By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
A proven and elusive receiver has requested a trade, and the New England Patriots should absolutely be among the teams exploring this possibility. Receiver Terry McLaurin would provide the exact type of threat the Patriots have been lacking for many years. Although the Patriots might not trade for him this year, there needs to be a strong push at some point for a talent like this.
Adding this type of talent would not only address the need for a lead receiver, but it would also create a domino effect throughout the depth chart. There are several dynamics worth examining after an outside trade request like this.
If the Patriots were to acquire McLaurin, a lot would be solidified going forward with this receiver group. It would establish McLaurin as the number one receiver, with Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas serving as the number two and number three options, respectively. Diggs would be able to ease into a post-ACL injury season, while Douglas could thrive in a slot role tailored to his build and agility.
Less-proven receivers like Kyle Williams and Kayshon Boutte could operate in secondary roles, competing for larger opportunities down the line. Although Kendrick Bourne would also be pushed into a secondary role, he could serve as a viable replacement for Diggs in the future, as receivers often have a limited window of peak performance as they age.
If the Patriots choose not to pursue McLaurin, the receiving corps will face a different set of challenges and opportunities, for better or worse. Diggs would remain the primary threat in the group, with Bourne and Douglas serving as capable secondary options.
There would still be healthy competition behind them with players like Efton Chism III, Williams, Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Javon Baker. However, having youth and dependable talent in your primary receiver role is critical. It’s hard to envision a scenario where this team doesn’t need a true top option at receiver once Diggs’ initial production tapers off after a couple of seasons.
That’s where Kyle Williams — the recent draft investment aimed at landing a budding dynamic receiver — becomes critical. His long-term upside could be the key to whether the Patriots can find that future top threat internally.
This current receiving corps has intriguing pieces regardless, but it’s worth remembering that the Patriots have arguably needed a true top threat at receiver since the final years of Tom Brady’s tenure. A McLaurin-type addition should be on the table within the next few years regardless.
Until then, it will be worth watching what a reinvigorated receiving corps can accomplish under the influence of Diggs’ leadership and energy. More than anything, Drake Maye’s confidence will depend heavily on his route-runners making a difference.
Flavin Media 
Leave a comment