The New England Patriots are looking to capitalize on this window after making the Super Bowl in their first season under Mike Vrabel. Two of the biggest moves the franchise has made thus far come at receiver, releasing Stefon Diggs and signing Romeo Doubs.
They have also expressed interest in trading for A.J. Brown, but nothing has materialized there. Meanwhile, on March 17, the Denver Broncos acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for 2026 first, third, and fourth-round picks. While that created an obstacle in New England's pursuit of Brown, it may have opened the door for the Patriots to acquire another WR.
ESPN's Benjamin Solak suggested that since Denver has Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims could be moved. And the Patriots should call the Broncos and see what it would take to bring Troy Franklin to Foxborough.
Patriots Should Call Broncos Regarding Troy Franklin Trade
The Patriots are looking to get more dynamic at receiver, and the idea of Franklin is an enticing one. He was nabbed in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft and has seen his production increase from Year 1 to Year 2.
Troy Franklin's 2024 Stats | Troy Franklin's 2025 Stats |
|---|---|
Targets: 53 | Targets: 104 |
Catches: 28 | Catches: 65 |
Receiving Yards: 263 | Receiving Yards: 709 |
Receiving Touchdowns: 2 | Receiving Touchdowns: 6 |
He effectively doubled his numbers in every category, showcasing that the arrow is pointing up on his trajectory. Another reason this move would make sense is the money that Franklin is due. The wideout is signed through the 2027 season, with his salary not exceeding $1.4 million in any campaign. That's a low-cost contract, but he would be a player who raises the floor of New England's receiving corps.
It doesn't hurt that Franklin stands at 6'3" and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically with size to win those 1-on-1 battles downfield.
It may be a little harder to get a deal done with the Broncos, considering these teams are rivals, as the Patriots beat Denver in the AFC Championship last season. Nonetheless, if New England offered a Day 3 pick, it should be enough to get the deal across the finish line.
The Broncos have an abundance of receivers and are unlikely to head into the 2026 campaign with all of them rostered. Getting Franklin from Denver would improve New England's receiver room, but wouldn't deter them from adding another via trade or the 2026 NFL draft.
Drake Maye showed how productive he could be in 2025, and now it's all about building the roster around him. Acquiring Franklin seems like a wise decision, and the Broncos' trading for Waddle made it more likely that the former Oregon product can be had.