Rivalries can get petty in the NFL. When a division foe is in need of roster help, teams look the other way, even if they have a surplus at that position.
Maybe general managers are just too competitive to watch rivals succeed at their expense.
The New England Patriots may not have a superstar wide receiver, but they have more starting-caliber pass catchers than they know what to do with. As the New York Jets search for a veteran to add to their receiver room, they shouldn’t even bother looking New England’s way.
Patriots can’t afford to help Jets with their wide receiver needs
Once again, the Jets have a massive hole on their roster. New York is heading into the season with Garrett Wilson and not much else at receiver. Even in a run-heavy offense like this, it’s crucial to have at least a couple of capable pass catchers. The Jets seem to be realizing that issue at the final buzzer of the offseason.
Per NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Jets are “among several teams” looking to trade for a receiver.
The Patriots could benefit from trading away one of their many wide receivers. Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and DeMario Douglas could all be shipped off before the start of the season. Just not to a division rival.
As Russini mentioned, there are other teams looking for receiver help. The Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers are also reported to be checking the market. If the Patriots have an opportunity to send one of their many receivers in exchange for future draft capital, they should seriously consider it.
If New England does decide to trade away one of its wideouts, Kayshon Boutte might be the best option. The third-year receiver had his best season yet in 2024, eclipsing 500 receiving yards on 43 catches. Even after his mini-breakout, Boutte might not have a prominent role in the Patriots’ offense. Instead, he could start the year as the third receiver for the Vikings or 49ers.
In all likelihood, the Patriots don’t need to worry about the Jets. New York seems to be destined to finish at the bottom of the AFC East this year, while New England is on the rise. Still, there’s no scenario in which the Pats should help their division rivals out. Let them flounder down below in the standings while you fight for a playoff spot.