Did Patriots-Chargers Draft Trade Add To Motivation Of Rookie Wideout?

FOXBORO, Mass. — Ladd McConkey didn’t have the Patriots circled on his calendar any more than any other team.

The Chargers rookie wide receiver faced the Patriots at Gillette Stadium for the first time Saturday. There was no added motivation in facing New England, however, despite the fact the receiver-needy Patriots bypassed McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“No, no extra motivation or nothing like that,” McConkey said with a smile after LA’s 40-7 victory. “When I got drafted, I was excited to get drafted. I didn’t care about (the trade) or whatever. I’m right where I’m supposed to be so it’s a cool moment.”

The Patriots traded the Chargers the No. 34 pick in the second round, the selection that LA used on McConkey. New England drafted Ja’Lynn Polk three picks later and turned a fourth-rounder from LA into Javon Baker. At the time, the Patriots turned one wide receiver into two, but it’s since turned out to be an egregious overlook by Eliot Wolf and New England’s front office.

When asked a follow-up on the topic, McConkey added: “That’s not me. If they want to think about it that way, be like ‘We should have done this.’ Should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.”

McConkey surpassed 1,000 receiving yards Saturday. He caught eight passes for 94 yards in the single game — Polk and Baker have combined for less than that this season.

The impressive rookie pass-catcher said he didn’t remember much about his pre-draft visits with the Patriots. But it’s fair to think New England will grow to regret not drafting McConkey, if they don’t already.