Insider Suggests Patriots As Suitor For Potential ‘Steal Of Deadline’

As we learned in the first three weeks of the Patriots' season, New England's offense needs a lot of help.

Arguably the biggest priority should be fixing the offensive line, as no playmakers can shine if the big boys up front aren't doing their jobs well. But a similarly pressing need is an above-average wide receiver, which the Patriots haven't rostered in years.

Perhaps Jerod Mayo and company will fill that void before the NFL's Nov. 5 trade deadline. ESPN's Dan Graziano sees a potential fit in New England for Diontae Johnson, who the league insider believes could be "the steal of the deadline."

"Johnson was traded from Pittsburgh to Carolina this offseason," Graziano wrote. "He's 28 years old, averaged 873 yards per season with the Steelers and is making a mere $7 million this year, in the final year of his contract. If you pick him up halfway through the season, you're paying $3.5 million for a receiver with a solid track record."

Graziano added: "Exceptionally thin at the offensive skill positions, the Pats were in on the Brandon Aiyuk talks when that was a thing. If New England's defense can keep things afloat, it could make sense to make a move for Johnson and sign him long-term."

The Patriots only should trade for Johnson if they plan to sign him to a long-term deal. A rental wouldn't make any sense for a team that very well could be picking inside the top 10 of next year's draft.

New England, however, might not view trade as the preferred way of bolstering its receiver room. Giving up assets is especially costly for a rebuilding club, and with their wealth of cap space, the Patriots might see free agency as the most ideal way of making additions.

But regardless of the chosen avenue, New England's roster must improve if it wants to be a playoff contender.