With the preseason right around the corner for the Patriots, trade rumors about a few players have started to ramp up, with most assuming they will make a deal or two before the regular season, with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte continuing to be the frontrunner.
But there have also been whispers about DeMario Douglas, as he is considered another player who would draw the most interest that the team might be willing to part with, and there's a good chance we could see him suit up with a different team this fall on the final year of his rookie contract.
He was projected to be a major part of Josh McDaniels' offense in 2025, as his style fits exactly what Douglas is best at. But that's far from what we saw. In fact, the receiver was used very little throughout the year, earning a "secret weapon" label because of it.
He thrived when he was given an opportunity on game day, with his performance against the Saints being the most memorable. It was a clear sign that he could become the contributor he had been in the past, especially from the year before, but his flashes of greatness didn't change the game plan for McDaniels.
There is a chance he might be incorporated more this season, however, based on what we've seen at training camp so far. Douglas has stood out multiple times, and while trade rumors continue to ramp up, Drake Maye has sent a clear message that he'd like to keep his teammate around, and now Mike Vrabel seems to be almost saying the same thing.
DeMario Douglas might not be a legitimate trade candidate for the Patriots after all
The head coach has had nothing but complimentary things to say about Douglas in recent weeks, expressing his admiration for how he prepares for practice and game day.
He recently emphasized just how good Douglas was last year while speaking to reporters after practice, and it's hard not to wonder if this was a hint about the Patriots deciding to keep him around rather than having serious trade talks over the next few weeks.
“I think the most impressive thing was that he was ready, whether he got 12 or 30 snaps … he made plenty of plays for us. His attitude remained really good … Nobody cares more about the team than Pop does. That showed by the way he plays.”
From what we've heard straight out of Vrabel's mouth, Douglas fits everything he wants in a player for the Patriots now and in the future, and his most recent comments only solidify that further, so it's difficult to imagine that he's actively pushing for him to be traded.
Whether Eliot Wolf is on the same page is a different story, since he hasn't spoken to the media in quite some time. But even if he had, it's unlikely he would admit who the Patriots are looking to move, so there wouldn't be any clarity on Douglas' future regardless.
From what we've seen, and even what we've heard from Drake Maye, it seems fair to say that Douglas is an integral part of the offense right now, and it would be a loss to see him traded.
The quarterback has spoken highly of his connection with Douglas in recent days, and because the team wants to surround him with the best talent they can who are reliable and can contribute, it would seem obvious that trading Douglas would cause more harm than good.
Add us as a preferred source on Google