FOXBOROUGH - In recent years, the Patriots have been the not-so-proud owners of the NFL’s worst receiving corps.
Ahead of this season, landing a No. 1 receiver was a top priority. So was getting more help even if a top gun was secured.
One week ahead of the trade deadline, with eight weeks down in the 2025 season, is the priority the same? Is the need that pressing?
Given how the season has played out, given the contributions of the receivers collectively, and the fact the Patriots have a top-10 passing offense (240.5 ypg) , the need is nowhere near as glaring.
With the addition of Stefon Diggs, the growth of Kayshon Boutte, the addition of Mack Hollins and with Drake Maye pulling the trigger, all’s well with the receiving corps.
On this team, the need for a receiver now barely cracks the top five on the wish list.
Edge rusher, cornerback, safety, running back have leapt over the receiver position. A case can also be made for adding tackle depth.
Game in, game out, the receivers have been front and center making plays. Early on, the first few games, Maye’s favorite targets were running backs and tight ends.
Not any more. The receivers have pushed their way into the mix. They’ve had a more prominent role.
That’s not to say that adding a top wideout wouldn’t be welcome. Bringing in Jakobi Meyers, reuniting him with his former team and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would still be a plus.
And if the New Orleans Saints are willing to trade Chris Olave for a song, no one would sneeze at that transaction.
The point here, is that landing a wide receiver ahead of the deadline is no longer the most important play for the Patriots braintrust.
Maye has a strong connection with both Diggs and Boutte, and of late, has been in sync with Hollins and DeMario Douglas, too. Add in the trust he has with tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, and running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and the Patriots appear to be in decent shape arsenal wise.
Boutte’s emergence as a deep threat with a team-leading five touchdown catches, and his obvious chemistry with Maye has made a significant difference. He’s evolved into a legitimate No. 2 receiver, behind Diggs, who has opened up lanes for everyone.
Currently, Diggs leads the team in catches (42) and yards (470). Boutte is next with 23 catches, 431 yards.
“I think the biggest thing, you aren’t surprised when you see it every day in practice,” Maye said of Boutte and the Patriots receivers during his weekly Monday appearance on WEEI. “They put it on tape, they put it in practice, they show it in practice.
“It’s my job to give them chances to go make plays, and they keep on doing it ... they keep showing up.”
That said, the Patriots still need to be active ahead of the deadline. They still need to find upgrades, or depth pieces in other spots.
Keion White being a healthy scratch spoke volumes about where the edge rusher stands. Beyond Harold Landry and C’Lavon Chaisson, there isn’t much to hang your hat on, especially if one of those two gets hurt.
While TreVeyon Henderson had a bit of a breakthrough (77 yards, 7 carries), and they seem happy with Terrell Jennings providing depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Henderson, they’re still short in that room. Adding another back is a must. Ditto swing tackle. If either Will Campbell or Morgan Moses go down, that’s trouble.
Mike Vrabel, on WEEI Monday morning, reiterated what he’s been saying for weeks about the trade deadline.
“I think we could try to always look to improve our roster,” he said. “Whether that’s at every position, we’re gonna look to try to improve anyway we can.”
Vrabel added that he has daily conversations with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden and vice president of football operations and strategy John Streicher regarding the roster.
Sitting where they are, if they’re serious about making a run - sooner than anyone anticipated - it behooves the Patriots to shore up at the more needy positions.
It’s a sign of how far they’ve come, with offseason moves paying off and Maye making a significant Year 2 leap, that one of the most needy positions no longer includes wide receiver.
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