Reports suggest what the Patriots next move for a receiver will be

There was a general sense of impatience over the last 24 hours in New England, as nearly all Patriots fans anxiously awaited the start of the new league year to hear the news of where Calvin Ridley would play next season.

The Patriots had reportedly been in on the receiver, even extending a loaded contract in hopes of persuading him to head north to be their next WR1. Unfortunately, he chose to go elsewhere, becoming the biggest swing and miss of this offseason thus far.

Despite the suggestion that they had the best offer on the table, Ridley decided to sign with the Titans, who are rumored to have offered $1 million more a year than the Patriots. It's the second time they have lost their primary receiver target to Tennessee in the past year, a part of history no one wants to see repeated again.

So, what's next for the Patriots in their search for an offensive weapon?

According to insider Josina Anderson, the team has now shifted their focus to the loaded incoming class in this year's draft. They're in a great position to take one of the best receivers this year has to offer, which might be why they're not losing sleep about Ridley signing elsewhere.

It's a solid plan and not totally unexpected. However, if they intend to draft a quarterback in the first round, adding a veteran WR1 into the lineup would be good to make their transition much easier. They cannot replicate what happened with Mac Jones, ultimately leading to him being traded to the Jaguars earlier this week.

They have to set the rookie up for success, so they may need to exhaust all their options regarding a potential trade for a receiver over the next few days.

Tee Higgins has reportedly asked for a trade after being franchise tagged and extension talks with the Bengals fizzling out. There have also been rumors that the Vikings are looking to move up in the first round to get a quarterback, and the Patriots have been involved in conversations about being their trade partner and receiving Justin Jefferson in the deal.

Both seem like long shots at this point, but it doesn't hurt to make the calls.

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