New England Patriots: 3 positions to strengthen to become a playoff contender
Second, The New England Patriots should sign or trade for a wide receiver
The Patriots added two good wide receivers in free agency in Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne. Yet, neither is a star nor likely to break 50 or 60 catches this season. They still could use a top receiver.
There have been rumors that Julio Jones might be on the trading block. Jones if healthy, instantly becomes New England’s best wide receiver, by far. He caught 51 in only nine games last season. He would instantly upgrade that position dramatically and the entire Patriots offense would benefit.
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Should the Patriots consider such a move, why not trade with Atlanta for Jones and send Sony Michel and maybe a fourth-round pick in 2022 for the Falcons?
Michel’s fifth-year option was declined by the team. He will not likely be with them after this season anyway.
In addition, they drafted Rhamondre Stevenson, a big bruising back in the fourth round this season. He’s probably my favorite pick along with Jones. Stevenson can step right into Michel’s position and add a dimension that Michel can’t, short-yardage ability.
If such a deal were doable, even if it included adding another player such as one of the two third-round tight ends who flopped last season for the Patriots, it would be well worth the investment.
The team should make this trade or one or another top receiver with 70-80 catch potential on a team that may have a surplus of receivers on their squad.