The Patriots have put together an interesting offseason so far, hitting the ground fast at the start of free agency and signing some of the best available defensive talent right away. It took pressure off the new regime to make significant moves for the entire roster, as the team as a whole needed substantial improvements before the 2025 season.
But at the same time, the neglect of the offense was becoming more concerning, especially for the offensive line and receiving corps. David Andrews' unexpected release and the signing of wide receiver Mack Hollins made the situation even more dire, which likely led the team to sign Stefon Diggs on Tuesday night.
It was the move they needed to make to secure improved weaponry for Drake Maye to work with in his second season, and it seemed even more appropriate after the news about the Giants signing Russell Wilson to a one-year contract.
That directly impacts the Patriots' potential draft plans, as New York is on the clock one pick ahead of them and was expected to be in line for one of the top quarterbacks of the incoming class. Now that Wilson could be their starter, concerns have grown about the Patriots' chances of landing CB/WR Travis Hunter, a prospect who has been a favorite for New England for the past few months.
Those concerns are valid, and there's a good chance that they will ultimately pass one of the top quarterbacks this year to take a player like Hunter. However, the latest intel from NFL insider Adam Schefter appears to alleviate those concerns, at least for the time being.
Adam Schefter won't rule out the Giants drafting a quarterback even with Russell Wilson signed in free agency
Because the Patriots hold the fourth overall pick, there is a strong possibility that they may not have the opportunity to choose from some of the best players in the 2025 class, as they could already have been selected by the teams ahead of them.
That is the case with two of the top favorites for them to draft, including EDGE Abdul Carter and WR Travis Hunter.
They were fortunate that all three teams, the Titans, Browns, and Giants, should all be in play for a quarterback and at least two of those teams could take the top two at the position, meaning the Patriots would have at least one of their most desired players land in their lap.
With the Giants signing a veteran, that looks a bit more unlikely. However, Schefter believes it won't deter them from taking a rookie, such as Shadeur Sanders, with the No. 3 pick, which is the best news possible for the Patriots.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders has been, and continues to be, linked to the Giants, no matter what quarterbacks New York adds to its roster. With @tyschmit:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 25, 2025
🎧 https://t.co/uCzEjxZcrk pic.twitter.com/8VpeIO2HWr
Although it's far from a guarantee and we shouldn't rely solely on Schefter's words, it's still worth noting, considering his connections to NFL circles and the intel he receives as a result. He must have been told that the Giants are seriously considering drafting a quarterback to say this hours before the Wilson signing, or it makes no sense to mention it at all.
The Patriots will have to pay super close attention over the next few weeks to see how things continue to go with the other two teams ahead of them in the draft order. A lot can change, even if this update with the Giants is a positive move.
Their decision to sign Stefon Diggs is great, too, but it shouldn't stop them from also drafting Hunter if the opportunity presents itself. If he and Carter are off the board, however, there are other avenues they'll have to explore.