The New England Patriots have been on the hunt for a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver, with attempts to acquire Brandon Aiyuk and sign Chris Godwin falling short over the past two offseasons.
While the Patriots found a short-term solution in former Buffalo Bills star Stefon Diggs, their wide receiver depth chart remains a work in progress entering the preseason. There’s a very real possibility that two former sixth-round draft picks — Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas — score premium roles alongside Diggs and third-round rookie Kyle Williams for Josh McDaniels’ offense in 2025.
New England’s goal to secure a premier wide out shouldn’t stop with Diggs. Washington Commanders superstar Terry McLaurin reportedly requested a trade Thursday amid failing contract negotiations, and Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the Patriots could offer one of the NFL’s top trade packages for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Bleacher Report’s Patriots-Commanders trade pitch would be an easy "yes" from NE fans
B/R's take: “The Patriots' package offers a veteran receiver and one with upside. Bourne can contribute right away. Polk may just need more opportunities to blossom into a consistent playmaker. Polk, a second-rounder from the 2024 draft, hauled in 12 out of 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns last season. He made steady progress over three collegiate terms at Washington and could do the same on the pro level with more experience and targets.”
This Terry McLaurin trade idea would be a no-brainer for the Patriots
With all due respect to Bourne, who’s been a solid receiver for the Patriots when healthy, this proposed trade would be an easy win for New England.
Polk was a second-round draft pick last year, but he’s no lock to make the 53-man roster this summer. Ditto for Bourne, who has slid down the depth chart behind guys like Boutte, Williams, and potentially free agent addition Mack Hollins.
McLaurin is entering his age-30 season, and he’ll be looking for a lucrative extension more in line with the current market. New England not only has the salary cap space — a hair shy of $60 million for 2025, per Over the Cap — but reportedly was willing to go beyond $30 million per year for Godwin in free agency.
McLaurin represents everything the Patriots have been seeking in a No. 1 wide receiver, from his five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to his four straight years without missing a start due to injury. He’s a gamer, and if a deal like Bleacher Report is proposing is even remotely on the table, Mike Vrabel and crew should be running to the phones to get it done.
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