Report: Patriots looking at trade market to add veteran wide receiver originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
NFL free agency is a week old and the New England Patriots have yet to make a major addition to their wide receiver depth chart.
Re-signing Kendrick Bourne was a good move. Signing free agent K.J. Osborn was a strong addition, too. But the team still lacks a true No. 1 wideout that can create all sorts of problems for opposing defenses. The Patriots reportedly made a competitive offer to Calvin Ridley before he signed with the Tennessee Titans on a four-year deal worth $92 million last week.
Given what’s available on the free agent market, the best way for the Patriots to acquire a star wideout is via trade.
And based on a new report from Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network, it sounds like the Patriots are looking at their options in the trade market.
“Not only did the Patriots have serious interest in signing WR Calvin Ridley, but a league source with knowledge of the situation said the team has looked into the trade market for other veterans at the position,” Caplan wrote.
“As another source points out, New England has gotten little production out of the wide receiver position for years (especially drafted players), and they’re looking to add at least one impact player at the position this offseason.”
Which players might be available?
Well, Tee Higgins reportedly requested a trade before free agency began this month. The Cincinnati Bengals placed the franchise tag on him in late February and haven’t been able to work out a long-term extension yet. Higgins has been the Bengals’ No. 2 wideout behind Ja’Marr Chase since 2021. He tallied 42 receptions for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games last season. Higgins posted back-to-back campaigns of at least 74 catches, 1,000 yards and six touchdowns in 2021 and 2022.
The 25-year-old star would be a No. 1 on a bunch of teams, including the Patriots. He also has tremendous size at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, which…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/report-patriots-looking-trade-market-191516727.html
Author : NBC Sports Boston
Publish date : 2024-03-20 19:15:16
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