Fans and analysts alike expected the New England Patriots to be much-improved this season, but No. 2 in the AFC standings entering Week 8 goes beyond even the loftiest preseason predictions for Mike Vrabel’s group.
The driving force behind New England’s 5-2 start and current four-game win streak is not the culture-setting head coach, though. It’s the 23-year-old quarterback who flipped a switch in the second half against Buffalo in Week 5, and has performed like the league MVP ever since.
Drake Maye’s precision passing and decision-making has defenses spinning their wheels. The Patriots are attacking all levels of the field with elite efficiency, and their aspirations for this 2025 season should now be through the roof with an obvious cheat code at quarterback.
Maye has been able to elevate a wide receiver room that’s been consistent but lacks a dynamic playmaker.
It might no longer be the necessity most thought it would be over the summer, but the Patriots should still be on the prowl for WR depth prior to the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline.
New England Patriots named suitor for veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins by Pro Football Focus
You wouldn’t know it, because the Baltimore Ravens have been absolutely brutal to start the 2025 season, but contested-catch artist DeAndre Hopkins has been among the NFL’s most efficient receivers through Week 7.
Hopkins is only playing about 33 percent of the Ravens’ offensive snaps, but he ranks second on the team in receiving yards thanks to a ridiculous 19.8 yards-per-catch average, which would be a career high if it holds; he also has a pair of touchdown receptions on the season.
PFF’s Bradley Locker named strong downfield passing offenses like the Patriots, Buccaneers, and 49ers as teams who could feasibly deal for the 33-year-old veteran at this year's deadline.
“Having already suited up for three teams over the last two years, Hopkins could soon call a fourth franchise home. San Francisco may pursue another receiver in light of persistent injuries at the position, while the Patriots — who rank seventh in team PFF receiving grade — could seek another field-stretching option for Drake Maye next to Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte.”
The Patriots could use more size in their receiver room, as it’s a smallish group overall outside of Mack Hollins. Hopkins, at 6-foot-1, would add immediate value in that area.
Hopkins could also rotate in and support Maye’s downfield passing prowess. Per PFF, he's yet to drop a pass in 2025, and five of his nine receptions on the season have come on contested targets.
The good news for New England is that their top two receivers — Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs — have solidified themselves atop the WR depth chart; the Patriots are highly unlikely to make a move that impacts the current snap and target shares of their top two wideouts.
But contending teams should always be looking to sharpen the edges of the 53-man roster entering the second half of the regular season. The second-place Patriots should be exhausting all options to ensure they have enough depth around Maye for this year’s playoff push.