New England Patriots - NESN.com
As the NFL’s trade deadline approaches, the New England Patriots are getting frequently linked to wide receivers who could supercharge their burgeoning offense for a playoff push. However, an insider doesn’t think that’s at the top of New England’s midseason shopping list.
While guest-hosting “The Rich Eisen Show” on Wednesday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said he doesn’t believe the Patriots are aggressively targeting wide receivers.
“I don’t view wide receiver as a spot that they’re looking because Stefon Diggs has come on,” Pelissero said. “… Diggs looks like Diggs again. Kayshon Boutte is one of the undertold stories in the NFL right now. He’s played really well.”
Pelissero added that DeMario Douglas has also emerged as a “really fun weapon” for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. While he doesn’t see a pass-catcher on New England’s radar, the current AFC East leaders could make a move elsewhere.
The insider thinks it’s more likely the Patriots seek help at running back after losing Antonio Gibson to an ACL tear. Pelissero identified edge rusher as another potential area of interest.
“If something drops into your lap, you don’t say no,” Pelissero said of acquiring a receiver. “But they are paying Diggs $20-plus million right now. If you’re talking about taking on a bunch of salary for another wide receiver – again, never say never. Anything’s possible. But I would view running back, I’d probably view edge – those as being more pressing needs.”
Pelissero’s assessment may disappoint Patriots fans hoping to see the team land a premier pass-catcher like A.J. Brown or Chris Olave. But New England needs more help on the ground than in the air, ranking third in yards per pass attempt and 29th in yards per carry.
The Patriots will play three more games behind the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline.
