Since the start of the offseason, the Patriots have been consistently discussed as one of the likeliest teams to pull off a blockbuster trade before the start of the regular season, mainly because of the needs of their roster and the fact that they still have the most cap space to utilize.
That remains true with players like Trey Hendrickson, Terry McLaurin, and Micah Parsons still waiting on an extension from their new teams, as the Patriots are among the top contenders to land one of them. The most probable appears to be a deal with the Bengals for Hendrickson, even if the current rumor suggests the Patriots' brass aren't too thrilled about the price tag.
There might be a way around that, however, and it would work to both teams' benefit if they come to a compromise. That's something Stripe Hype's Matt Fitzgerald worked out in a trade proposal for the Bengals, which allows them to move on from their pass rush specialist and acquire some solid pieces for their roster to keep their championship window open.
The Patriots have the perfect trade package to acquire the pass rusher of their dreams
Given the caliber of talent that Hendrickson is, it's not outlandish for the Bengals to want a big return if they're going to offload their 17.5 sack machine ahead of a very telling season. But if the Patriots aren't too interested in giving away too much draft capital, there is a way to send some likely cut/trade candidates instead.
Fitzgerald envisions a deal could be done if the trade package includes Cole Strange, who has already seen a nosedive on the offensive line depth chart, and Kyle Dugger, who the Patriots are reportedly shopping ahead of the preseason finale.
Including a third-rounder would sweeten the deal and still allow the Patriots to have their top two picks of the draft to get their next hopeful franchise players.
This seems like the best-case scenario for a team that wants to build its roster through the draft, but put its current team over the top with a proven talent who will immediately make its defense a dominant force for years to come.
At the same time, it allows them to ship off players who are already considered top cut or trade candidates, but get something in return for them instead. It's a good change of scenery for Strange and Dugger, too, as they would finally be on a championship-caliber team that needs their help to increase their chances in the conference.
It's an absolute no-brainer move for New England if the offer is something Cincinnati would be willing to entertain. Considering they would not be willing to pay Hendrickson what he's worth, acquiring players on team-friendly contracts who can be immediate playmakers makes the most logical sense out of any other potential trade offer.