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3 wide receivers the Patriots should try and trade for this offseason

By Jack Long

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates on the sidelines after his teammates snagged an interception during the first half against the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates on the sidelines after his teammates snagged an interception during the first half against the Washington Football Team at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 08: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 08: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Julio Jones

Would the veteran receiver be worth the hefty price tag for the Patriots?

This guy is the definition of the Patriots Way. Julio Jones just does his job. There’s no personality to deal with when this guy comes to play. He’s the silent assassin who has quietly been a top three receiver of the last decade.

The Atlanta Falcons are about to have an interesting offseason. Their offense is one of the best in the league on paper, but when it comes to defense or closing out games, no dice. With a new coach and management corps coming in, there could be a big roster shakeup this spring.

Julio’s name was floated in trade rumors before the deadline along with quarterback Matt Ryan, as the Atlanta Falcons might be looking to trade veteran pieces to begin stockpiling young assets.

Of all the aforementioned WRs, Julio has the heftiest contract by far, sitting at around $22 million per year for the next three years (with a team opt-out available in 2023). Jones is the second highest paid pass catcher in the league, but he is worth every penny if healthy.

Is a trade the best route for the Patriots’ search for a number one wide receiver?

Although these names are super enticing, the cost to acquire one of these names plus the heavy cap hit makes one hesitate.

Saying that, it’s hard to find a number 1 guy in this league, and unless the Patriots sign one of the top impending UFAs or land a Smith or Waddle in the draft, a trade isn’t the worst option.

New England should be a competitive team in 2021 and to bring in an immediate impact guy catching passes would be huge for the Patriots’ playoff chances.

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