The 2025 free agency class was full of quality talent the Patriots would be lucky to sign, and fortunately, they managed to snag a few of the best defensive players available. The additions of Milton Williams and Carlton Davis are the most noteworthy, as they were at the top of their respective positions and the most desirable to teams in need.
When it comes to the offense, however, there weren't as many names that seemed to be the right fit for what the Patriots needed, especially at wide receiver. That's why the idea of trading for Tee Higgins, even after he had been franchise tagged, appeared to be the best road to take because the free agent receivers, Chris Godwin being considered the best, were not the most ideal.
Besides Higgins, there was also talk about trading for D.K. Metcalf, who the Seahawks made available, only to be traded to the Steelers instead. So that limts the Patriots options to get the caliber of receiver they want to pair with Drake Maye this fall.
But there are still a few rumored names to keep an eye on, even if they don't seem all that plausible now. That's what Boston Sports Journal's Greg Bedard believes, anyway, who thinks the Patriots will make a big-time move before the offseason is over.
Greg Bedard sees the Patriots pulling off a blockbuster trade for a clear top receiver this offseason
Because so many wide receivers have already found new teams this offseason, including those most likely to be traded, the Patriots don't have many options to entertain. There has been speculation about a few others, like 49ers Brandon Aiyuk and Eagles' A.J. Brown, but neither team has said anything about making them available.
There does, however, seem to be more chatter around the idea of Aiyuk being moved just one year after receiving an extension, especially since the 49ers appear to be undergoing a big rebuild this offseason. That's why Bedard believes he is the most likely receiver the Patriots will trade for, as he thinks that will inevitably happen before the 2025 season starts.
"Just like last offseason, I still believe in my bones the Patriots will find that receiver via trade, among the likes of AJ Brown and Brandon Aiyuk. The latter is the best option given the fire sale in San Francisco, but he won't be ready until at least midseason after major knee surgery."
Citing having the same feeling last year when the Patriots didn't make a move might not be the smartest leg for Bedard to stand on, but perhaps there's more credibility to them making a move this offseason with more cap space and a different head coach in charge.
Regardless, it would be phenomenal if Bedard is correct with his inkling, and the Patriots will shock the NFL world by acquiring the talent at wide receiver the offense desperately needs. It would be even more incredible if they managed to pull off a trade for Brown, in particular, to reunite him with his former head coach in New England.
There has been nothing to suggest the Super Bowl Champions are entertaining any trade talks for the receiver, though. Previous reports have indicated the Patriots have already kicked the tires on his availability to no avail.
Maybe something will change over the next few weeks or months on that front, or they will get more involved in conversations about Aiyuk, even if he isn't expected to be ready by Week 1. No matter what, it would be wise for the team to dive deep into trade talks for a player of their caliber to make Maye's second season the best it can be.