Three Possible Trade Targets for AFC Contender

Here are three possible trade targets for AFC contender New England Patriots this offseason. The Patriots are ready to kick off the 2024 campaign in a new era, moving on from long-time head coach and six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick. Jerod Mayo steps into the spotlight as the head coach of the team after drafting their future franchise quarterback, Drake Maye and potential backup Joe Milton. They have their leader but they still need to make a splash for a trade this offseason and luckily they have the cap space for it.

According to OverTheCap, the Patriots have around $38 million in cap space, so they could make a couple of trades happen. New England has several holes to fill within their roster to bolster their talent around Maye going into the new season. However, if the Patriots want Maye to have an immediate impact in his rookie year then the best shot would be to make some trades. The first step in doing that is finding their next WR1 for Maye to throw darts to.

There have been a number of receivers in trade rumors this offseason. This means that many star receivers are unhappy with their contracts and want a big-time deal. The only issue with that is the Patriots have the money for it but none of what most quality pass-catchers are asking for. It’s a long shot for New England to land one of the top receivers in the game.

However, it’s worth a shot for the Patriots who are in rebuilding mode after Belichick’s long tenure in New England. It makes sense on paper that these additions would benefit New England. However, here are three possible trade targets for the Patriots

Three Possible Trade Targets for AFC Contender New England Patriots

Brandon Aiyuk

Aiyuk has been in numerous trade rumors this offseason with his name floating around that he could become a potential trade target. However, 49ers general manager John Lynch isn’t looking to trade Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. This doesn’t mean they won’t listen to offers because it would be foolish to not do so. According to a source, the Aiyuk trade to the Patriots is a long shot or it probably won’t happen.

However, New England has some spending money to use but it may not be enough for someone like Aiyuk. It would be nice for Maye to start his rookie year with arguably one of the best pass-catchers in the league. Many teams like the 49ers don’t want to ship out Aiyuk without a blockbuster trade happening so it makes sense why Lynch wants to keep them around for one more. San Francisco may wait to see if they can win the Super Bowl with Aiyuk, Samuel and Jauan Jennings.

Tee Higgins

Here is another receiver that will unlikely leave their current team this year. There is already an enormous amount of money dishing out to stars like AJ Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The challenge for the Patriots is needing a ton of money to pay for one of these stars. However, it could still happen if Higgins or Aiyuk create some discontent in the locker room.

Higgins states that he’s ready to suit up for the Bengals in 2024 despite rumors of a trade. This doesn’t mean the Bengals won’t come back midseason to reconsider making this happen. There has been no deal reached between both parties on a long-term contract. It leaves the door for Higgins to demand a contract or dangle on the trade block later this fall.

Patrick Surtain II

Denver Broncos were heavily in many rumors this past draft getting numerous calls including the Patriots who were open to trading down. However, the Broncos didn’t make it happen and got their next quarterback, Box Nix going forward. New England could capitalize on a player like Surtain, who’s been in many rumors as well. Surtain could be a well-rounded addition to the young secondary group of Christian Gonzalez and Kyle Dugger.