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Trade Rumors: Panthers star WR for ‘frustrated’ Patriots WR

By John Armwood III

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Robbie Anderson #3 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Giants during a game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 18: Robbie Anderson #3 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the New York Giants during a game at MetLife Stadium on September 18, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Nearing the trade deadline, there are tons of trade talks going around the NFL. In particular, the New England Patriots may be considering trading veteran WRs Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, understanding these both have underachieved.

Kendrick Bourne’s rough start to the 2022 season

In 2021, there was no doubt that Bourne proved to be one of the Patriots’ biggest offensive assets. However, this offseason endured a bunch of changes including the leadership of the offense. Former OC and current Las Vegas Raiders HC Josh McDaniels utilized Bourne much more within the offensive scheme.

On the other hand, Matt Patricia’s scheme hasn’t been as favorable to Bourne. Last season, Bourne recorded 55 receptions, 800 yards, and five touchdowns, according to ESPN. These were all career highs for Bourne, as of now, he’s almost nonexistent. Even though, in his few opportunities, he’s made huge plays down the field in the passing game.

Just to put it in perspective, in 2021, through the first five weeks he averaged 37.4 snaps per game, right now, he’s averaging 20.8 snaps. This includes the embarrassing two snaps he received in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Nelson Agholor is not who the Patriots thought he was

Now, Agholor’s situation is quite the opposite of Bourne’s. In fact, he’s had plenty of opportunities, however, he’s only appeared in one of the five games this season. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded six receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown. It easily is the most productive game to date in a Patriots’ uniform.

To be clear, it’s the only game not only has had more than five receptions but also it’s the only game he’s surpassed 100 receiving yards in two seasons with the Patriots. Since he joined the Patriots in 2021, he’s started every game when healthy. This includes the Baltimore Ravens’ game where he was given a deep pass over the middle in crunch time. However, Agholor began to run upfield and lost the ball.

One can agree, this is essentially a summary of his time in New England. Plenty of opportunities to showcase and make his case for being the Pats’ premier WR, yet, he fumbles his chances away.

Robby Anderson is a great fit for the New England Patriots

Robby Anderson spent his first four seasons playing against the Patriots for the New York Jets. Naturally, Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick got to take a close look at his potential and gauge his style within the offensive scheme. Belichick has also attempted to inquire about Anderson several times in the past.

Several reports state before acquiring DeVante Parker, they initially went after Anderson.

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