The New England Patriots lost two major receiving threats last offseason, but they reportedly discussed adding another.
CSNNE’s Tom E. Curran reported Tuesday that the Patriots “sent out feelers to gauge the feasibility” of trading for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald before the start of the 2013 season.
Curran’s source did not divulge how far talks to acquire the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver progressed, or if they took place before or after former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez’s June arrest.
The likelihood of the Patriots completing a deal for Fitzgerald likely was slim, but the wideout would fill the role of a physical, field-stretching target that New England fans have been begging for since Randy Moss’ departure.
Fitzgerald is perennially among the NFL’s top receivers despite the Cardinals’ inability to find steady quarterback play. He failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards (954) for the second consecutive season, but his 82 catches were his most since 2010, and his 10 touchdown receptions were his most since 2009.
The Cardinals signed Fitzgerald to an eight-year, $120 million contract extension in 2011.
