Four receivers the Patriots could trade for this offseason

Receivers the Patriots should consider trading for this offseason

DeVonta Smith

AGE: 24
CONTRACT: Third year of rookie deal
2022 STATS: 17 games – 95 receptions, 1,196 yards, seven touchdowns, 12.6 YPC
CAP SPACE IMPLICATIONS FOR 2023: Base salary – $940,000 | Cap hit – $5,493,107

The Eagles are another team who have hit the receiver jackpot recently, with DeVonta Smith having back-to-back breakout seasons and making the blockbuster trade for A.J. Brown last year. Because Philadelphia traded for and then extended Brown through the 2027 season, Smith’s status as the clear number one took a backseat, making a potential trade for him not an impossible scenario.

Drafted in the first round just two years, Smith will be entering his third season in the NFL in 2023. Both Brown and Smith are clear WR1 for any team in the league, and because Brown is on the books for four more seasons, they may be inclined to move on from Smith sooner than later.

The Patriots should express interest in the receiver for several reasons. First, besides his age, production, and contract status appearing favorable in many ways, Smith also has experience working with Mac Jones. The two accomplished one of the best college football performances at Alabama in 2020; Smith totaled 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns, while Jones tallied 311 completions for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Since their final season together, Smith has consistently spoken highly of Jones, even choosing him over fellow Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a pre-draft interview in 2021. The endorsement and performance since joining the NFL should be enough reason for Belichick to contact the Eagles about Smith.

Although they may not be willing to part with an integral part of their offense, knowing an extension will be needed for quarterback Jalen Hurts sooner than later may change the Eagles’ mind.

Eagles’ details for trading Smith this offseason before or after 6/1:
2023 Dead Cap: $3,002,071
2024 Dead Cap: $3,002,071

2023 Cap savings if Smith is traded: $2,491,036

Cap space available for 2023: $10,204,438