Justin Jefferson's hefty extension could be good news for the Patriots

The 2024 offseason was expected to be a big one for receivers looking for contract extensions, mainly Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, and Justin Jefferson. All three have been in contention to receive big paydays from their respective teams, with some rumors suggesting they will seek them elsewhere if it doesn't come this year.

So far, only the Vikings have gotten a deal done with Jefferson, who received a four-year, $140 million extension last week. Although it was an expected move, it eliminated the receiver from dream trade scenarios for the Patriots, who need a clear WR1 on the roster.

But all hope is not lost because Jefferson's contract could actually work in New England's favor.

Justin Jefferson's hefty extension could be good news for the Patriots

One of the storylines in the conversation revolving around new contracts was which team would get a deal done first. It was assumed whichever player got the payday would reset the receiver market, meaning those still waiting would luck out for even bigger salaries.

With Jefferson accomplishing that, Aiyuk and Higgins luck out and will likely want even more money in their next contracts. That creates an opportunity for the Patriots, who might be able to swoop in for a trade for either player if either team is unwilling to fork up the money to keep the dynamic receiver beyond the 2024 season.

It might seem unlikely on the surface, but the Bengals and 49ers have drawn out getting the deals done a lot longer than expected and, by all reports, aren't any closer to getting them done than they were at the start of the offseason.

San Francisco just extended running back Christian McCaffrey, seemingly putting Aiyuk on the back burner for now. Despite their instance that he's not on the trade block, their actions might speak louder. Even if they eventually strike a deal with the receiver, Deebo Samuel is another name to watch, as he was reportedly dangled during the draft.

He's a player that has always been on the Patriots' radar simply because he was a favorite to be drafted by Bill Belichick in 2019.

Higgins has been connected to New England over the last two years, as well, and remains a possible trade target as he continues to wait for an extension. If the Bengals intended to keep him, they really hurt themselves by waiting, as now Jefferson's contract means they'll have to pay Higgins more to entice him to stay.

Since reports have claimed they continue to be far apart in negotiations, he moves to the top of the list after Jefferson's extensions.

If Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf were serious about looking into the trade market for a receiver earlier this offseason, they have enough reason to make calls about these players now and have the means to get a deal done. Even if they're feeling good about who they have on their roster, all signs point to a blockbuster trade being the only way they'll secure a game-changing receiver to their roster over the next few years.

It will be costly, but with Drake Maye in the fold, they have a quarterback on a cheaper contract, and adding receivers of this caliber would put him in a great position to succeed early and often.

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