New Wide Receiver on Trade Market Could Be Patriots Next Target
The Patriots have been in the market for a new wide receiver for a few years now, and with their draft and free agency history, the trade market seems like the best option for them. With Deebo Samuel off the market, a new receiver is now available. Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that the New York Jets are now taking calls on star wide receiver Davante Adams. He also reported that they plan to release Adams if they do not reach a deal. From our Combine coverage: The #Jets are moving on from big-name WR Davante Adams, as they are taking calls on him, sources say. If no trade, they are expected to release him. pic.twitter.com/WYYMAkOK9r
Since the Jets know they are getting rid of Adams regardless, they may settle on a trade for him to ensure they get some return. The Patriots could acquire him for a low price and have a veteran wide receiver as the top target for Drake Maye. Adams caught 67 passes for 854 yards and seven touchdowns last year for the Raiders and Jets. He started the year slowly but picked it up toward the end once he and Aaron Rodgers got back in rhythm.
At 32, Adams showed last year that he can still be a top target in the NFL. With the Patriots, he would have a young gunslinger and be the main target on offense. It has been seen what Mike Vrabel can do with A.J. Brown, and he could do the same, if not better, with someone like Adams. The veteran would provide a strong presence for the Patriots’ young squad, particularly their emerging receiving corps. He would likely receive plenty of targets, and with the Patriots’ ample cap space, they can offer him a lucrative extension-precisely what a top wide receiver seeks in a new team. New England would be eager to land Adams, as it could be the perfect fit for him. Alternatively, they could wait and pursue him in free agency, given their NFL-high cap space.
