To the New England Patriots’ credit, they made moves this offseason to address the sorry state of their wide receiver depth chart.
But to the continued dismay of Patriots fans, the results once again were mediocre at best in last week’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While well ahead of schedule, Stefon Diggs looked like a player who’s still not quite right following last year’s torn ACL. Third-round rookie Kyle Williams was on the field for just five passing snaps, per PFF's count. Slot receiver DeMario Douglas was a surprising non-factor, and new addition Mack Hollins was a no-show.
If it wasn’t for Kayshon Boutte’s sterling debut, cries for the Patriots to seek more help at wide receiver would be even louder entering Week 2.
That’s not to say that all’s quiet on that front. Bleacher Report’s weekly NFL Trade Big Board unsurprisingly included the Patriots, and the potential target could spark a fun debate among fans.
Patriots urged to trade for a receiver that wouldn't help their offense in the way they might need
Two things have become synonymous with the San Francisco 49ers in recent years — injuries and contract disputes. Fifth-year wide out Jauan Jennings is just their latest example.
After managing a calf issue throughout training camp, Jennings sat out Wednesday’s practice after picking up a shoulder injury in Week 1. As for his contract situation, it’s complicated. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that Jennings turned down a long-term contract offer from the 49ers in favor of a modified deal, allowing him to hit free agency next spring.
That’s led to some speculation over whether the 49ers would look to trade the 28-year-old role player early, in an effort to recoup some compensation.
B/R’s Kris Knox recently named the Patriots as a suitor for Jennings, proposing a package of two picks — a 2026 fourth-rounder and a 2027 fifth.
“Should 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall prove to be a consistent playmaker, Jennings could be viewed as expendable once Brandon Aiyuk returns from injury. He proved himself as a starter last season and should intrigue receiver-needy teams.”
Jennings has definitely flashed in previous seasons when healthy. Fans might remember his 175-yard, three-touchdown breakout game against the Los Angeles Rams in 2024. But would it behoove the Patriots to spend that kind of draft capital on an older, mid-tier receiver like Jennings? Based on their current depth chart, absolutely not.
The Patriots’ biggest issue right now is that they don’t have a clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Drake Maye. They’re hoping that Diggs will prove to be that guy when he’s able to operate at full speed. Boutte’s big season debut was an encouraging development, but it was only one game.
Adding yet another WR2-type player like Jennings doesn’t make much sense for New England; even with Brandon Aiyuk on injured reserve, Jennings wasn't even the top wideout on his current team to open the season (that was 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall).
Unless a game-changing talent like A.J. Brown (who Philadelphia would be crazy to trade) or Tyreek Hill (who’s off-field issues remain a serious red flag) become available at the trade deadline, the Patriots would be better off letting their young receivers like Boutte and Williams (and maybe even Efton Chism III?) continue to grow with Maye in what feels like an unavoidable rebuilding year in Foxboro.
A potential one-year rental in Jennings just doesn’t move the needle enough for a Patriots squad that felt miles behind teams like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.