Only one team scored fewer points than the New England Patriots in 2023. That can’t happen again as the team undergoes massive changes.
A new coordinator has arrived, with Alex Van Pelt taking over playcalling duties. Plus, Jacoby Brissett is in line to be the starting quarterback, at least until a highly-touted rookie arrives, but the Patriots know they need to add to the receiving corps too.
According to Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan, the Patriots have “looked into the trade market” after coming up short in their pursuit to sign Calvin Ridley. Caplan also noted the team is looking to add “at least one impact player” at the receiver position this offseason.
Knowing that they’re likely not done yet, here are two potential Patriots trade targets this offseason.
Tee Higgins gives New England Patriots a huge target
One of the best ways to help a young quarterback thrive is by surrounding him with weapons, and at 6-foot-4, Tee Higgins definitely qualifies. The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on the 25-year-old receiver, but there’s also a belief that a trade could get done instead.
For now, Higgins is set to make $21.8 million in 2024 if he signs the tag, but both sides would like to work out a contract extension. However, the Bengals will also have to pay Ja’Marr Chase either this offseason or next, and Joe Burrow’s $275 million extension kicks in next season, meaning there may not be enough money to go around for Higgins too.
As for the Patriots, they have plenty of cap space, which is why they pursued Ridley before he signed in Tennessee. Higgins would immediately become the top option in town, and as a two-time 1,000-yard receiver who might not even have reached his peak yet, he could be a great fit in New England.
Related: NFL QB Rankings 2024: From Patrick Mahomes to Jarrett Stidham
Brandon Aiyuk
Another player who’s set to sign a huge contract extension soon is San Francisco 49ers second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk. He’s been productive ever since arriving as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, never recording fewer than 748 yards, and most recently posting a career-high 1,342 yards in 2023.
Aiyuk may not have the same freakish size (6-foot, 200 pounds), but he’s shown he’s a complete receiver who’s capable of running every route on the tree. Still just 26, Aiyuk has been more productive than Higgins and is projected to sign a contract worth roughly $24 million per season according to Spotrac.
Trading for either player would likely require at least a second-round pick, though the Jaguars did reportedly reject the 49ers’ offer for the 17th pick and Zay Jones in exchange for Aiyuk. So it’s possible the 49ers are asking for at least a first-round pick in return. If so, the Patriots may have to trade back into the end of the first round to meet San Francisco’s asking price.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Vikings land QB, first-round projections after first NFL free agency wave