Patriots suggested free agency move could push Drake Maye over Super Bowl hump

Looking back at the 2025 season, it's easy to determine where the Patriots might spend the most cap space in free agency, especially after watching the Super Bowl. Besides the offensive line, there is reason to believe wide receiver is another position of need, hence Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report's suggestion that New England is an ideal landing spot for George Pickens.

The former Steelers pass catcher was traded to the Cowboys last year and went on to have his best season, recording 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games. He was the perfect pairing with CeeDee Lamb for Dak Prescott and certainly put their offense over the top, which could mean Dallas will do all that they can to keep him.

But if he does reach free agency, Knox implies the Patriots should seriously consider going all-in to sign the almost 25-year-old.

Considering there are a lot of rumors about the future of Stefon Diggs in New England, it would be wise for Mike Vrabel and Co. to add another top-caliber receiver for Drake Maye to work with. Pickens fits that role and then some, but it won't be cheap to get it done.

It would, however, be worth it in the longrun for the offense and their quarterback.

The Patriots could have a real chance to add the explosive George Pickens to their offense

Heading into the 2026 offseason, reports suggest the Cowboys plan to franchise tag Pickens, paying him $28 million for next season, and then consider an extension or potentially trading him.

Although a trade seems out of the question if they choose to tag him, this is the same team that decided sending their best defensive star to Green Bay was far more worth it for the future of their franchise than retaining him, so nothing is off the table.

If that is what eventually happens, the Patriots have every reason to go hard to get Pickens in the door and elevate their offense to the next level.

The biggest question they face, however, is whether there are any issues with his attitude, which allegedly got him traded out of Pittsburgh. Because Vrabel has worked to establish a new culture of brotherhood in Foxborough, they cannot afford to bring in someone who could derail it.

If they feel confiden that Pickens wouldn't disturb that, then he's more than the right guy to go after.

Otherwise, they'll have to shift their focus elsewhere, whether that be free agent Alec Pierce or pulling off a blockbuster trade for someone like AJ Brown or Justin Jefferson, two names that have already been floated in trade proposals at the start of the offseason.