With the New England Patriots formally in offseason mode, the workforce already has let everybody know that it’s getting began on offseason precedence No. 1 — teaching.
And whereas the offensive teaching scheme in 2022 was lower than fascinating, the Patriots have loads of personnel wants they need to deal with this offseason — particularly offensive sort out, exterior nook and extensive receiver. It’s probably that nook and sort out are higher addressed within the draft, however there are some notable receivers who may shake free.
Extra:DeVante Parker weighs in on whether or not Patriots offense has an elite extensive receiver
Listed here are 5 blockbuster strikes that might bolster the Patriots’ extensive receiver room, which presently includes a assortment of secondary and tertiary choices, however desperately needing a real No. 1 possibility for Mac Jones:
DeAndre Hopkins
Age at begin of 2023: 31
Value: 2023 second-round draft alternative (No. 46), 2024 second-rounder and a brand new contract
Cap hit: $30.7 million in 2023, $26.2 million in 2024
Estimated new contract: Two years, $44 million ($22 million Common Annual Worth)
DeAndre Hopkins has been on the heart of Patriots followers’ minds because it got here out that Arizona was seeking to transfer him. Though Hopkins has a no-trade clause in his present contract, he has been linked to the Patriots without end because of the mutual respect he shares with head coach Invoice Belichick.
Hopkins is rumored to need an extension on his present contract, however for one of many recreation’s greatest extensive receivers, a couple of second-rounders and $44 million may give Mac Jones a real No. 1 wideout subsequent season, which is one thing the Patriots haven’t had in a very long time.
Michael Thomas
Age at begin of 2023: 30
Value: new contract (defined beneath)
Cap hit: $14.1 million in 2023, $59.4 million in 2024
Estimated new contract: Two years, $30.4 million ($15.2 million AAV)
Thomas and the Saints have been bashing heads the previous few seasons, and the as soon as prolific receiver has been consistently battling accidents.
He’s more likely to be launched this offseason, and the Patriots may get him with hopes of rehabilitating his profession. Thomas has some fuel left within the tank, and he can be a wonderful match for a fast decision-maker and correct quarterback corresponding to Mac Jones.
Brandin Cooks
Age at begin of 2023: 30
Value: 2023 second-rounder (No. 46)
Cap hit: $26.6 million in 2023, $24.6 million in 2024
A reunion?
Brandin Cooks has been right here earlier than, however the Patriots may commerce the No. 46 total choose on this yr’s draft to seize an elite receiver and athlete. Cooks needs out of a rebuild with the Houston Texans and the Patriots may look so as to add him to an offense that struggled with guys getting open.
With teaching modifications, offensive sort out tweaks and an electrifying exterior receiver, the Patriots may change their look utterly. Maybe essentially the most interesting facet on this transfer is that Cooks isn’t in search of new cash and has two seasons present on his present deal.
Though he’s costly, I’m not able to throw the cardboard that states “Invoice gained’t pay these guys.” With the announcement we noticed the opposite day, it appears there’s a clear-cut initiative to vary. The Patriots know they want an elite receiver and this free-agent class and rookie class isn’t as stuffed with expertise as years previous.
Tee Higgins
Age at begin of 2023: 24
Value: 2023 first-rounder (No. 14) and 2024 third-rounder and a brand new contract
Cap hit: $2.7m in 2023
Estimated new contract: Six years, $124 million ($20.6 million AAV)
Higgins is an fascinating match as an explosive wideout who’s on an expiring contract. He’s due for a large extension and, fairly frankly, he deserves it.
What’s not good for the Bengals is quarterback Joe Burrow and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, in addition to some key defensive gamers, additionally can be up for extensions quickly. Except Higgins, Chase, Burrow and others take team-friendly offers, the Bengals might want to transfer on from Higgins.
This offseason, Higgins might be moved in order that the Bengals may retain at the very least some worth. To ensure that the Patriots to seize him, they might want to pay him like a No. 1 receiver and get a long-term dedication. If they’ve that, the No. 14 total choose of the 2023 NFL draft and a future third-rounder would get it achieved for one of many recreation’s elite weapons.
Brandon Aiyuk
Age at begin of 2023: 25
Value: 2024 first-rounder, 2023 second-rounder (No. 46) and a brand new contract
Cap hit: $3.9 million in 2023, $13.5 million (estimated fifth-year possibility)
Estimated new contract: Six years, $112.8 million ($18.8 million AAV)
In an analogous scenario to that of Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk is perhaps on the outs because the 49ers must make selections in regards to the plethora of expertise they’ve up for contracts over the subsequent few years.
Nicely, there’s that and that they’re already paying Deebo Samuel high greenback.
Aiyuk additionally might be traded this yr and prolonged in New England. A future first-rounder and this yr’s second-rounder may get it achieved. Aiyuk ought to have a considerably cheaper contract, however with the brand new cash and cap but to be introduced, his contract may look to be a steal in a couple of years.
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