New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots looked like a team in Week 1 that needs more offensive firepower. There isn’t exactly a lack of talent at wide receiver in New England, but that doesn’t mean the Patriots aren’t paying attention to the market. On Wednesday, an interesting trade idea arrived involving Josh McDaniels’ offense.
Whether the Patriots’ O needs roster additions or simply a mindset adjustment is a matter of debate. If New England were interested in giving Drake Maye another target to throw to, an opportunity might emerge out of San Francisco.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox speculated that 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings could be traded soon, and Knox listed two potential suitors for Jennings: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Patriots.
“The San Francisco 49ers made it clear that the contract adjustment they made with Jauan Jennings wouldn’t prevent the team from doing a long-term deal,” Knox wrote.
“Until Jennings is signed to an extension, though, the impending 2026 free agent remains a potential bargaining chip—and not just because he requested a trade in the offseason. Should 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall prove to be a consistent playmaker, Jennings could be viewed as expendable once Brandon Aiyuk returns from injury. He proved himself as a starter last season and should intrigue receiver-needy teams.”
“In the meantime, though, prying Jennings away from San Francisco could be both difficult and risky,” Knox continued. “He suffered a shoulder injury against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, while star tight end George Kittle has a hamstring injury. Potential Suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots.”
Interestingly, Knox believes the price tag for Jennings would be something in the realm of two picks in the fourth or fifth round.
Jennings, 28, has tallied 157 receptions for 1,954 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career for the 49ers. He was the No. 217 overall pick by San Francisco in the 2020 NFL draft out of Tennessee.
