Patriots Reportedly Evaluating Multiple Trade Targets
The New England Patriots are reportedly evaluating at least five potential trade targets to bolster their roster. The team is looking to add talent and is considering moves beyond previously rumored high-profile players. This signals an aggressive strategy for the Patriots as they enter the offseason.
- The Patriots are targeting help at wide receiver, edge rusher, and offensive tackle after their Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Key areas of need include finding a dominant pass rusher and adding another top-tier wide receiver to support second-year quarterback Drake Maye. - One prominent name linked to the Patriots is Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. A potential trade is fueled by speculation of a deteriorating relationship between Brown and the Eagles, and his previous connection with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. - Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is another high-profile player considered a target. Acquiring Crosby would address the Patriots' significant need for an elite edge rusher, a move made more feasible by the team's cap space flexibility while Maye is on his rookie contract. - Other potential wide receiver targets include D.J. Moore of the Chicago Bears and Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Moore could be available due to the Bears' depth at the position, while the Jaguars might be willing to move Thomas to recoup a first-round draft pick. - On the defensive side, Texans' edge rusher Danielle Hunter has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. With starting edge K'Lavon Chaisson hitting free agency, the Patriots may look to acquire a proven veteran like Hunter to pair with Harold Landry. - The Patriots currently have approximately $37.7 to $41 million in projected cap space for the 2026 offseason. They also hold 11 draft picks, providing them with significant assets to facilitate trades. - New England has six unrestricted free agents heading into the new league year, including starting EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. The team will need to decide whether to re-sign these players or look for replacements via trade and free agency. - To create additional financial flexibility, the Patriots could restructure existing contracts, such as Stefon Diggs' deal which carries a $26.5 million cap hit in 2026, or release players with large cap hits like linebacker Christian Elliss ($7.38 million) and tight end Hunter Henry ($8.5 million).
