The New England Patriots need to add difference-makers at their skill positions if they want to retain quarterback Tom Brady. The pending free agent is interested in returning to the team, but he’s reportedly unlikely to go back to New England without a stronger supporting cast than the one he had in 2019.
So if the Patriots don’t want him to hit free agency, they better start with the trade market. And it’s not unreasonable to think they can land a big name over the next two weeks. At this time last year, a number of high-profile players – including like Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. – changed teams. The Patriots may be interested in a large slash this offseason.
Here are some ideas.
1. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Browns
Cleveland may make for a challenging trade partner after it acquired Beckham just one year ago. But the Patriots could start by putting the 23rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on the table to get the conversation started. The package gets a lot sweeter with that pick involved.
Beckham has made it clear he’d be interested in playing with Brady. This might be the special offense the Patriots envisioned with Antonio Brown before he faced allegations of sexual assault and rape.
2. The Rams wideouts
Cooper Kupp would be an excellent fit outside for the Patriots. His deal expires in 2020, and L.A. may anticipate that it won’t be able to pay him. Then there’s Robert Woods, who could play any of the Patriots’ receiver positions. His deal expires in 2021 and is team-friendly, which makes it even more intriguing for New England. And finally, Brandin Cooks will likely be available. It would be laughably Belichickian to buy low on Cooks. But his health (concussions) probably makes him too big of a risk.
3. Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions
He has been one of the most impressive young wideouts in the NFL over the last two seasons, but he’ll be a free agent in 2021. Will the Lions extend him? Or might they trade him in anticipation of a rebuild? It’s likely that with Matt Patricia and Jon Robinson’s jobs on the line, they avoid trading Golladay. But it’s worth a call for Bill Belichick. Lions receiver Marvin Jones isn’t a bad trade option either.
4. Corey Davis, WR, Titans
He’s hitting the final year of his rookie deal, and Tennessee is unlikely to give him a fifth-year option. Why not trade him now?
5. Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers
Samuel is also entering the final year of his contract, and Carolina, which is likely to be in a full rebuild, is unlikely to extend his deal. New England could scoop him up for a one-year rental.