The Patriots go into their second week of OTAs with an unfamiliar problem regarding their offensive roster: they currently have a crowded wide receiver room. That hasn't been the case in recent years, but Mike Vrabel and his team ensured that Drake Maye would be put into a better situation in his sophomore year, hoping he will perform at an even higher level with more talent around him.
That inevitably led to the signings of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency and the selection of Kyle Williams in the third round of this year's draft. They join a long list of players already on the roster, but some believe it might not be enough to really put Maye over the top, prompting the idea of revisiting an old trade proposal.
It's a move that the staff at Pro Football & Sports Network suggested before last month's draft, as they cite the Packers' potential willingness to trade Romeo Doubs as an opportunity for the Patriots to jump on.
"Doubs is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. His trade value is tricky to discern — while he averaged career-highs in receiving yards per game (46.2), yards per reception (13.1), and catch rate (63.9%), he also suffered multiple concussions last season and served a one-game suspension following dissatisfaction about his role in the offense."
It's hard to argue against the idea of making this trade happen, which is why another analyst has brought it back to relevancy as the Patriots continue OTAs this week.
The Patriots might have an opportunity to bolster their offense even more for the season ahead
Because the receiving corps could be elevated further, Wynston Wilcox of FanSided.com revisited this proposal and argues why the Patriots should seriously consider it before the 2025 season begins.
"Maye is in a great position and the opportunity to add Doubs would only amplify that. The Patriots are doing everything they can to make sure Maye can succeed. He can do that with or without Doubs, but if the Patriots do relieve the Packers from their overcrowded receiver room, it could be what helps Maye reach new heights."
Although the original proposal from PFSN was published before the draft, the argument remains valid given that Christian Watson is recovering from an ACL injury suffered last season and Green Bay finally selected a wide receiver in the first round of this year's draft.
That could easily support their decision to move on from Doubs if they don't view him as a long-term piece of their offense, especially since rookie Matthew Golden is expected to be their WR1 with Watson right behind him.
It could also work in the Patriots' favor if they want to continue building a young roster, with a player like Kendrick Bourne remaining part of trade talks in the weeks since the draft. Doubs is just 25 years old and heading into his fourth season, and would immediately add another dynamic weapon for Maye to work with this year.
They have the means to handle taking on another player and even offering an extension right away if they so choose. It is also unlikely that a deal would require an egregious amount of draft capital, given that Doubs is a former fourth-round pick and hasn't yet propelled into super stardom. All signs point to seriously considering a trade.