The legal tampering period begins on Monday, and the Patriots are ready to make the necessary moves to improve the roster for the 2025 season. After making some signings on Sunday, bringing in LB Harold Landry and re-signing TE Austin Hooper, the hope is to get ahead of other teams and quickly sign the players they most desire, especially a wide receiver.
It was speculated that the new regime was intrigued by D.K. Metcalf after he had asked for a trade, but ultimately missed out on getting a deal done for him, as the Seahawks traded him to the Steelers on Sunday for a second-round pick. They also made him one of the league's highest-paid receivers, which might have pushed the Patriots away, too.
Regardless, Metcalf would've been a great addition to the offense for Drake Maye to work with, particularly as a deep threat. But now the Patriots need to look in another direction for a receiver as close to his caliber as possible.
There aren't many options left in free agency, which could force them to make a big-time trade. But there are still some players left that could be the blockbuster move the Patriots are seemingly willing to make.
D.K. Metcalf trade forces Patriots to look at other receiver options
Trade for Cooper Kupp
One of the first names to be put on the trade block this offseason was longtime Rams' receiver Cooper Kupp. The former Offensive Player of the Year has been a consistent weapon for the revolving door of quarterbacks that have come through LA, but he has recently taken a backseat to Puka Nacua, as he has risen to stardom since he was drafted in 2023.
That is likely a factor in why the Rams are willing to part with Kupp, making him available to the Patriots via trade. He might not be the top candidate fans would hope to acquire, but he's still a solid weapon that would greatly impact Maye's performance.
Just last year, Kupp recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. The injury bug has been an issue for him over the last three seasons, which is certainly something to account for, but he remains an explosive player when on the field.
He could be a solid option for the Patriots to consider trading for given who remains available, even more so if they'd prefer to add a veteran receiver rather than relying on a rookie.
Trade for Tee Higgins
Although he was franchise tagged and seemingly unavailable, nothing is ever impossible in professional sports, including the Patriots' pursuit of Tee Higgins. Because they're also needing to pay Ja'Marr Chase, there is a good chance negotiating a long term deal with Higgins won't ever come to fruition, creating an opportunity for New England to sneak in and get a deal done.
They have long been interested in the 26-year-old and have inquired about trading for him a few times over the past two years. Mike Vrabel and Co. were expected to heavily pursue him once he became a free agent, only for the Bengals to tag him for the second year in a row.
With the chance of a deal falling through more than ever now and Metcalf's new deal throwing a big wrench into their negotiations, a tag-and-trade is still on the table. The Patriots have the means to make a solid offer, even this year's second-round pick or one of their thirds, which might also make it more undeniable for the Bengals to agree to.
Sign Chris Godwin
Of the few free agent options deemed the best for the Patriots, Chris Godwin tops the list for a few reasons. Besides their reported interest in the longtime Buccaneer, Godwin is a seasoned veteran who would significantly impact the offense and elevate Maye's game.
Although he's coming off a season-ending injury in Week 7 of last year, the caliber of player Godwin is doesn't become available often. He logged three consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, averaging 11.1 yards per catch, both of which are massive improvements over the Patriots receiving corps since Julian Edelman retired.
Godwin appears to be a player who would thrive in Josh McDaniels' system, making him a frontrunner to become the next Patriot. That, coupled with the growth and development of Maye, would benefit from having a guy like Godwin on the roster, which makes it easy to understand why the Patriots might want to sign him, and he could be the best guy for the job.
Sign DeAndre Hopkins
Another possible option in free agency is DeAndre Hopkins. The Patriots tried to sign him in 2023 when the Cardinals had released him, but Bill Belichick and Co. failed to convince him New England was the place to go. Instead, he signed with the Titans and eventually moved onto the Chiefs.
Now that he is set to be a free agent again, the Patriots could make their move. Hopkins and Vrabel are connected, as they were both with the Texans from 2014 to 2018, which could certainly work in the Patriots' favor.
Ideally, they would likely want to sign someone younger than Hopkins, who will be 33 by the time the 2025 season starts. But he would elevate the Patriots' offense, and he proved he could still do that during his lone season in Kansas City. That is enough to be interested in bringing him in.
Trade for Brandon Aiyuk
Because they're in a similar situation with their receiving corps this year as they were in 2024, the Patriots have already been connected to Brandon Aiyuk again and rumors claim the 49ers are listening to trade offers even after sending Deebo Samuel to the Commanders.
Despite Aiyuk not wanting to come to New England last year due to the uncertainty of their head coach and quarterback, that shouldn't be an issue anymore with Vrabel and Maye in the building, which might intrigue the receiver much more. On top of that, his rumored interest in joining the Steelers is likely off the table now since they just traded for Metcalf, which is another plus for the Patriots.
If the 49ers are really willing to move on from Aiyuk just one year after giving him a massive extension, there's no reason the Patriots shouldn't seriously consider making the move.
However, there might be some reluctance since he tore his ACL mid-season last year, which could force him to sit out a good chunk of the 2025 season. That isn't something the Patriots would necessarily want in their next receiver, but if they are interested in Aiyuk, it's a big factor they'll have to get over to get him in the door.
Other free agents worth monitoring: Keenan Allen, Brandin Cooks, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett, Josh Reynolds, Darius Slayton,