The New England Patriots have been in offseason mode for a couple of weeks now. But we are nearing the start of the actual offseason, which will really get going once the 2021 NFL season comes to a close with the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams facing off in Super Bowl LVI.
Right now the NFL really finds itself in the calm before the storm. Some of the leagues best players are currently enjoying their time at the Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, and watching Mac Jones take part in the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown was at least a bit entertaining. Otherwise, the 30 eliminated teams are formulating their offseason plans while they wait for the Bengals and Rams to duel it out.
Speaking of Jones, much of the offseason is going to focus around getting him more help. The team will need to get him a new offensive coordinator to help him take his game to the next level in year two, and it appears there are already a couple of strong candidates in consideration. But in order for Jones to able to take that leap, he’s going to need more help on the field too.
The Patriots wide receiver corps were very thin last season, and it only seems like a matter of time until Bill Belichick brings in a top tier wideout for Jones to throw to. The good news is that there are going to be ample options in free agency, the draft, or the trade market, so it’s not as if the front office is going to have to make a move just for the sake of making one. Let’s take a look at three wide receiver trade targets that could help Jones and the Patriots offense explode in 2022.
New England Patriots wide receiver trade target No. 3: Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas has become a forgotten man in the NFL recently. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 on the 2020 season that left him a shell of himself for the nine games he was able to play that season (two of which came in the postseason). After undergoing surgery on that ankle last offseason, Thomas appeared to be gearing up for a long awaited return to the New Orleans Saints, but he suffered a setback that ended his season before it started.
Thomas’ relationship with the Saints has been tenuous since last offseason. He and former Saints head coach Sean Payton were not on good terms, with Payton being upset with how Thomas handled his offseason treatment to his ankle. As a result of the situation, trade rumors were flying everywhere, and it seemed like Thomas could be on the move sooner rather than later.
Instead, him and Payton eventually hashed things out, and he was on his way back to the field until he suffered his aforementioned setback. But with the Saints having no cap space to speak of and seemingly heading towards a rebuild, there’s a real chance that Thomas could be on the move this offseason unless he restructures his deal, which is unlikely to happen.
Thomas probably won’t be as effective as he was prior to his injury (149 REC, 1725 YDS, 9 TD in 2019) but he still could easily be a top 10 wide receiver in the league, and he may just be available for the taking. Considering how he has done virtually nothing the past two seasons, and the Saints need to unload some salary of their books, their price for Thomas probably won’t be as high as many would think.
The numbers above show Thomas is a deadly receiver who can make plays all over the field, and that’s just what the New England Patriots need for their offense. Thomas injury history is a bit of a red flag, but when he’s on the field there’s no denying his talent. If the Patriots want to take a risk on a potential buy low candidate, Thomas may be their best option.
New England Patriots wide receiver trade target No. 2: Brandin Cooks
You thought we were done mentioning Brandin Cooks as a potential trade target here didn’t you? Nonsense! Truth is, until Cooks is moved (which should be inevitable, but you never know with the Houston Texans) he’s going to remain one of the Patriots top trade options at wide receiver, and for a number of good reasons.
For starters, Cooks is officially back after a down 2019 season. He’s now posted back-to-back 1000 yard seasons, and 2021 was arguably one of the most impressive years of his career. He managed a fairly solid statline (90 REC, 1037 YDS, 6 TD) despite catching passes from Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills for most of the season. Not too bad considering the quality of quarterback play he was on the receiving end of.
With the Texans heading towards a full scale rebuild, and Cooks entering the last year of his deal, this seems like the right time for them to move Cooks. Trading Cooks would create $8.7 million of cap space for the Texans, and while they figure to have a pretty decent cap figure anyways (especially if they can figure out what they are doing with Deshaun Watson) there’s no sense paying Cooks a ton of money if you are going to lose the majority of your games next season.
Cooks is constantly linked with New England because he would be a solid fit a top the team’s wide receiver depth chart, but because he also has experience playing in the Patriots system. Cooks helped the Patriots get to the Super Bowl in 2017, and as I’ve said before, they probably win that game if he didn’t suffer a concussion early on in the game.
Cooks is just what the Jones and the Pats offense needs moving forward. He’s a speedy route runner who can create separation on both short and long routes, which is exactly what the front office should be looking for. Cooks would be a steadying presence in the Patriots locker room, and who knows what types of numbers he could put up when he’s not getting double teamed on every play like he was last season.
New England Patriots wide receiver trade target No. 1: Jarvis Landry
The 2021 season didn’t go the way many were expecting it to go for the Cleveland Browns, and that included a down year for their star wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Landry struggled with injuries and poor quarterback play from Baker Mayfield, and the result was the worst season of his NFL career. With the Browns now at a bit of a crossroads, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them move on from Landry this offseason.
Similar to Cooks, Landry is entering the final year of current deal, so Cleveland has incentive to move him if they don’t think an extension is likely. Plus, Cleveland can save a whopping $14.8 million in cap space if they move Landry, making it very likely they will cut their losses and pursue different avenues at the wide receiver position.
Not only would Landry probably be the cheapest option on this list, but he would easily be the best fit in New England’s offense. Landry operates out of the slot and excels at getting open on the short to mid level routes. Landry is exactly the type of player Jones needs to take his game to the next level in his second season.
Jones’ trademarks are his accuracy and decision making. While he can hit deep passes, it’s not his calling card. While it would be nice to see a deep threat get added, it would really benefit the offense to get a player like Landry who can get open close to the line of scrimmage and help keep the passing game moving. Plus, if the Patriots keep Nelson Agholor around, they can focus on using him primarily for deeper plays.
Landry isn’t the flashiest receiver in the league, but he is one of the most consistent pass catchers. Belichick rarely goes out and gets the biggest name on the market, and a guy like Landry is someone who would fit this team like a glove. There may be more appealing options on the market, but there isn’t going to be a better fit for the New England Patriots than Landry is.