Because they are now a team that will be considered a contender after shockingly representing the AFC in the Super Bowl this past season, the Patriots are going to be connected to plenty of high-profile trades that would immediately boost their roster in a way that the rest of the NFL doesn't want to see.
Most of the recent discussion has centered on Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown, although little has been said about the likelihood of the two teams coming to a deal. If that doesn't happen this summer, or even around next month's draft, they could shift their focus to other receivers who could be up for grabs.
One of the more intriguing options would be Cardinals' Marvin Harrison Jr., who was universally deemed the best pass catcher in the 2024 draft. Unfortunately, that meant a team like Arizona was on the board to select him, and over the past two years, he hasn't lived up to expectations.
That has John Kosko of PFF labeling him as their best trade asset ahead of the 2026 season, and given the Cardinals are a team in the rebuilding phase, they could seriously consider moving one of their best players, and there's no reason for the Patriots not to make a call.
The Patriots might have another wide receiver to consider trading for other than AJ Brown
With a new head coach and staff in charge, along with presumably a new quarterback to run the offense, there is certainly potential for a dramatic makeover of the roster over the next few months. If the Cardinals want to make a big splash in the draft, however, they could be inclined to trade away one of their only desirable players.
That's the basis for Kosko naming him their top trade candidate, and if they do eventually make him available, he might be a better pickup than Brown for New England.
"Inconsistent quarterback play has played a role, but other top-tier receivers — such as Malik Nabers, Drake London and Garrett Wilson — have produced early in similar or even worse situations. While Harrison likely has better football ahead of him, the Cardinals’ current roster situation may warrant maximizing his value before his trade market declines."
Harrison Jr. would be an interesting addition to the Patriots' offense as a bigger-bodied player known for being a deep threat, which is exactly the kind of quarterback Drake Maye is. And he would easily be the best QB that the 23-year-old has worked with so far in his NFL career.
As Kosko stated, it's possible that this has led to his lower-than-expected production thus far, as he has recorded 103 receptions for 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns in 29 games over the past two years. So giving him more stability at the position would seemingly boost his performance in a way we haven't seen yet.
Harrison's speed and explosive play style would give him a new threat to work with, while giving opposing defenses a receiver to prepare for far more than they have when facing New England for a number of years.
It likely wouldn't be any cheaper to get a trade for Brown agreed to than it would be with the Eagles, but Harrison is considerably younger and plays differently than the veteran, so that certainly warrants the Patriots strongly considering how he would elevate their offense.
At the very least, they shouldn't rule it out. Brown would be exceptional for Maye and the rest of the offense, but Mike Vrabel and Co. shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket, especially if a deal can't be reached until June 1.