Even before Tom Brady chose to leave the Patriots after the 2020 season, there had been a lot of conversation about the offense needing another top receiver to help lead them down another championship path. Although Bill Belichick attempted to do that in 2019 by signing Antonio Brown, cutting him a week later, and eventually trading for Mohamed Sanu didn't help matters much.
Once Brady left, it was even more crucial to help the next quarterbacks with an elite pass catcher, which didn't happen until this offseason, when the Mike Vrabel regime signed Stefon Diggs. That was considered controversial at the time, since the 31-year-old was coming off an ACL injury, but he has shown he hasn't missed a step since his return.
Going into the 2026 offseason, there will inevitably be more debates about adding another superstar receiver, and that conversation has already begun with the potential availability of Vikings' Justin Jefferson.
His unhappiness with the direction of his team has prompted many analysts and fans to hypothesize about potential trade deals, including the Patriots. But some have also pondered whether New England might not need to bring someone of Jefferson's caliber to their offense.
The Patriots shouldn't shut down the idea of trading for Justin Jefferson if the opportunity arises, but....
That is something that NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry discussed in his latest Q&A during the Patriots' bye week, noting the success of the current receiving corps as the justification for maybe focusing on improving other groups on the roster instead.
"It'll be fascinating to see how the Patriots will try to surround Drake Maye with talent moving forward. Do they believe he needs that kind of top-tier No. 1 wideout? Or is what he's doing this season proof that he doesn't need that kind of help?
Would it be better to build an improved line -- and therefore a better rushing attack -- to maximize Maye's abilities? All pertinent questions come in the offseason."
Considering the performances of Kayshon Boutte and Diggs this season, and the secret weapon-like usage of DeMario Douglas, it doesn't seem unreasonable to suggest that maybe giving up valuable draft assets for a player like Jefferson isn't necessary.
On top of that, there are some interesting names that will be entering free agency next offseason, including Mike Evans, George Pickens, and Deebo Samuel, and they might be more feasible to add due to their price tags and how they'd fit into the current scheme.
At the same time, however, if the Patriots have a legitimate chance to add Jefferson at some point, there's almost zero reason for them not to inquire or seriously pursue making that happen. A receiver of his caliber doesn't become available that often, so passing up on the chance of getting him in the door would be a mistake.
He would certainly add a massive boost to the offense and Drake Maye's weaponry, for the long haul, too, but it would be a costly addition, as most mock trades have him moved for at least two first-round picks.