A new trade target may be on the horizon for the Patriots this offseason

Much of the Patriots' offseason has been spent hypothesizing blockbuster trades for top-name receivers the offense desperately needs. There were plenty of proposals leading into free agency and the draft with the belief that Jerod Mayo and the new regime would get a deal done, as they were well equipped with draft capital and cap space.

Neither happened, leaving the Patriots in the same situation just weeks before they return to Foxboro for training camp. But the names at the top of the list of potential candidates remain the same, with a new one that might be in the mix as of this week.

Most conversations have revolved around acquiring Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers or Tee Higgins from the Bengals, as both continue waiting for their much deserved contract extensions beyond the 2024 season. Because neither have made much progress in achieving that, they are still the top trade candidates for receiver needy teams, which includes the Patriots.

According to the latest rumors, CeeDee Lamb has now become another name to monitor over the next few weeks. Like Aiyuk and Higgins, he's looking for a new contract to keep him in Dallas, but Jerry Jones doesn't appear to be prioritizing keeping his most productive players beyond the upcoming season.

New England may have just gotten another receiver to pursue for a trade

With quarterback Dak Prescott looking for a new deal as he enters the final year of his contract with the Cowboys, the team will have to dish out a lot of money to keep their top players happy. That includes Lamb, their most productive offensive weapon in recent years.

However, according to a recent rumor by Twitter/X user prettyrickey213, who many online claim is a reliable source, if Lamb doesn't receive an extension soon, one to the tune of at least $32 million a year, he will demand a trade.

That's when the Patriots could swoop in and make an offer.

Although prettyrickey213 isn't exactly Ian Rapoport or Adam Schefter, the rumors surrounding Lamb are nothing new. And you know how the saying goes, "Where there's smoke, there's fire," which certainly seems applicable in this situation.

We've already seen the conflict brewing between Prescott and the Cowboys, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the same thing happen with another star player. If it does get to a point where Lamb demands a trade, the Patriots have no reason not to, at the very least, inquire about the asking price.

The 6'2" receiver has been a dominant force on the field since he was drafted in the first round in 2020. He's recorded 395 receptions for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns while averaging 13 yards per catch. He's been named to the Pro Bowl three times and at the ripe age of 25, has no intention of slowing down any time soon.

Lamb would be an incredible addition to the Patriots' offense and the catalyst for making them a viable offensive threat immediately.

Although it might be a pipedream to think the Cowboys will actually get to a point of actually trading him, it's still good to hold out hope since the Patriots have enough money to pay him now and years down the road.

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