The New England Patriots search for a top wide receiver could still come via trade. With 12 draft picks entering the NFL Draft, here are 3 intriguing trade possibilities.
With Randall Cobb agreeing to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots are quickly running out of options in the wide receiver free agent market. That means, a possible deal to give Tom Brady another top weapon is extremely high.
Considering the team was reportedly in on the Antonio Brown sweepstakes and was wildly rumored as a destination for Odell Beckham Jr., there is no doubt the Patriots are willing to deal for a top receiver. That actually may be the best option for the defending Super Bowl champions.
With two second-round picks and three third-round picks in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft, Bill Belichick certainly has some options. The team could go younger by using all their picks, which Belichick seemingly never does, or use a high pick or two to get themselves a stud receiver.
Like they did in 2007 when they acquired Randy Moss in a draft day deal with the Oakland Raiders, the New England Patriots will be looking for a similar opportunity.
While dream playmakers like Julio Jones or Mike Evans are unrealistic, here are three trade targets who could give Tom Brady another reliable target in the offense.
3. A.J. Green
Cincinnati Bengals star receiver A.J. Green is the name coming up most when it comes to trade possibilities and it is because of two reasons.
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First, he is on the other side of 30 and may only have a couple of elite seasons left in him. Secondly, he is on the final year of his five-year, $60 million deal with a team that appears to be in rebuild mode once again.
As an outside threat who would give the New England Patriots the combination of speed, height and explosiveness they crave, Green would be the type of veteran who would come in and make an impact in the offense.
The downside is that he is 30 years old and has a reputation of being bit of a soft player. That could change in a new environment and playing with an intense player like Julian Edelman. He would also have a familiar face in former teammate Rex Burkhead to learn a few things from.
While A.J. Green has stated his desire to stay in Cincinnati, a change of scenery and a chance to win a Super Bowl could rejuvenate him for a couple more prime seasons as a top-notch NFL receiver.
Following a down season in which he caught 46 receptions for 694 yards, the 6-foot-4 wide receiver looks like he does need a little Tom Brady in his life.
2. Emmanuel Sanders
The Denver Broncos wide receiver is not as tall as an A.J. Green, but his effectiveness on the field may even be a more intriguing option for the New England Patriots.
Coming off a season in which he recorded 71 passes for 868 yards and four touchdowns, Emmanuel Sanders once again proved to be an elite talent when healthy. The Patriots certainly know first-hand what kind of a game changer Sanders is and knew so before he became elite in Denver.
The team actually signed Sanders to an offer sheet back when he was a restricted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and as it turned out, they would’ve had one heck of a player if the Steelers did not match the offer sheet.
A few seasons later and it appears the Patriots could still see what Emmanuel Sanders looks like in their offense. At 32, he still appears to be a part of the Broncos plans, but that could quickly change depending on who the team selects in the draft and whether Sanders likes the direction the team is going.
In summary, Sanders alongside Julian Edelman would give Tom Brady quite the duo to work with in the open field.
1. Tyler Boyd
The prime option for the New England Patriots is Cincinnati young wide receiver Tyler Boyd.
Why?
He is talented, can play in the slot, and is on the final year of his rookie deal. Certainly, the type of low-risk, high-reward player the Patriots covet.
Coming off a season in which he caught 76 passes for 1,028 yards, Boyd is unlikely to be moved, but just imagine if the Patriots could tempt the Bengals to part with their talented young receiver?
Is he worth their late first-round pick similar to Brandin Cooks?
With the amount of picks the Patriots have, include two second-round picks, his age and upside could be worth using at least one of their top 3 picks on to get. They could also throw in a late-rounder to entice the Bengals.
In all, due to both his age and current contract status, Tyler Boyd could help solve the New England Patriots wide receiver question marks while also giving them a playmaker of the future if they could get him to agree to a contract extension.