The Patriots have made upgrading at the receiver position a priority this offseason, as evidenced by their pursuit of Calvin Ridley. New England finished as one of the runners-up in that case, but the team has still brought in a veteran in the form of K.J. Osborn. 
In spite of that, more moves could be coming soon. Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network reports the Patriots have “looked into the trade market” at the receiver position. New England entered Monday with $50MM in cap space, the highest figure in the league. As a result, an expensive addition would be feasible if the right target and trade partner were to be found.
A few WR swaps have taken place already this offseason, with Jerry Jeudy and Keenan Allen finding new homes via that route. Tee Higgins could be on the market, as the franchise-tagged Bengal has requested a trade. Cincinnati remains intent on keeping Higgins in the fold for at least one more season, however, even though turning down a trade could open the door to a free agent departure next offseason.
Demario Douglas led the Patriots in receiving during his rookie season in 2023, and adding at least one starter at the WR spot was a reasonable goal for the team. Osborn will fit the bill, and he will join returnee Kendrick Bourne (who re-signed on a three-year deal) as a key piece of the team’s passing attack next year. The latter’s best season came in 2021 when he posted 800 receiving yards; Osborn, meanwhile, has never topped 655 yards in his career. Plenty of room therefore exists for the addition of a true No. 1 which someone like Higgins (with two 1,000-yard campaigns to his name in four years) could serve as.
Presuming the 25-year-old remains off the market, though, New England’s trade interest would likely yield another rotational or depth pass-catcher. In that event, the team’s attention would increasingly turn to a draft class which has a number of highly-touted receiving prospects. By virtue of owning the No. 3 selection, the Patriots could have the chance to draft Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers if they decline to use their pick on a quarterback. Of course, the team’s decision-making process on the that front will depend in large part on which moves are made with respect to trades or free agent signings over the coming weeks.
Aren’t they a little late to be looking for good FA WRs?
Yes, which is why both the headline and the article reference the trade market.
Which is why I said they’re a little late on the FA side, even though they have cap space. They have no WRs, need WRs, and yet didn’t get any FA WRs. They won’t get anything of value via trade.
Try reading the article headline next time or even reading the article before you comment you dofus.
They could make a move for Justin Jefferson during draft. Or tee higgins
Those would be nice additions if the Patriots actually had a chance of being competitive but they are looking at a rebuild that will take a few years minimum. They have holes everywhere so a quick fix approach that will be expensive probably isn’t the best strategy right now.
Fair enough
I’ve been thinking that Jordan Addison is included in a trade to the patriots for the Vikes to move up. It makes a lot of sense. Don’t love it as a Vikes fan but you have to give up something to go up and get your qb.
Carolina on line 1 saying DONT DO IT
Addison most likely stays put.
Only way Minny trades is if a guy falls. Or they grab McCarthy at 5 before Giants are on the clock.
But I don’t see Minnesota trading up into the top 3 and paying a huge premium of picks when they just dealt two 2nd rounders.
And McCarthy could be a top 10 pick. Last year very few of us thought Anthony Richardson would go #4 overall.
How many people get nervous when they see the words ‘ Patriots Investigating:
in the headlines ????
Well played
Not gonna lie, I was a little worried
Honestly, I’m worried any time I see a headline with “Patriots” in it. Doesn’t really matter what the subsequent action (or inaction) verb is.
Yeah right. Patriots prefer mediocrity at wide receiver and that’s exactly what they’ll have this upcoming season.
Patriots aren’t being as aggressive as I thought they’d be. All that money and no huge moves really
Kraft is a tightwad. It wasn’t BB’s fault. It was always Kraft that forced BB’s hand.
I agree. Top 5 cap in offseason and they’re being conservative lmao with afc becoming more and more cutthroat it’s the wrong move. But what do I know? I’m not a billionaire owner I’m just a casual fan
Hey Bob, it’s time to spend. Let’s go already
Bob: “Hey Mike, I spend plenty on massages so leave me alone”.
The Patriots are usually on the other side of the word “investigating” in most headlines.
Tee and a 3 for 2 and a 5