Grade The Trade: Patriots trade struggling receiver for draft capital in new proposal

We might be at the point in the offseason when all the focus is on training camp and how the team will look under the new guidance of Jerod Mayo, but there is still plenty of time for roster moves, including trades, which many fans feel the Patriots should look into.

Trade proposals continue to dominate much of the conversation involving New England, particularly involving trading for or trading away wide receivers.

They're in a unique situation this offseason because they have too many pass catchers under contract, some of which seem like easy cut candidates or trade bait.

The name at the top of that list is JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had an unimpressive first season as a member of the team. His tenure began chaotically, with Bill Belichick seemingly choosing him over the deserving Jakobi Meyers, and it has looked every bit of a mistake since.

Despite Smith-Schuster's reveal of a more severe injury than initially shared, there isn't much optimism that he will be a better option for Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye this year, prompting many trade proposals to ship him off when he might be the most valuable.

That's what Joey Tansey of Bleacher Report has done in a "shocking trade ideas" article revolving around the Patriots' options before the season begins.

Patriots ship off struggling receiver for quality draft capital in new proposal

Because Smith-Schuster's name still holds weight, and he's only one season removed from a productive year with the Chiefs, there is a belief some teams will still be interested in acquiring him via trade.

With that in mind, Tansey suggests the Cowboys as one option, who primarily run their offense through CeeDee Lamb. Other than Lamb, Dak Prescott doesn't have many options but will likely utilize Brandin Cooks more than he has in the past, which might create an opportunity for Dallas to trade for Smith-Schuster.

If Tansey's proposal for the Patriots to receive a third-round pick in next year's draft for Smith-Schuster could come to fruition, there's no reason for Eliot Wolf not to accept the offer. That's far higher than most have projected and feels more than desirable for a team looking to continue improving their roster through the draft.

It would be a win/win situation for all involved, as Smith-Schuster would go to a team needing more help offensively, which would allow him more starting time, while the Patriots receive a Day 2 draft pick to either use or trade for more draft capital.

Since the new regime is keen on building through the draft, adding more picks is very valuable, and ridding themselves of a player who might not fit their offensive plans moving forward makes a lot of sense. It would be a no-brainer if this were to become a reality.

Grade: B

More Patriots coverage: