The Patriots went into the 2024 offseason with some of the most money to spend in free agency and a new philosophy ready to guide their approach to signing/re-signing players.
Anticipation was high as fans eagerly awaited an offseason that could potentially redefine the Patriots' strategy. New head coach Jerod Mayo, stepping into the shoes of the legendary Bill Belichick, hinted at a transformative period. With the team's roster in need of significant improvement, Mayo's plan to 'burn some cash' in free agency was a welcome tune for New England's loyal supporters.
However, the outcome has left many fans feeling disappointed. The free agent class assembled this month fell short of the high expectations set, casting a shadow over Mayo's ambitious plans.
Although many of their re-signings were considered priorities, the moves needed to put the team on the fast track to success again were not made. They didn't land a game-changing receiver, sign a veteran quarterback beyond taking on the role of a bridge player, or make any blockbuster trades to put the team over the top.
Fortunately, Mayo has provided some optimism regarding their plan for acquiring the caliber receiver the offense needs. He clarified their stances has changed from signing a free agent to actively engaging in the trade market, opening the door for a dream scenario for Patriots fans.
Since then, a handful of names have been mentioned as potential trade targets, primarily Tee Higgins and Justin Jefferson. However, a few others have been added to the mix, most of which are considered more fantasy than realistic, hence this forthcoming ranking.
Ranking 5 possible receiver trades Patriots could make from least realistic to most
#5. A.J. Brown
Among the least likely but most intriguing trade scenarios for the Patriots is the potential acquisition of A.J. Brown, a player many fans would love to see in New England. The fact that he was almost drafted by the team in 2019 adds an extra layer of interest to this unlikely but not impossible trade possibility.
He hasn't been a player involved in serious conversations as a possible trade target for New England, mainly because Philadelphia hasn't given any indication they intend to trade him at any point in the future. But because they have DeVonta Smith and a possible desire to acquire more draft picks, the staff at Bleacher Report last week drew up the idea of sending him to the Patriots.
If he became available in another universe, the Patriots would have to give up an arm and a leg to have an offer even remotely considered.
Since being traded to the Eagles from the Titans, Brown has continued to be one of the best receivers in the league. He's recorded back-to-back 1,400+ yard seasons and hasn't missed a single game, which adds even more to his value.
Despite the few instances of drama over the last two years stemming from disappointment in the Eagles' luck, it seems very unlikely that Brown will be on the trade block any time soon. Thus, the probability of him finally becoming a Patriot is about a 0% chance.
4. Davante Adams
Similar to the idea of A.J. Brown making his way to Foxboro feeling like a pipe dream, the possibility of the Raiders deciding to move on from Davante Adams is close to zero.
The only reason the chances of the 31-year-old becoming a Patriot are slightly better is the rumored desire coach Antonio Pierce has to move up in the draft to select their next franchise quarterback. He is alleged to have his eyes set on LSU's Jayden Daniels, and Adams could be part of the trade package to teams in the top 3 to ensure he is the next Raiders' quarterback.
In an ideal scenario, Adams would bring an unparalleled boost to the Patriots' offense, which has needed a player of his caliber since Tom Brady's days on the team. His consistent excellence over the years and apparent defiance of receivers' usual trajectory make him a highly coveted yet unattainable asset.
Over the last four years, he's averaged 1,396 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns as the primary target for Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and multiple quarterbacks in Las Vegas.
Although last season might be considered a "down year" for the receiver, he's still a legit weapon, and the Raiders would be foolish to move on from him, especially if they want to add a rookie quarterback for the 2024 season.
Because the Patriots are expected to follow that plan, Adams would provide that veteran comfort to the developing offense. But don't count on this happening, even if the Raiders decide to trade up. It would make very little sense for them to add him to the package.
3. Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk, a key player for the 49ers, is now a potential trade target as he enters the final year of his contract. Despite his hopes for an extension this offseason, talks have reportedly not materialized yet, contradicting general manager John Lynch's earlier assertion.
The 26-year-old has become a rising star in San Francisco's offense over the last two years despite competing with George Kittle, Christian McCaffery, and Deebo Samuel for snaps. He's recorded back-to-back seasons of 1,000+ yards, with last year's best season of his career to help his team make the Super Bowl.
So, it makes sense that he would expect an extension with the team.
With the lack of progress in contract talks, the possibility of Aiyuk being traded is becoming more likely. His performance has proven his versatility and ability to adapt to different quarterbacks, making him a valuable asset for any offense. He could be a significant boost for the Patriots, who are currently facing uncertainty in the position.
Aiyuk would be a solid addition to the offense, though, reuniting with former teammate Kendrick Bourne on the East Coast. The main issue with this actually becoming reality is the chances of the Niners deciding to make him available to trade and what they'd expect in return.
He is a former first-round pick who could possibly still be worth that much in the eyes of his current team. In that case, the Patriots would have to give up their 2025 first-round pick since they will clearly not move off the third overall pick.
Determining the worthiness of that trade would need to be seriously considered, especially with some more likely options to potentially become available.
2. Justin Jefferson
Just like the basis of the Davante Adams possible trade, the Vikings only move on from Justin Jefferson if they package him in a trade to move up in this year's draft for their next franchise quarterback.
FS1's Colin Cowherd first raised the possibility of a trade involving Justin Jefferson, sparking a debate about its likelihood. Despite his controversial standing in New England, Cowherd's suggestion holds weight, especially considering the Vikings' current situation with Jefferson.
He's become one of the best receivers in the league, probably the top three if we're being honest, and the idea of willingly trading him away sounds bonkers when considering the talent he possesses at such a young age.
However, Kirk Cousins just left free agency to sign a massive deal with the Vikings, putting them in a position to find their next quarterback. They are rumored to have an interest in a few of the upcoming draft picks, primarily Drake Maye due to his connection with quarterback coach Josh McCown and rising star in the eyes of the league J.J. McCarthy.
Since they currently hold the 11th and 23rd overall selections in the first round, they'll need to put together a hefty package to move into the top five, where Maye and McCarthy are believed to go. If they don't want to include too many picks, adding Jefferson would be a good option.
Typically, it would be insane to think a guy like Jefferson could even be considered. But the need for a quarterback is a difficult situation, and if given the chance to get the guy you like, every team in the league would jump on the opportunity. Plus, the Vikings struck gold when they drafted receiver Jordan Addison last year, who proved he could be a dominant threat even without Jefferson on the field.
That could make the idea of trading him a bit easier to digest for Minnesota and it would be a big win for the Patriots if they could make the deal happen.
#1. Tee Higgins
By far, the trade with the most potential to come to fruition is the Patriots acquiring Tee Higgins after the Bengals franchise tagged him this offseason. Because they decided to tag him instead of get an extension done, Higgins has since requested a trade, which Cincinnati has decided will not happen.
But this is a common occurrence in the NFL, and things change so quickly that it doesn't mean much for the Bengals to claim that he's not available for trade. Multiple insiders have reported that contract negotiations have stalled if they have even taken place, which is the foundation of Higgins' frustration.
Since Tee Higgins made his desire to be traded public, the lack of updates on any progress in extension talks is a clear sign that they may not be going well. This uncertainty leaves the door wide open for the Patriots to potentially make a significant offer and secure the deal.
Because they were unable to convince Calvin Ridley, their primary free agent target this offseason, to sign with them, going after a player like Higgins makes all the sense in the world. At just 25 years old, he's a proven talent and was initially selected to be the Bengals' number-one wideout until they drafted Ja'Marr Chase a year later.
Despite being put in the backseat for the younger receiver, Higgins has remained a solid offensive weapon for Joe Burrow. If traded to New England, he could quickly revert to his days as a WR1.
The Patriots are well-equipped to take on a guy like Higgins, who is playing on a franchise tag and wants a long-term contract. Because they didn't go on a spending spree this offseason, the Patriots have plenty of money left in the bank this year, with a projected $207+ million available in 2025 to ensure he gets the deal he deserves.
Although news has been slow regarding the Bengals' efforts to retain Higgins for years to come, if talks continue to go nowhere, there's no reason to believe they won't want to deal him when he's most valuable and they can benefit from the return. The Patriots could offer several picks, potentially second/third rounders and more.
So why would the Bengals turn that down?