It feels like it has been decades now that the Patriots have been considered a team that needs to improve their receiving corps, and they're dealing with that team objective this offseason.
Although they certainly upgraded the group last year by signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, and their returning receivers impressed throughout the season, they still need a difference maker to put the offense over the top.
That has connected New England to some of the most rumored players to be traded over the next few months, and unfortunately, the more analysts speak about the upcoming free agency and draft classes, it's looking more and more likely that this will be the only route the Patriots can take to make a significant change.
ESPN's Ben Solak said as much in his recent article about the deepest and thinnest positions this offseason, stating that the wide receiver group is good if your team needs to add depth, but not ideal if you need "the next elite guy."
That's what the Patriots need, and if they want to accomplish it, they just received more evidence of what they'll have to do to get it done.
The Patriots might have no choice but to trade for their next clear cut WR1
The addition of Diggs in free agency last year brought a massive boost to the Patriots' offense in 2025, but it wasn't enough to put them over the top in the way that many hoped, particularly for Drake Maye in his second season.
The veteran had an up-and-down year, especially in the postseason, and that became more problematic as his quarterback relied on him more. It has prompted many to either suggest that the Patriots move on from Diggs after just one year, which doesn't seem very smart, or to add another top name to the roster to give Maye the best receiving group they can.
They certainly could move on from Diggs with two years left on his contract, especially if his legal issues became a bigger problem. But maintaining continuity within the offense is also crucial, so they'll want to consider that as well.
If they want to add to the wide receiver room, they'll likely get into a bidding war over someone like Alec Pierce, who is considered the top of the pending free agent class, other than George Pickens, who many predict will be franchise tagged by the Cowboys.
Otherwise, they'll have to try and pull off a blockbuster trade for other teams' top players, with AJ Brown at the top of the list. The Eagles insist he's not available, but that can change, and Vrabel and Co. can also call about the trade availabilities of Brian Thomas Jr. and DJ Moore, two other names that continue to be floated as trade candidates.
It looks like they are the only ones that will make the kind of difference to the offense that the Patriots are likely longing for, and it won't be easy to get a deal done for any of them. But that's the situation they're in, especially with a mostly underwhelming free agency class set to hit the market.