Two Big Positive Additions The Patriots Could Make
Updated: Sep 10, 2023
Could the Patriots make a big splash move during the off-season, and acquire an elite receiver to pair with Mac Jones?
The Patriots had a disappointing end to the season finishing 8-9, and it’s clear they need to make changes to their roster. While simply fixing the offensive coordinator could make this team a playoff team itself, to be a Super Bowl contender New England will need to add more dynamic talent to their roster. While a lot of it is due to Matt Patricia being the offensive coordinator, New England needs to get an upgrade at receiver. Here are two blockbuster moves New England could make to help add a star to their receiver room.
Deandre Hopkins
Hopkins is as consistent a receiver can get, and he’s been able to produce despite having quarterbacks like Brian Hoyer, and Brock Osweiler, and backup quarterbacks with the Cardinals. Deandre Hopkins is a truly elite receiver any team would want, and the perfect opportunity arrived for New England as the Cardinals are looking to trade him. Hopkins has six seasons with over 1000 receiving yards, and the few times he wasn’t able to hit the 1,000-yard mark he fell very close.
Hopkins for his career has 11,298 yards with 71 touchdowns. Deandre Hopkins is still only 30, and he certainly has more good years ahead. If New England wants to become a Super Bowl contender, they must try and get an elite talent like Deandre Hopkins on their roster. The Patriots would finally be able to solve their issues at receiver if they can land Hopkins.
Tee Higgins
While Tee Higgins may be more unlikely to acquire, there is still a possibility. The Bengals have a lot of star talent that they have yet to pay. Giving Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr chase contracts will be the priority for the Bengals. If possible, New England could give a first-round pick and another late pick and acquire the young star. Higgins has been a receiver two for the Bengals, however, he would be a number one receiver on a lot of other teams.
Higgins provides a big vertical threat that the New England Patriots need desperately, and his ability to create separation would help boost the offense. To break out, Mac Jones needs a true number one, and Higgins has shown the ability to be an elite receiver.
Higgins received for 908 yards and six touchdowns in year one, 1,091 yards and six touchdowns in year two, and 1,029 yards and seven touchdowns in year three. Tee Higgins was able to reach this level of production as the number two option, so he will likely see an increase in production as the focused receiver
The Patriots need a skillset of Higgins very badly. Higgins’s big play ability and his ability to create separation would cause him to be worth at least a first-rounder, but that should be a price the Patriots are willing to pay. Acquiring Higgins would also move Jakobi Meyers, as the number two if they can keep him, and Kendrick Bourne and Devante Parker as receiver three and four, which is more suited for them.
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