The Patriots made some big moves during free agency and the NFL draft during the offseason.
They have a veteran head coach in Mike Vrabel who has a winning track record, and New England also believes it has a franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. Given all of these factors, why not go all-in for the 2025 season?
The Patriots may just do that. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf spoke to media on Monday, and stated that they are open to making a big trade if the opportunity arises to do so.
“”Yeah, absolutely,” Wolf said. “We’re talking to all 31 teams and trying to do what’s best for us. I think those things are often a lot more complicated than the fans and some others would like to make you believe. But if there is something we think can help us, we’d definitely be open to it.”
Wolf also said that he is willing to surrender a high draft pick if needed to complete a trade.
“Sure,” Wolf continued. “Just doing what’s best for the team. If there was a player out there that we feel like can help us, and is costs that, then we would consider doing that.”
Eliot Wolf: The #Patriots “absolutely” are open to a big trade in the coming days and weeks.
Trey Hendrickson and Terry McLaurin among players currently in contract disputes with their respective teams.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 18, 2025
There are some big names currently on the trading block, including defensive end Trey Hendrickson, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and running back Brian Robinson Jr. The Patriots are pretty comfortable at RB with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, but could really benefit from adding either Hendrickson or McLaurin.
Both players are unsatisfied with their current contracts, and their respective teams appear to be willing to deal them. McLaurin is a six-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the Washington Commanders. He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in every season except his first, and is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Hendrickson is coming off the best year of his career in 2024, which he recorded 17.5 sacks, 46 total tackles, six passes defensed, and two forced fumbles. He was named a First-Team All-Pro for his efforts, and is also a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Hendrickson has posted 77 sacks throughout his eight-year career with the New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals.
The Patriots lead the league in salary cap space, currently over by nearly $60 million. That enables them to give either McLaurin or Hendrickson the new contracts that they’re after should they acquire one of them. With Maye still playing on his rookie deal, the time to take these type of moves is now.