New rumor says Patriots have already inquired about trade for top cornerback

The Patriots have been at the center of many rumors over the last month regarding where they stand on a number of pending free agents, including some of their own. There was a belief they would use the franchise tag this year, with most hoping it would be on Mike Onwenu, but they chose to place the not-often-used transition tag on Kyle Dugger instead.

It wasn't a bad move, necessarily, but there seems to be more of a risk in losing their best offensive tackle, and franchise tagging him would have ensured that wouldn't happen.

Any other players they have been connected to haven't made much headway, with the team reportedly being "far apart" in contract talks with guys like Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry. Then, the top wide receivers there were said to be showing interest in, Mike Evans and Tee Higgins, were tagged or re-signed before hitting free agency, eliminating them from consideration for the Patriots.

It has been less than ideal movement thus far until the latest rumor about their apparent interest in a top cornerback who could really put their defense over the top.

Chiefs have spoken to the Patriots about L'Jarius Sneed trade

Despite the heavy focus on improving the offense this year, some in New England were disappointed when it was reported that the Chiefs were franchise-tagging L'Jarius Sneed.

The cornerback had become a player fans were hoping the Patriots would inquire about during free agency to pair up with Christian Gonzalez next season, which seemed more possible since J.C. Jackson was released.

However, the franchise tag threw a wrench into the mix.

Despite the decision, Kansas City is still allowing Sneed to speak to other teams about a trade, mainly because they'd receive worthy compensation in return. And according to a new report from Tyler Dragon of USA Today, the Patriots have already spoken to the Super Bowl Champions about trading for Sneed.

They are said to be one of seven teams that have inquired about the cornerback already, proving how desirable he would have been if he hit free agency. The Patriots would benefit from adding him to their defense, but they may have some issues convincing him why they're the team he wants to go to.

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