6 rings & football things: The decreasing approval of the Krafts, mock draft reactions & Patspourri
After failing to land wide receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency, the Patriots may reportedly turn their attention to the veteran trade market.
According to Pro Football Network's Adam Caplan, New England has "looked into" the trade market for a veteran pass catcher.
"New England has gotten little production out of the wide receiver position for years (especially drafted players)," writes Caplan. "And they’re looking to add at least one impact player at the position this offseason."
While the Patriots did sign former Vikings wideout K.J. Osborn a one-year deal on Sunday, it doesn't seem likely that that's the last domino to fall. Osborn joins a room of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, DeMario Douglas, and Kayshon Boutte. There's still plenty of room to upgrade.
Notably, Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade out of Cincinnati earlier this month and 49ers pass catcher Brandon Aiyuk is due for a massive contract extension heading into his final season -- one that will be tough for San Francisco to fit in their books.
New England's director of scouting Eliot Wolf told reporters at the NFL Combine that they're looking to "weaponize" their offense. Trading for a proven, veteran pass-catcher would be quite the way to do so.
If they turn to the draft in late April to address the position, names to watch include Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., Washington's Rome Odunze, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., and Texas' AD Mitchell.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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