As free agent wide receivers fly off the board, the Patriots remain in talks with Phillip Dorsett, according to a source.

The two sides engaged in conversations at the NFL Combine and have continued to discuss Dorsett’s possible return.

The free agent market for receivers has exploded for the second consecutive year.

The Patriots pursued slot receiver Adam Humphries in free agency, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, but lost out to the Titans. Tennessee reportedly paid Humphries $36 million over four years.

Free agent receivers Jamison Crowder (Jets), Devin Funchess (Colts), Danny Amendola (Lions), John Brown (Bills), and Cole Beasley (Bills) reportedly reached agreements.

Crowder is set to receive $17 million guaranteed, per multiple reports. Funchess’ one-year deal has a maximum value of $13 million, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported. Brown’s deal is worth $27 million for three years, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Remaining free agents include Golden Tate (widely considered to be the best player available at the position), Randall Cobb, and Dontrelle Inman.

Dorsett, Chris Hogan, and Cordarrelle Patterson also are in search of landing spots.

For Dorsett, the top priority in free agency is finding a team that provides him the opportunity for consistent snaps and targets. The fifth-year pro got off to a strong start in the 2018 season, but his playing time diminished following Julian Edelman’s return from suspension and the team’s trade for Josh Gordon. Dorsett assumed a more active role in the playoffs, securing a 29-yard touchdown catch at the end of the first half in the AFC Championship.

Dorsett finished with 32 receptions for 290 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. He found the end zone in each of the Patriots’ first two postseason games.

Dorsett, 26, was a first-round pick of the Colts in 2015. He was acquired by the Patriots in exchange for quarterback Jacoby Brissett prior to the 2017 season.