Entering the 2025 offseason with a significant amount of cap space to utilize and a motivated new coaching staff, the Patriots were expected to make numerous significant moves in free agency. In many ways, they accomplished this with signings for players like Stefon Diggs and Milton Williams, but these weren't the decisions most analysts and fans had projected as the most desirable for improving the roster.
There was a heightened belief that their most blockbuster decision would be a trade for a top-name wide receiver, especially since Tee Higgins had reportedly been their primary target. However, that was quickly shut down once he signed an extension, and the Patriots' options then became increasingly limited.
It's likely what led them to sign Diggs to a three-year contract, and despite the mixed reaction, it's hard to argue against that signing. They might not have traded for a receiver of many fans' (and the team's) dreams, but they did sign a proven veteran who immediately elevates the offense.
And now they might have a chance to trade for a different weapon to bulk up their roster, just not offensively.
The Patriots are considered a prime team to trade for Bengals' DE Trey Hendrickson, as his contract negotiations flounder
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots will need to address several key needs on both sides of the team early on. There has been considerable speculation about what their first-round pick will be, with Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter remaining on the board for them at No. 4.
But if he is not available, which has become increasingly unlikely as the draft nears, they could instead look at Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter (if he falls) or LSU left tackle Will Campbell and add to the defensive line in the second round.
In that case, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggests New England trade for Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson, who has been seeking a new contract to no avail. Knox believes the Patriots could trade their second-round pick to acquire the 30-year-old and really elevate their pass rush for the 2025 season.
"The Patriots added edge-rushers Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency, but there's room for another high-level sack artist in New England. The Pats recorded just 28 sacks as a team last season, and they could use an influx of defensive leadership.
Hendrickson could provide both production and strong locker room leadership, and new head coach Mike Vrabel got an up-close look at just how impactful he can be as a Cleveland Browns consultant last season."
Although the Bengals are seeking a first-round pick, if they genuinely want to move on from Hendrickson, they'll have to lower their asking price. No teams have expressed interest in getting a deal done for that high of capital, so pick No. 38 would be ideal for both teams.
That allows the Patriots to address one of their weak points on defense with a proven veteran coming off the best season of his career (six passes defended, two forced fumbles, 46 combined tackles, 19 for a loss, 17.5 sacks, and 36 quarterback hits) and give the Bengals a good position to draft his replacement in a deep pass rush class.
It would be a win-win for both sides, and the chances of Hendrickson playing elsewhere next season continue to rise the longer an extension is not reached. He's already made his frustrations known, with the latest instance being his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show last week, and it doesn't look like they're any closer to reaching an agreement.
That certainly works in the Patriots' favor, and the new regime should seriously consider this proposal as they head into the draft on April 24.
More Patriots news and analysis:
manual