As the Patriots take a break ahead of the start of training camp next month, the new regime will have a good opportunity to assess the current roster and determine if further moves are necessary, whether that involves cutting more players, signing free agents, or trading for someone.
Considering the immense upgrades they have already made to the team, it would be fair to argue that not many more are necessary. However, with around $60 million in cap space remaining, they're equipped to make some moves before the season begins.
That has prompted many analysts and fans to suggest players who would still make sense for some of their more vulnerable areas or to bolster groups further and put the team over the top. The offense, in particular, continues to be the topic of conversation, with the latest suggestion from Cameron Vitali of FOX Sports urging the Patriots to sign another receiver.
"I’m buying Patriots stock now. I think they’re on one of the most fun upward trajectories of anyone. That has a lot to do with quarterback Drake Maye and how much he proved the Pats right last year when he finally took over. Why not get him another weapon, especially a vet, to round out his receiver room?"
The player she listed makes the suggestion that much more interesting.
The Patriots could decide to add another trusted veteran receiver to the roster
Vitali makes some solid points about building the offense around Drake Maye even further to solidify that he will experience a second-year jump rather than a sophomore slump, especially considering some of the wide receivers that remain unsigned.
She mentioned Amari Cooper as a suitable player to sign, as he is a five-time Pro Bowler and has accrued over 1,000 yards receiving in seven seasons during his career. The 30-year-old most recently spent the 2024 season between the Browns and the Bills, and it appears that Buffalo isn't particularly interested in bringing him back for another year.
That creates an opportunity for the Patriots, if they see him as a fit, and could probably swing a cheaper deal given that he's still unsigned.
He might not be the most ideal candidate in the eyes of Patriots fans, but he has proven to be a reliable piece of any offense, which is more impressive given the number of quarterbacks he worked with during his 2.5 years in Cleveland. Cooper could be a valuable addition to work alongside Stefon Diggs and make the offense more dynamic moving forward, becoming another deep threat the offense has been lacking.
The good thing is that the receiving corps is in a much better place than they have been in several years, so it's not a complete necessity for Vrabel and Co. to sign a guy like Cooper. While he would be considered a fantastic signing, those already on the roster are projected to be solid enough to carry the team into the 2025 season, making Cooper a bonus rather than a necessity.
We'll see what the Patriots ultimately do, as they do have options, but they're not in a mode of desperation like they were just one year ago.