With free agency starting to slow and the Patriots needing depth at wide receiver, it’s important to consider the trade market as a team-building possibility.
Historically, New England has been active when it comes to swinging offseason trades fr offensive skill position players. The Patriots acquired both Randy Moss and Wes Welker on the trade market prior to the start of the 2007 season, Brandin Cooks the same way before the 2017 campaign, and Cordarrelle Patterson because of a deal with the Raiders in the spring of 2018. It’s also worth mentioning New England also acquired offensive game-changers like Corey Dillon, LeGarrette Blount and Martellus Bennett not in free agency, but as the result of springtime trades.
With that in mind, here are five possible trade targets for New England when it comes to wide receiver. I'll give my ranking, and then Bedard will give his. Lend your voice in the members-only poll.
5. Laquon Treadwell, Vikings
Final year of contract: 2019
Remaining Cost: $1.8 million
Skinny: You’re rolling the dice here. Treadwell has been a major disappointment in his three seasons with the Vikings — the former first-round pick out of Mississippi has caught 56 passes in three years with Minnesota. That includes 35 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown last year. While you could attribute some of his issues to age (he was barely 21 when he played his first game at the NFL level), he’d still be a real gamble for New England. Like the others on this list, he speedy Treadwell is heading into the last year of his contract. And considering the talent Minnesota skill positions — which can boast of wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, tight end Kyle Rudolph, and running back Dalvin Cook — it’s unlikely he’ll get a whole lot of targets this season if he ends up sticking around the Twin Cities. A new start and the opportunity to head into free agency on an up note have to appeal to Treadwell, and the possibility of an extra draft pick later this spring could be just the sort of thing that could make this 23-year-old a member of the Patriots.
Why it will happen: The Patriots can afford to take a risk on a talent like Treadwell — you get a talent like him into New England, and he can be reborn.
Why it won’t happen: The Patriots don’t need the potential headache.
4. A.J. Green, Bengals
Final year of contract: 2019
Remaining cost: $11.98 million
Skinny: Hey, if you want to swing for the fences, Green could be your guy. The Bengals are hitting the reset button with a new coach, and Cincy isn’t expected to compete this year. Green is going into the last year of his deal, and the 31-year-old could get a fresh start in New England with Tom Brady, and (theoretically) head into free agency next offseason on an up note. There is some historical precedent here — while Green isn’t in Moss’ class, it is interesting that Moss was able to enjoy a career rebirth with the Patriots at the age of 30. Could Green find a new life in New England? In the past, despite having issues with management, he’s publicly stated his desire to retire as a member of the Bengals, but we’ll see how it all ends up.
Why it will happen: The new Bengals’ coaching staff wants a clean slate and cap space to jumpstart a rebuild.
Why it won’t happen: Green wants to retire as a Bengal.
3. Josh Doctson, Redskins
Final year of contract: 2019
Remaining cost: $1.82 million
Skinny: Another receiver who has produced relatively well despite an occasionally rough situation. (Washington had four different starting quarterbacks last season — including Josh Freeman and Mark Sanchez — but Doctson still had 44 catches, best on the team among wide receivers.) He’s another receiver heading into the last year of his current deal. And while the 6-foot-2, 202-pounder doesn’t necessarily have the positional versatility, it’s worth noting that his 3-cone time as a collegian coming out of TCU was a very respectable 6.84, which means he’s got that good short-area quickness New England craves in its’ receivers. (For some reference, Edelman was a 6.62.) He wouldn’t be an overwhelming offensive option in the Patriots’ passing game, but if it clicks, he could be a quality depth piece of the puzzle.
Why it will happen: He’s a cost-effective find who could potentially add depth for New England at an area of need.
Why it won’t happen: He doesn’t have the same level of positional versatility other Patriots’ receivers have had in the past.
2. Sterling Shepard, Giants
Final year of contract: 2019
Remaining cost: $1.26 million
Skinny: Honestly, if I’m Shepard, I’m clawing at the walls in East Rutherford. A young receiver who is scheduled to be part of what will almost certainly be part of a wretched New York offense in 2019, he’s going into the last year of his contract. The 5-foot-10, 201-pounder has been productive in his three years in the league, with a career-best 66 catches and 872 yards last season, with much of that coming out of the slot. Given the state of the market and clear need the Patriots have demonstrated by trying and failing to sign slot receivers Adam Humphries and Cole Beasley, you might have to overpay for him. But if you’re Dave Gettleman and the Giants, you’d have to make that deal for a second-round pick, right?
Why it will happen: Shepard is a low-cost addition who could potentially have a very high ceiling with the Patriots.
Why it won’t happen: When it comes to tanking, the Giants are going to botch things. And at the end of the 2019 season. Shepard will walk away and they won’t get anything.
1. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos
Final year of contract: 2019
Remaining cost: $10.15 million
Skinny: Sanders and the Patriots have never really seemed to get the timing right. New England has coveted Sanders in the past — Bill Belichick and the Patriots signed him to a restricted free agent offer sheet in the 2013 offseason. (The Steelers ended up matching the offer, so Sanders stayed in Pittsburgh, while the Pats re-signed Julian Edelman and added Danny Amendola.) Now, Sanders — who will be 32 before the start of the 2019 season — is heading into the final year of his current deal. He has the positional versatility the Pats’ crave, which includes slot experience. He’s on a team that could be destined for a rebuilding season. And the Patriots and Broncos have made more than their share of deals in the past. All of that means he’ll be a guy worth watching as the offseason continues.
Why it will happen: Belichick has always liked Sanders, the Broncos are looking to start fresh with a new coach and quarterback.
Why it won't happen: If Joe Flacco clicks, Denver probably isn't all that far from competing again, and it'll need a steady veteran like Sanders to help guide the passing game into a new era.
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