The Patriots are off to a disappointing 2-5 start, and their offense is one of the main reasons for their struggles. The Patriots offense ranks 31st in points per game, 21st in passing yards per game, and 26th in yards per play. Their lack of explosive plays and inability to sustain drives have put too much pressure on their defense, which has also regressed from last year.
One of the biggest problems for the Patriots for the last few years is their lack of a true number-one wide receiver. They’ve tried to patch up the position with free agents, but none of them have panned out. Their current leading receiver is Kendrick Bourne, who has 34 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a solid receiver, but he’s not someone who can stretch the field or command many double teams.
The Patriots need to make a bold move before the trade deadline and acquire a top-tier receiver – one who can transform their offense and give Mac Jones a reliable deep target. Here are three former first-round picks that can turn around the Patriots season:
Three Possible Receivers To Revitalize the Patriots Offense
Mike Evans
Mike Evans, drafted as a top-tier talent, has shown his dominance on the field time and again. He signed a five-year deal in 2018 that’s set to expire at the end of this season. At 30, he still showcases the skills that made him a top-ten pick. In 2023, Evans has been a beacon of consistency. With 30 receptions from 49 targets, amassing 468 yards, and an impressive average of 15.6 yards per reception, he’s been a force to be reckoned with. His four touchdowns and a long reception of 70 yards show his capability to be both a red-zone weapon and a vertical threat.
Evans, with his sheer size and talent, can be the elite receiver Mac Jones needs. His presence wouldn’t only boost the downfield passing game but also provide a reliable target for Jones. With Evans on the team, the Patriots could truly evaluate Jones’s potential and make informed decisions about the team’s future. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unlikely to trade Evans, as he is one of their best players and a fan favorite. However, they’re also in a rebuilding mode, and they might be willing to listen to offers if they get blown away by a package of draft picks and/or young players.
Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy, a young star with a bright future, has been making waves since he entered into the NFL. He was expected to be an immediate impact player for the Denver Broncos offense but has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent quarterback play since his arrival. Despite a somewhat subdued 2023 season (currently under 300 yards and zero touchdowns), the talent is still there. Being a big, strong, fast, 24-year-old receiver who runs routes as well as he does, his potential is still sky-high. With the Broncos seemingly becoming sellers as the deadline approaches, his name is one that’s all over the trade rumors.
Jeudy would be a great addition to the Patriots offense, he would give them a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and make defenders miss in space. He’d also form a formidable duo with Jones, who was his former teammate at Alabama. They already have chemistry and familiarity with each other, which would make his transition easier. Jeudy’s elite talent and exceptional hands make him a prime candidate to be the focal point of the Patriots offense. His explosive play ability would complement Jones’ short game, providing the Patriots with a dynamic and versatile offensive weapon.
Marquise Brown
A speedster on the outside, Marquise Brown is exactly what the Patriots offense is missing. Brown was drafted by the Ravens with the 25th overall pick in 2019, after a prolific college career at Oklahoma. He was nicknamed “Hollywood” for his flashy and explosive style of play, as well as his hometown of Hollywood, Florida. After being traded in 2022 to the Arizona Cardinals, expectations for Brown and his former college quarterback were high. He ended up with over 100 receptions on the year but for just 10.7 yards a catch. It just wasn’t the explosion the Cardinals were hoping for. This season Brown has 32 receptions for 383 yards and the whole offense is exceeding offseason expectations. However, the 1-6 Cardinals are likely going to deal a few of their bigger or expiring contracts for some draft capital. His three touchdowns on the year indicate he still possesses the ability to get open in the red zone. At 26 years old he has plenty of his prime years still ahead of him.
Brown would be coming as a rental and become an unrestricted free agent after this year. He could still be a spark to this Patriots offense that’s in desperate need of one. Brown’s speed on the outside can change the dynamics of the Patriots offense. Defenses would have to respect his deep-threat ability, which in turn would open up the short game and running lanes. With Brown’s speed on the outside to spread the secondary down the field, the linebackers will have to drop back to cover more ground against the pass and open up lanes for Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott. His addition could be the catalyst for a more balanced and potent Patriots offense.
Any of these three receivers would help in the short term, but the Patriots need to make a move for a receiver before the trade deadline for two main reasons:
Evaluation of Mac Jones In the Patriots Offense
The lack of a true number-one wide receiver throughout his entire career hinders a fair evaluation of Jones. There’ve been plenty of mistakes on his part, and the truth is there’s a good chance he isn’t the answer, but with the offense so limited, he’s being a little unfairly criticized over a lack of production. How much production should be expected with the talent surrounding him? With all that being said, once he has a true number-one receiver, Jones’ play should make the decision on his future with the team clear, and he should have a very short leash. If there isn’t a near-instant improvement in the offense after acquiring one of these receivers, he should be pulled to save trade value and increase their draft position.
Bolster the Patriots Offense Run Game
A premier wide receiver can also substantially bolster the Patriots run game. The current lack of a serious deep threat in the passing game allows opposing defenses to stack the box. This makes it difficult for the running backs to find lanes and amass meaningful yardage on the ground. A top-tier receiver would stretch the field vertically, forcing defenses to respect the passing game, which in turn would create more space for the running backs. This would potentially lead to a more balanced and unpredictable offense, making the Patriots a tougher team to defend against. Moreover, a high-caliber receiver’s ability to draw double coverage can also open up the field for other players, enabling a multi-faceted attack that can keep defenses on their heels.
In the End, the Patriots Could be Buyers or Sellers
With a standing of 2-5, it’s understandable why the team might be eyeing the role of active sellers as the deadline approaches. Yet, fresh off a victory against a team thought of as Super Bowl contenders, it’s fair to say there’s a newfound wave of optimism washing over the squad right now. The pressure is mounting as the trade deadline approaches. Rumors have swirled around Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne being a potential trade piece. There have even been suggestions of trades, like a swap with the Raiders’ Hunter Renfrow, that could shake up the Patriots’ receiving corps. However, the short/quick passing game isn’t as much of a need right now as a deep threat. This trade deadline could be a pivotal moment for the Patriots as the team could either go for a higher draft pick and trade away players, or try and turn the season around by bringing in some fresh faces.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
