Andrew Buller-Russ
The New England Patriots didn’t find much success last season under Jerod Mayo, finishing with a 4-13 record and the NFL’s third-lowest scoring offense. One positive was the emergence of their future franchise quarterback with the continued development of star rookie Drake Maye.
Yet, the Patriots still haven’t found a consistent receiving corps or an established top wideout. In fact, New England hasn’t had a 1000-yard pass catcher since Julian Edelman accomplished the feat in 2019. Last year, tight end Hunter Henry led the team with 674 receiving yards. Receiver Demario Douglas came in second with 621 yards.
Fixing the offensive line will be a priority after allowing the NFL’s fifth-most sacks, yet so will upgrading the receiver room. New England could even get aggressive and target an All-Pro.
Related: New England Patriots will ‘likely consider’ trading standout rookie
AFC exec expects New England Patriots to entertain Cooper Kupp trade
The New England Patriots have the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which should give them a chance at either University of Colorado’s Travis Hunter or University of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, the two top receivers in the draft class.
However, the Patriots could also target a veteran receiver upgrade, like one who’s already on the trade block such as Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Cooper Kupp.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently spoke to an anonymous source who works for an AFC team who believes the Patriots may not be able to resist entertaining a trade for Kupp.
“As one AFC exec said, the Patriots would be “foolish” not to entertain a deal, given their receiver situation.”
ESPN on New England Patriots trading for Cooper Kupp
In addition to having the fourth pick in the first round, the Patriots have a total of four selections in the first 100 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. New England has nine selections overall, which gives them plenty of ammo to pursue a Kupp trade this offseason.
Related: Top 2025 NFL free agents: Ranking top 30 players in NFL free agency
