Here’s how the Patriots could find No. 1 Wide Receiver after not trading for Brandon Aiyuk.
Despite promising Brandon Aiyuk a hefty contract that would have made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers, the New England Patriots are apparently not interested in acquiring him in a trade.
The Patriots’ failed pursuit of Aiyuk is a setback in their search for a bonafide No. 1 wideout. It’s possible, but improbable, that they already have a No. 1 wide receiver on the roster after drafting Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in April.
However, if not, the Patriots will have other choices in the near future.
According to OverTheCap, they are expected to have about $78 million in salary cap space in the 2025 offseason, which is the second-highest of any team. This type of financial freedom would allow them to sign a top-tier left tackle and wide receiver while also addressing some other roster weaknesses. The 2025 free agent class has the potential to be stocked with wide receivers.
The Patriots have another option: the 2025 NFL Draft. The Patriots are predicted to be one of the league’s worst teams again, which means they might draft in the top ten for the second year in a row.
The last time New England had consecutive top-10 picks was in 1993 (Drew Bledsoe, No. 1) and 1994 (Willie McGinest, No. 4). The 2025 draft class is predicted to include at least two standout wide receiver prospects (Luther Burden III and Tetairoa McMillan).
Which wide outs could the Patriots target in free agency and the draft next season? Let’s look at some of the top possibilities.
2025 free agents
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
Tee Higgins, Bengals
Stefon Diggs, Texans
Chris Godwin, Buccaneers
Amari Cooper, Browns
Marquise Brown, Chiefs
Diontae Johnson, Panthers
Keenan Allen, Bears
DeAndre Hopkins, Titans
Mike Williams, Jets
Brandin Cooks, Cowboys
The 2025 free agent class is rather deep at wide receiver, which is excellent news for the Patriots. Some of these players may re-sign with their current teams and avoid free agency, but there should be plenty of good players available next summer.
CeeDee Lamb would be the best wideout available if he were free agent, but it’s difficult to picture the Cowboys allowing it to get that far. Lamb had a tremendous 2023 season, catching 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns (both career highs).
Tee Higgins appears to be the most probable member of the group to leave the team. Higgins recorded at least 74 receptions, 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022. His 2023 season was cut short by injuries, but he had previously proven to be quite durable. Higgins will be 26 years old next offseason. He has the stature (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and quickness to be an elite outside player.
Stefon Diggs dominated the Patriots during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills, but he was moved to the Houston Texans this summer. He’ll be 31 in November, so it’s understandable to question if he’ll regress, but few wideouts have been as steady as him in previous seasons. Diggs has had at least 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons, as well as eight or more touchdowns in five of the last six.
Amari Cooper (30), DeAndre Hopkins (32) and Keenan Allen (32) are all older than 30 but still effective enough to be short-term options for the Patriots.
2025 NFL Draft
Luther Burden III, Missouri (Projected top-10 pick)
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (Top 10-15 pick)
Travis Hunter, Colorado (Top 10-15 pick)
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (Mid- to late first-round pick)
Isaiah Bond, Texas (Late first-round pick)
Even Stewart, Oregon (Late first-round pick, early second-round pick)
Tez Johnson, Oregon (Second-round pick)
Tre Harris, Ole Miss (Second-round pick)
Nic Anderson, Oklahoma (Second-round pick)
Seven wide receivers were taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with three in the top ten. We could see at least five wideouts selected in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Luther Burden III is the clear top wide receiver prospect entering the 2024 college football season. He possesses both the ability to make stunning catches and the exceptional speed (4.3 40-yard sprint) to make big plays.
Burden has 82 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He is set for an even greater campaign with Missouri in 2024. He epitomizes box office success and has been compared to Deebo Samuel on numerous occasions.
3 reasons to keep your 👀 on Luther Burden #MIZ 🐯🏈 pic.twitter.com/jTzhB4FiSe
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) August 7, 2024
Tetairoa McMillan has the ability to challenge Burden as the No. 1 WR in the upcoming draft. He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has the strength to make contested catches and the versatility to dominate anywhere on the field, including the slot and outside.
McMillan has 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns at Arizona last season. He might put up even greater numbers in 2024 if Arizona QB Noah Fifita returns.
Ohio State has produced outstanding wide receivers at an astounding rate over the previous decade, and Emeka Egbuka could be the latest. Egbuka is an excellent route runner who should set career highs in most statistical categories this season as the Buckeyes’ No. 1 wideout.
Even if the Patriots elect to grab a left tackle with their 2025 first-round pick, there should be enough talented wideouts available on Day 2 of the draft to significantly improve New England’s depth and talent at the position.
