The New England Patriots have considered acquiring a proven veteran receiver via trade according to a report from Adam Caplan. The Patriots are awaiting the arrival of their next franchise quarterback. They're expected to draft Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or J.J. McCarthy with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Head coach Jerod Mayo would love to surround that quarterback with another pass-catching weapon. Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster sit atop the depth chart as things stand. The Patriots have a bunch of quality contributors but lack a go-to playmaker. It's understandable why they'd make a valiant attempt to acquire an upgrade.
We've identified three potential receiver targets for the Patriots through trade.
TEE HIGGINS, CINCINNATI BENGALS
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade after being slapped with the non-exclusive franchise tag. Higgins is disappointed that the Bengals haven't shown much intention to negotiate a long-term contract with him. The expectation is that the Bengals hope to have Higgins play out the 2024 campaign on a one-year contract. This displeases most players with multi-year financial security always being the goal.
Talks have cooled around Higgins' market, but the Patriots could swoop in and inquire about the parameters of a trade. Higgins will continue to feel unsettled without an extension in place. The Bengals' asking price for Higgins likely begins with a first-round selection, which the Patriots aren't parting with. The Patriots do own the 34th selection, a top-of-the-second-round pick that could tempt Cincinnati if Higgins becomes a distraction.
BRANDON AIYUK, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
49ers superstar receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to be the topic of trade-related rumors. It's easy to understand why. Aiyuk is currently scheduled to enter a contract season via the fifth-year option that will pay him $14.1 million in 2024.
Aiyuk is underpaid and is seeking a lucrative extension. The receiver market has once again been reset this offseason after the likes of Jerry Jeudy and Calvin Ridley signed contracts worth $19.3 and $23 million respectively. Aiyuk is in a position to command roughly $25 million yearly.
The problem? The 49ers face cap-related difficulties and must start weighing a Brock Purdy extension and the roster-building ramifications that come with it. That same 34th overall selection is worth offering to the 49ers in exchange for Aiyuk. Maybe they bite.
TREYLON BURKS, TENNESSEE TITANS
It's tough to imagine another receiver of Higgins' or Aiyuk's quality becoming available for trade. Other veterans such as Allen Lazard may be available, but if the Patriots can't land a bonafide superstar, it'd be worth taking on a reclamation project with some upside. Former first-round receiver Treylon Burks qualifies.
The Tennessee Titans may be willing to part with Burks this offseason. Current general manager Ran Carthon did not draft Burks, nor did first-year head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan is an offensive-minded leader who strongly believes in fielding multiple standout receivers, hence the decision to sign Ridley and play him opposite DeAndre Hopkins. That move also signaled a lack of belief in Burks, now their WR3 at best. Burks might be had for a day-three pick.