As the latest NFL season continues, all teams are assessing how to improve their roster. The [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) are in an interesting spot given where they are at the receiver position.
After Week 1, A.J. Brown was placed on IR due to a high ankle sprain. The team has relied on new signing Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and more. QB Drake Maye has thrown to different targets multiple times.
It’s unknown when Brown will return. Hollins is questionable with a calf injury. New England has managed to go 2-2 despite Maye’s early troubles. Efton Chism III was the hero against the Bills in Week 4 after a one-handed catch for a touchdown.
Should the Patriots have a busy trade deadline?
The Patriots may have an opportunity to trade for Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Harrison Jr., or Sam LaPorta. However, Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald believes the Patriots should stay put.
"I don't think so. I wouldn't be surprised if they grabbed someone who knows like... Marvin Harrison Jr. I think makes sense because he's still a young player. I don’t know if you need a plug-and-play guy right now, because, they need it right now, but I don't know how much longer they'll need that wide receiver," Kyed told NESN.
> Are the #Patriots targeting another BIG WR like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Jerry Jeudy?? 🤔👀 @DougKyed weighs in on New England's approach at the WR position 🎙️ https://t.co/HagwGQpaeX
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> — NESN (@NESN) [October 6, 2026](https://x.com/NESN/status/2107573927866138910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
"Once A.J. Brown comes back from the high ankle sprain, I know that's still a few weeks away, and once Mack Hollins is 100%, then you've got a glut at that position again. So I don't think it really makes sense to give up significant future resources for a short-term option."
The Patriots have multiple draft picks. Kayshon Boutte got traded to the Texans in August for a pick in the 2028 draft. New England also gave up two first-round picks for Brown.
Are they willing to give up a haul, this time for a short-term option?
"I know they (Patriots fans) want to hear that 'Oh, they're trading for a Stefon Diggs or a Kayshon Boutte’ or whoever this guy is," Kyed said. "In the grand scheme of things, they’ll be in pretty good shape with Brown, Doubs, Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism once those guys are back on the field."
"And last week proved that they can weather the storm pretty well even with some of those guys missing."
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