At this point in the offseason, the chance of a team making a blockbuster trade is far more unlikely than it would have been during the draft. But the Patriots still have a healthy amount of cap space left to utilize if they choose to, and some spots on the roster could certainly use some more help, including the receiving corps.
The addition of Stefon Diggs in free agency was a big win for the offense, especially Drake Maye, after years of an underwhelming wide receiver room had hindered most progress. Mike Vrabel and Co. took it a step further by drafting WSU's Kyle Williams in the third round last month, bolstering the weapons Maye will work with even more in hopes of assembling a powerhouse group.
There is an argument to be made that Diggs and Williams' addition, plus the free agency signing of Mack Hollins and draft selection of running back TreVeyon Henderson, is enough improvement for the offense to be solid for the upcoming season.
But a few trade candidates could spark the Patriots' interest, especially since they likely wouldn't cost nearly as much as some of the names many fans hoped to see in a Patriots uniform this season (like A.J. Brown and Tee Higgins).
The Patriots might have an opportunity to make an impeccable receiving corps with players on the trade market
Because we're getting close to the part of the offseason where cuts will be made and any remaining potentially valuable trade assets could be shipped off, there's a chance the Patriots could pull off a trade that won't necessarily be considered a big time move, given the names to likely be made available, but would help the offense tremendously this fall.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report speculated about which wide receivers are dealing with the murkiest future with their current team, and at least a few would be interesting prospects for the Patriots to inquire about.
Treylon Burks (Titans)
One name that stands out the most, given his connection to Vrabel, is Treylon Burks. The 25-year-old was drafted by the Titans when he was still the head coach and has had a career that has not lived up to the status of being a first-round selection. Most of that can be blamed on multiple injuries sustained during his short career, which certainly make him a questionable signing.
However, as we've seen so far this offseason, Vrabel enjoys bringing in players he has previously worked with, and Burks would be no different. Given that he will know what he is capable of more than most in the league, he might be willing to take a risk by signing or trading for Burks if he becomes available.
Because of his age and potential, he would be a solid addition to the receiving corps if he can stay healthy. If he can prove he can be an asset, he could easily take a roster spot from some of the more questionable players on the Patriots roster, like Javon Baker, Kayshon Boutte, and Ja'Lynn Polk.
Christian Watson (Packers)
Another name that could pique the Patriots' interest with a much better history in the league than Burks is current Packers receiver Christian Watson. Despite recovering from a torn ACL last season, he has been a consistent weapon in Green Bay for any quarterback he has worked with since entering the league in 2022.
Watson is entering the final year of his rookie contract this year and could easily be traded to another team before the Packers decide if an extension is worth it. They may have already made up their minds based on drafting Matthew Golden in the first round of last month's draft, which could be a good sign for New England.
The 6-foot-4 receiver could easily round out the Patriots' receiving corps in 2025 and earn an extension that allows him to stay and grow with Maye over the next few years. That's always an ideal situation for a young quarterback, which might be something Vrabel will want to take advantage of for the right price.
The chance of either player being the Patriots' latest signing all depends on whether they even become available, of course, but many signs point to that likelihood in the near future. Because Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have made it clear that they want to build a roster of players they brought in, it wouldn't be surprising to see them actively involved in pursuing Burks or Watson if they become available, and it's difficult to argue against it (other than their injury history).
Making Maye's job easier would make the 2025 season and beyond far more exciting to watch unfold, which is exactly what signing players like them would do for the offense.