With the expectation of trading for AJ Brown in June, the New England Patriots will likely be open to trading Demario Douglas this upcoming NFL Draft. Brown continues to be linked to the Patriots for several months, and it’s imminent that the two will agree to a new deal before mandatory workouts. This means that Douglas is being phased out of the entire receiving unit, especially after the team brought in Romeo Doubs. He was Stefon Diggs’ replacement after he was released, but it doesn’t make sense to keep Douglas if they have Doubs, Brown, Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte all on one team.
Boutte is obviously the WR3 in this situation, who is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign. Meanwhile, it’s safe for the Patriots to put Douglas on the trade block to see what they could get in return. Between Egfton Chism and Kyle Williams, the Patriots would probably prefer to prioritize these depth pieces, given that their contracts are still young. Douglas is entering the final year of his deal, which makes him an attractive piece to move for at least a fourth-round pick.
Patriots Expected to Trade Former Sixth-Round Pick Demario Douglas, Pending Blockbuster Deal – Potential Team Fits
What was supposed to be a “prove it” year for Douglas will turn into a trade. The Patriots have been no strangers in wanting to get rid of some of their older talent to build around what head coach Mike Vrabel wants. Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Liberty product came off his worst season statistically. If he’s given a new scenery, he could thrive in an offense that would benefit in the slot.
He won’t be WR1, but he’s a decent, sizable and versatile weapon that can “pop” with these teams.
Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
After losing Jalen Tolbert in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys might target a low-stakes receiver before the 2026 season. Despite bringing back George Pickens, nobody should anticipate that the team will rely on him and CeeDee Lamb to carry the load. Even though Ryan Flournoy has broken out as a potential full-time WR3, he still has a lot of growing to do. The same can be said about Douglas, but he’s shown some splashes during his time in New England, and coming from a team that went to the Super Bowl, he’s the perfect trade chip the Cowboys should be looking into if they want someone at a bargain.
They’re not trading Pickens if they trade for Douglas, but he would be adding more firepower to the pass game for Dak Prescott.
Chicago Bears
Meanwhile, the Bears could use a receiver themselves, too. The team was forced to trade DJ Moore due to the salary cap, but they should be able to bring in Douglas, given the current contract he’s under. While they have Luther Burden and Rome Odunze for the bigger roles, Douglas could step in for Jahdae Walker in situational moments, especially in the postseason.
Carolina Panthers
With the Panthers expected to trade former first-round bust Xavier Legette, the Panthers should be able to find their replacement fairly quickly. Carolina is set with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker as their top receiving options for QB Bryce Young. Douglas might be the final gem that could get them to advance to the NFC Championship Game.
