Death, taxes and Patriots twitter being filled with rumors of trading for a receiver by Week 5.
That is until New England cut ties with him just 11 days later.
Now, with lack of depth at the position, especially with Julian Edelman being banged up, and lack of cap room due to the Patriots most likely having the pay the remainder of Brown’s $15 million dollar contract, the Patriots are limited for options.
The answer, at least on Patriots Twitter, may lie in Minnesota or Cincinnati.
The first name to be brought up is someone who’s been linked to the Patriots for years: A.J. Green. The wide receiver has not touched the field this year due to an ankle injury and is not expected back anytime soon. If the Patriots want a big body receiver, they will just wait for N’Keal Harry to come back once he returns from the IR. A.J. Green just isn’t a realistic option.
Out of Minnesota, there are two options that may interest the Patriots. The first obvious choice is Adam Thielen: Great route-runner, un-happy with where he is, and un-drafted; he seems like the perfect Patriots target. The downside? Adam Thielen just started a four-year, $64 million contract with the Vikings. Over $15 million-per-year over the next four years for a wide receiver pushing 30 is something Bill Belichick would never touch.
He’s a great player, but not a great fit financially in New England.
On the other side of the field, Stefon Diggs is another un-happy Vikings receiver. Before his breakout game in Week 4, Diggs was limited to six catches through the first three games. Another great route-runner and a super talented receiver, the issue remains the same.
Starting next season, Diggs will be paid upwards of $10 million until the end of 2024. He would be a nice receiver to lock up, and as the salary cap is expected to rise, it would not be a bad deal. Then again, Belichick has never spent big money on long term deals for receivers. Consider this move un-realistic as well.
It leaves the Patriots with very limited options. Maybe a trade for Falcons receiver Mohammed Sanu with Atlanta struggling? Maybe the Broncos try and unload Emmanuel Sanders due to the 0-4 start? These players will obviously be much cheaper, but along with that not as impactful. It remains to be seen whether or not the Patriots will attempt anything as Week 5 approaches.
