4 Patriots Who Must Be Traded to Rebuild in Post-Belichick Era

After the Bill Belichick era shockingly came to an end on Thursday morning, these four Patriots must be traded to help with the impending rebuild.

JuJu Smith-Schuster is one of four Patriots who must be traded to help rebuild in the post-Belichick era. / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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3. DeVante Parker, WR

DeVante Parker is another wideout from the Belichick era that needs to go.

Like Smith-Schuster, the 2023 campaign confirmed that Parker is no longer in his prime. Despite playing the second-most games of his injury-plagued career (13), the 30-year-old veteran only finished with 33 receptions for 394 yards without a touchdown. His receiving yards per game rate (30.3) also declined for the fourth consecutive season.

Parker is under contract for the next two seasons, carrying a $6.1 million cap hit in 2024 and $6.5 million in 2025. The Patriots could use that type of money to flesh out the roster (like bringing in consistent pass-catching help), meaning it's in their best interest to trade the declining playmaker.

Although New England can save $4.6 million if they trade him after June 1, a trade before then also saves $3 million if the Patriots are looking to try and get a 2024 draft pick out of a deal. In other words, there's a ton of flexibility to when Parker could be moved.

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