It has been a long time since the Patriots had a receiving corps full of the kind of talent that would make their roster considered one of the deeper groups in the NFL, but it would be fair to say that about this season's wide receivers.
They're headlined by A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, followed by talent like Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams, all of whom are projected to make an impact during the upcoming season.
Within those predictions, however, is some speculation about whether a player or two could be traded, with an apparent focus on Boutte specifically, and based on how the offseason has gone so far, it's hard to overlook just how realistic that move appears.
But there are plenty of arguments to make to support the Patriots keeping all of their current receivers on the 2026 roster, and the legendary Troy Brown is the latest to make those reasons known.
From what he has to say, there aren't a lot of opposing points to make, so perhaps the Patriots should listen to his take.
Troy Brown offers words of wisdom well ahead of the Patriots' tough roster decisions
While speaking to ESPN's Mike Reiss recently, the New England legend spoke highly of what the receiving corps looks like going into training camp, and Brown made more than a reasonable argument for the Patriots to keep seven receivers on the roster for the 2026 season.
It's not common practice for many teams to do that, as most will usually roster six pass catchers at most. But based on the talent the Patriots have right now, Brown argues it would be well worth it.
"Seven is a nice number when all the guys can play. When you have a room like that, most of the good ones know when they come in for training camp they have to turn it up. So, it could create a whole another beast in that room."
How can you argue against this?
Although it's fair to suggest that a player like Boutte is in a prime spot to be traded, especially if the Patriots don't plan to extend or re-sign him next offseason, he has steadily improved since he was drafted three years ago and really came alive during the 2025 season.
He proved he could be exactly what Drake Maye needs in crucial moments, so getting rid of him doesn't seem like a wise move, no matter how much a team might be willing to give up in a trade to acquire him.
The same could be said about Douglas and even Hollins, both of whom could be significant contributors during what is already predicted to be a very difficult season. So if the "most tradeable players" are going to serve crucial roles, then why not keep seven receivers on the roster?
Brown believes the competition of keeping that many on the team will bring out the best in the group, which inevitably helps Maye, and also gives Josh McDaniels more options on game day.
"The intensity of the competition in the room, it's going to make that group better players at the end of camp, and you're giving Drake Maye -- who I think is a very, very good quarterback -- an opportunity to spread the ball around to good players."
We saw glimpses of Maye doing exactly that in his first season working with McDaniels, and because we know what kind of offensive play caller he is, we know that giving him more receivers to incorporate into the game plan will mean Maye will develop into an even better quarterback with a more unpredictable offense for opposing defenses to prepare for.
It was a major part of the dynasty era under Tom Brady, and if they can somewhat replicate that in this new era led by Maye, then they should do all that they can to make it happen.
Keeping around a deep room of receivers is one way to accomplish that early, as long as they all perform at a high level, of course. There's no reason to believe that they can't, and it only makes the offense more dynamic, which is exactly what they need to remain competitive.
It'll be interesting to see if the coaching staff is on the same page as Brown, or if they'll stick with the norm and move on from at least one receiver. Hopefully, no matter what they choose, it won't be a regretful decision.
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