Calls for Patriots to trade for receiver on struggling team end after Week 3

Besides the concerns surrounding the Patriots' offensive line going into this season, which have unfortunately been proven accurate, another area of focus has been the receiving corps and how improved they would be from last season. Some effort was made to improve the group, with the addition of K.J. Osborn in free agency and rookies Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk in the draft.

But it was unclear if it would be enough for what was one of the worst groups in the league in 2023. So far, it hasn't looked like the right moves were made, even if some of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of quarterback Jacoby Brissett and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

Because of their struggles through the first three weeks of the season, the Patriots continue to be involved in trade projections for receivers who will potentially be on the move ahead of next month's deadline.

The leading name on the rumor mill thus far has been Panthers' Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina by the Steelers this offseason.

Wide receiver trade target likely out of the question for the Patriots after Week 3

The 28-year-old spent the first five years of his career with the Steelers after being selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. During that time, he averaged 872 receiving yards and five touchdowns a season, a production far exceeding all current Patriots receivers.

Since he was traded to the Panthers, he hasn't looked like the player of old; hence him becoming one of the leading players to likely be on the move again before the trade deadline. Because he is an accomplished player before his arrival in Carolina, ESPN's Jay Graziano believes the Patriots are a good fit, especially since their receiving corps hasn't been up to par to start the season.

"New England Patriots. Exceptionally thin at the offensive skill positions, the Pats were in on the Brandon Aiyuk talks when that was a thing. If New England's defense can keep things afloat, it could make sense to make a move for Johnson and sign him long-term. But the Rams, Chiefs, Commanders and Cowboys would also all love to add a talented WR."

While he could be a great addition to their roster, Johnson's performance in Week 3 against the Raiders might have eliminated him from possibility.

With Bryce Young benched for Andy Dalton, the veteran thrived and helped the Panthers earn their first win of the 2024 season. A big component of that was Johnson, who was Dalton's favorite target on Sunday. He recorded eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, a far better performance than his previous two games combined.

If he keeps that type of performance going over the next few weeks, there's reason to believe the Panthers won't entertain any trade inquiries, especially after trading away D.J. Moore last year. Johnson could become their next WR1, making him off-limits to the Patriots.

While that might be disappointing, they are expected to see the return of Kendrick Bourne as early as Week 5, who should significantly improve the offensive performance. Plus, the new regime should be more interested in looking for offensive line help than receiver help at this point, as offensive line help is by far a more dire need than pass catchers.

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