The Patriots go into the 2025 NFL Draft with several options with their No. 4 overall pick, even if the current speculation suggests they won't have an opportunity to trade down in the expected case of Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter being off the board already. Fortunately, a team like the Saints leaves that door cracked just a smidge, as their interest in taking a quarterback, like Shadeur Sanders, might become more relevant with Derek Carr's future in the air.
At this point, that seems like the only plausible trade-down scenario if the Patriots don't feel comfortable with the players available once they're on the clock, especially when the leading favorite to be their pick is LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
Because he continues to be tied to controversy regarding his arm length and, more recently, his performance, there is a chance that instead of trading down for him, the Patriots could try to trade up to get one of the two players they really want, with the leading name being Abdul Carter.
The idea of trading up has not been discussed nearly at all, making the idea seem even more intriguing given who they could potentially pick just one selection further up on the board.
The Patriots might be able to swing a deal with the Giants for the No. 3 pick
Christian Arcand, a Boston radio host with WEEI, recently mentioned the idea. He wants to see the Patriots draft Carter above anyone else. Because the Penn State alum is considered a blue-chip talent, there's no way they would miss by picking him, and the defensive line needs more pass rush help for the 2025 season.
If Mike Vrabel and Co. feel the same way, which they are presumed to regarding the impact that Carter would make on the team, there's a chance they could try trading up with the Giants for the No. 3 pick.
The Giants are a team that could easily take a quarterback with their pick, with Colorado's Shadeur Sanders looking like the player the team has their eye on. Moving back to No. 4 would still allow them to get their next franchise player, while adding more draft capital that the Patriots would have to offer to get a deal done.
It's a win/win scenario for both teams, as adding a top pass rusher would be a homerun for New England and getting a legitimate starting quarterback would be difficult for New York to turn down.
The only issue would be if Carter is already off the board, which could happen since he has hinted that the Titans will take him first overall. In that case, the Patriots have no need to trade up, unless Travis Hunter somehow falls to No. 3. But that's a situation for another day.
What a trade-up one spot would look like is unclear, too. Because it's just a small move, it shouldn't cost too much. But depending on what the Giants would want in return, Vrabel should seriously consider the decision and whether Carter is the right guy to do that for. Regardless, the premise of trading up should be on the Patriots' radar.