. His combination of speed and consistency kept him atop the franchise leaderboard for decades.
Ranking the 10 all-time career receiving yard leaders in New England Patriots history
Top 50 Career Receiving Yards Performances in Patriots History
This table showcases every New England Patriots player to record over 1,200 receiving yards with the franchise — from AFL pioneers to Super Bowl champions.
| Rank | Player Name | Receiving Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanley Morgan | 10,352 |
| 2 | Rob Gronkowski | 7,861 |
| 3 | Wes Welker | 7,459 |
| 4 | Julian Edelman | 6,822 |
| 5 | Troy Brown | 6,366 |
| 6 | Irving Fryar | 5,726 |
| 7 | Ben Coates | 5,471 |
| 8 | Jim Colclough | 5,001 |
| 9 | Terry Glenn | 4,669 |
| 10 | Gino Cappelletti | 4,589 |
| 11 | Deion Branch | 4,297 |
| 12 | Randy Moss | 3,904 |
| 13 | Kevin Faulk | 3,701 |
| 14 | James White | 3,278 |
| 15 | Harold Jackson | 3,162 |
| 16 | Russ Francis | 3,157 |
| 17 | Vincent Brisby | 3,142 |
| 18 | Art Graham | 3,107 |
| 19 | Shawn Jefferson | 3,081 |
| 20 | Randy Vataha | 3,055 |
| 21 | Jakobi Meyers | 2,758 |
| 22 | Cedric Jones | 2,703 |
| 23 | David Patten | 2,513 |
| 24 | Larry Garron | 2,502 |
| 25 | Jim Whalen | 2,487 |
| 26 | Michael Timpson | 2,472 |
| 27 | Danny Amendola | 2,383 |
| 28 | Tony Collins | 2,356 |
| 29 | Ben Watson | 2,275 |
| 30 | David Givens | 2,214 |
| 31 | Hunter Henry | 2,205 |
| 32 | Aaron Hernandez | 1,956 |
| 33 | Kendrick Bourne | 1,945 |
| 34 | Sam Cunningham | 1,905 |
| 35 | Reggie Rucker | 1,884 |
| 36 | Darryl Stingley | 1,883 |
| 37 | Stephen Starring | 1,865 |
| 38 | Marv Cook | 1,843 |
| 39 | Andy Johnson | 1,807 |
| 40 | Tony Romeo | 1,724 |
| 41 | Chris Hogan | 1,651 |
| 42 | Greg McMurtry | 1,519 |
| 43 | Ron Sellers | 1,477 |
| 44 | Brandon LaFell | 1,468 |
| 45 | Don Hasselbeck | 1,444 |
| 46 | Derrick Ramsey | 1,412 |
| 47 | Daniel Graham | 1,393 |
| 48 | Hart Lee Dykes | 1,344 |
| 49 | Lin Dawson | 1,233 |
| 50 | Ron Burton | 1,205 |
From AFL pioneers to modern dynasty heroes, the Patriots’ receiving leaders showcase an incredible variety of talent. Stanley Morgan’s record remains the gold standard, but Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker redefined what was possible in Foxborough. With new weapons emerging every season, these marks could eventually fall—but they’ve set the bar high for the next generation.
FAQ SECTION
Who holds the Patriots record for most career receiving yards?
Stanley Morgan holds the record with 10,352 career receiving yards.
Which tight end has the most career receiving yards?
Rob Gronkowski leads all Patriots tight ends with 7,861 yards.
Are any slot receivers on this list?
Yes—Wes Welker and Julian Edelman were among the most productive slot receivers in NFL history.
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