Because the Patriots currently have the most available cap space going into the upcoming trade deadline, they are one of the top teams being discussed to make some big-time moves to improve their roster this season. There are a few positions they could target, with fans hoping it will be for a wide receiver, but that might not be in the cards.
Going into the 2025 season, there were some questions surrounding the receiving corps and whether enough moves had been made to put Drake Maye in a good position to be successful. Obviously, signing a player of Stefon Diggs' caliber would appear as enough, but beyond the multi-time Pro Bowler, it was difficult to say who else would show up.
Through the first six games, that has clearly been Kayshon Boutte, with a nice surprise performance from DeMario Douglas against the Saints last week to put him back in the conversation. For the most part, it seems they're in good hands, but fans are still hoping for a star player via trade.
The problem is that NFL insiders are not anticipating that it will be a position Mike Vrabel and Co. will prioritize if they do engage in a trade or two.
There might not be a blockbuster trade in the works for an offensive weapon in New England, after all
While discussing the upcoming trade deadline as the guest host of the "Rich Eisen Show" earlier this week, insider Tom Pelissero seemed to shut down the idea of a receiver making their way to the Patriots despite the consistent rumors suggesting otherwise.
That won't be something Patriots fans urging for AJ Brown or Chris Olave will like to hear.
“I don’t view wide receiver as a spot that they’re looking because Stefon Diggs has come on. … Diggs looks like Diggs again. Kayshon Boutte is one of the undertold stories in the NFL right now. He’s played really well.”
Who might the surprise 4-2 #NEPats be in the market for come #NFL Trade Deadline? And what are the chances we see Brock Purdy and George Kittle this week for #FTTB?#NFL @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/lF2Qa0uM7s
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) October 15, 2025
Just like what we've seen over the past six weeks, Pelissero emphasizes how well the current rostered receivers are performing and why that might lead the Patriots to consider trading for other positions instead.
Looking in that direction, it appears that running back or EDGE is the likeliest option, and based on the latest trade proposals, the Patriots are the No. 1 team to acquire one of those players. Who that might be is unclear, but there will certainly be a few available.
Vrabel has stressed that he only wants to trade for someone who can elevate their team, and fans should be on board with that. As great as some of the potentially available players could be, they won't boost what is already on the roster, so it doesn't seem like a smart move.
Beyond that, there's also a chance that Vrabel and Co. don't make a trade at all. They are currently listed with a low amount of cap space for the 2026 offseason, so they'll want much of what they have this year to roll over. That means they can't spend much of it, making a trade out of the question.
There is still plenty of time for that to change, especially if a top name becomes available that the Patriots can't imagine not trading for, so we'll have to see what happens. But for now, temper your expectations.