The New England Patriots made some major alterations to their offense after a disappointing postseason last year, most notably at wide receiver and along the offensive line. As good as the team looks on paper, it shouldn't stop them from making a push for yet another superstar.
The Patriots swapped a first-round pick for A.J. Brown earlier in the offseason, but it wasn't even the biggest trade of the day. Myles Garrett was also sent to the Rams on June 1, a deal that shook up the NFC West in a major way. The Rams are now Super Bowl favorites, despite their rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, beating the Patriots in February last season.
A team that's likely to be beaten up on in the NFC West, however, is the Arizona Cardinals. The three other squads last season all made the playoffs, meaning the Red Sea is far behind. While the selection of Jeremiyah Love makes it less likely Arizona is a 2019 Miami Dolphins-level seller, they could move a star if the price is right.
Although there aren't many of those in Glendale, one player is arguably the best at his position.
The Patriots have every reason to make this trade offer to the Cardinals for their next superstar tight end
For clarity, the odds of Trey McBride being traded are slim, and it seems even slimmer that New England would be willing to go all in on a non-edge defender at this point in the offseason.
With that being said, if the former Colorado State seam threat becomes discontented during the later stages of the offseason or during the regular season, depth at tight end shouldn't stop New England from inquiring.
Last season, McBride set a record for catches by a tight end with 126. That eclipsed Zach Ertz's 2018 total of 116. Additionally, he became the first tight end to ever have consecutive 100-catch seasons, with 111 in 2024.
2025 was especially impressive for McBride, as he nearly doubled his touchdown tally from his first three years (6), with 11 on the year. His 1,239 yards were also a career high. While a trade for a player of this caliber would more likely happen earlier in the offseason, let's say both teams were interested in making a move.
Kayshon Boutte has been the subject of many trade rumors, and given the catches the Cardinals will lose in McBride's departure, the LSU talent would likely be among those included in the deal.
On top of that, adding a veteran to help Arizona's struggling offensive line could be worth their while. Given that the team reworked Mike Onwenu's deal this offseason, perhaps he isn't in their long-term plans.
A rebuilding team will prioritize draft picks above all else. While the Patriots traded their 2028 first-round pick, they still have their 2027 selection, which is included in this deal.
Who says no? #Patriots #Cardinals #nfl #trade pic.twitter.com/CVZMWNZ6GH
— Graham Wilker (@GrahamWilker1) July 14, 2026
Why would this be a trade that the Cardinals and Patriots agree to?
For Arizona, this deal is a heartbreaker but potentially rewarding one. Aside from nabbing a first-round pick, they free up long-term cap space while adding a pair of reliable players with youth on their side. Boutte (24) and Onwenu (28) were both key players for New England last year, but they both have expiring contracts.
Given the additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs, Boutte's role is likely to be significantly reduced. Onwenu, as mentioned, took a pay cut with a year left on his contract, and given the signing of Alijah Vera-Tucker, it seems unlikely the Patriots will pay two guards top-of-the-line money.
On the other hand, the Patriots receive a top-of-the-line tight end to pair with Hunter Henry. When Henry's contract expires at the end of the season, Eli Raridon can step into the second tight end role.
Also, the Patriots add to their linebacker corps by reuniting with Mack Wilson, who's on an expiring deal.
All in all, the Cardinals would have the opportunity to add a premium draft pick and a pair of contributors. At the same time, the Patriots could further weaponize their offense while adding a depth defender.
It's a bold trade, but one that could make sense for both sides if McBride were to become available.
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