3 trades Patriots could still make after A.J. Brown?

3 trades the Patriots could still make after landing A.J. Brown

The Patriots stunned the league by adding elite receiver A.J. Brown. However, 3 trades the Patriots could still make after landing A.J. Brown will shape New England’s roster. This move changes priorities, because the team now needs balance on offense and pressure on defense. Therefore fans and analysts must watch which pieces move next.

Why these potential trades matter: they can upgrade the running back room, add a proven edge rusher, or convert players into draft capital. As a result, New England can protect Mac Jones better and finish drives more often. Moreover, each trade affects depth, salary flexibility, and special teams value.

This piece takes a speculative and analytical tone. First, we examine realistic targets. Next, we quantify costs and benefits. Finally, we explain how each trade would alter the Patriots’ Super Bowl odds. Read on to see three plausible deals.

3 trades the Patriots could still make after landing A.J. Brown: how the recent deals reshape the roster

Because New England added A.J. Brown, the front office pivoted quickly. They traded DeMario Douglas to the Denver Broncos for Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin gives the Patriots a compact, efficient runner. He can handle third down and short-yardage work. He rushed for 410 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. He had just under 500 yards in his second season. Last year he totaled 219 yards on 45 carries including two playoff games. Therefore McLaughlin projects as a reliable RB3 and pass catcher. His career 4.8 yards per carry average supports the move.

Next, the club sent Kayshon Boutte to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2027 fifth round pick. That trade made sense because the Chiefs already feature Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton. As a result Boutte faced limited opportunities in Kansas City. New England converted depth into draft capital.

Most impactful was the deal for Alex Highsmith from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots gave a 2027 fourth round pick and a 2028 seventh round pick. Highsmith tallied 9.5 sacks last season and 45 career sacks overall. The Steelers would save about 14.5 million dollars if they moved him. Therefore New England added an experienced edge rusher for roughly two Day Three selections.

Together these trades attack three roster needs. First they bolster running back depth and third down. Next they improve the outside pass rush around the edge. Finally they clear the receiver hierarchy and free roster spots. As a result Mac Jones gets more protection and better playmaking options. Overall the moves increase balance and playoff upside.

Cap implications matter because Highsmith’s presence costs less than uncertainty at edge. Also trading Douglas and Boutte reduced redundancy in the receiver room. That yields flexibility to chase a veteran interior lineman or another rotational pass rusher. Therefore these moves prepare New England for the long playoff push.

3 trades the Patriots could still make after landing A.J. Brown: three realistic targets

New England still has holes to fill after the A.J. Brown splash. Therefore smart trades could tilt their Super Bowl window. First, they can bolster the edge rush further. Second, they can add youth with upside via Day 3 selections. Third, they can convert surplus depth into protection for Mac Jones.

Alex Highsmith or another proven edge rusher

Because the Patriots value pressure, acquiring Alex Highsmith would immediately improve their pass rush. Highsmith recorded 9.5 sacks last season and has 45 career sacks. Moreover the Steelers would save roughly 14.5 million dollars if they moved him, which makes a deal plausible. If New England must add another veteran, a package of Day 3 selections seems fair. As a result they would increase win probability in close games by generating more turnovers and third down stops.

Pursue Felix Anudike-Uzomah or a high-upside young edge

Alternatively the team could chase a former first round or a high-upside young edge like Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Because the Chiefs have Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy ahead of them, certain defensive players could become trade chips. New England could trade a late pick and a depth piece to land Anudike-Uzomah or a similar athlete. Consequently the Patriots would secure a rotational pass rusher with upside while preserving cap room.

Target interior protection or a three-down running back

Finally the Patriots should target interior offensive line help or an upgrade at running back. For example, trading a Day 3 pick for a proven guard would protect the pocket and buy time for Mac Jones. Alternatively they could convert a pick into a three-down back who can finish drives. Jaleel McLaughlin fills part of that need, however a more durable starter would round out the offense.

In summary, these three trades reflect the Patriots offseason priorities. They focus on pass rush, youth with upside via Day 3 selections, and protection or a finishing back. Therefore New England can protect its investment in A.J. Brown while maximizing playoff odds.

Conclusion

The Patriots signaled serious intent by adding A.J. Brown and then reshaping the roster. They traded DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte to gain Jaleel McLaughlin, draft capital, and room to add impact players. Moreover, the Alex Highsmith acquisition shows New England will pay for proven pressure. Therefore these moves align with a clear Super Bowl plan.

In short, the team prioritized three needs. First, they improved running back depth and third down ability. Second, they converted receiver surplus into future picks. Third, they added a veteran edge rusher to increase sacks and stops. As a result, the Patriots offseason displays balance between present impact and future flexibility.

Looking ahead, Day 3 selections remain valuable trade currency. Consequently New England can still pursue youth or another veteran edge. If they do, the additions could meaningfully raise playoff odds and protect Mac Jones. For fans and analysts, these are trades to monitor closely.

Patriots Report LLC covered this analysis. Visit patriotsreport.com for ongoing coverage and roster updates. Also follow us on Twitter/X at @ZachGatsby to join the conversation. Thank you for reading.

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