Patriots Interested in Trade for ‘Impact’ Receiver, Could Release Veteran

The New England Patriots failed to make the Super Bowl in 2021. They had a good season but it wasn’t enough. Head coach Bill Belichick is expected to make a few moves this offseason. According to Greg A. Bedard from Boston Sports Journal, the Patriots may release a veteran to get a talented receiver.

Is Robby Anderson the right player to join the Patriots?

“The Patriots have at least shown some interest in trading for Panthers receiver Robby Anderson, the former Jet who impressed against the Patriots on film despite not much production (nine games, 49 targets, 17 receptions, 181 yards, 0 TDs),” says Bedard.

Patriots to release veteran and get… someone like him

The Patriots did try to get Anderson in 2020. However, he joined the Carolina Panthers istead.

“When I played them, from what I can remember, (Belichick) usually would put man coverage (with) a safety over the top and scheme me, do things like that,” the 28-year-old receiver told reporters in November. “Kind of take me out of the picture. He even told me that, too. Last year when I was in free agency, he tried to get me to sign. He was like, ‘I’m tired of scheming against you. I’m tired of going against you.’”

Will Belichick even consider trading Agholor for Anderson? They’d have a similar role. Anderson wouldn’t provide a different game.

“League sources said Anderson is not an option in the slot for the Patriots, so he would likely be a replacement for Agoholor and basically the same salary (Agholor has a $14.9 million cap figure this year),” says Bedard. “If the Patriots can trade Agholor — perhaps to Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler in Las Vegas, where Agholor had a standout season in 2019 for position coach Edgar Bennett, who was retained by McDaniels — the Patriots would save $4.9 million against the cap.”

This is a rather tricky situation for the Patriots. Agholor joined the team but didn’t meet expectations. Belichick needs a No.1 receiver to take the leading role in 2022. Julian Edelman is not here. The Patriots really need someone like him.