Patriots’ Top Three Trade Targets Identified By Bleacher Report
Who will the Pats pursue?
While the New England Patriots are 100 percent focused on the Super Bowl, they’ll be moving onto offseason agendas in less than a week, hopefully while still celebrating a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the big game.
As we look ahead briefly to 2026, it’s notable that Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine identified three players he feels might be the Patriots’ top three trade targets during the offseason: wide receiver A.J. Brown, edge Maxx Crosby, and cornerback Deonte Banks.
“There are bound to be plenty of teams interested if the Philadelphia Eagles decide to make a A.J. Brown available,” Ballentine wrote. “ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported there’s a belief around the league that Brown could be on the move this offseason due to a deteriorating relationship between the receiver and the franchise.”
“The Patriots should be among the top teams to call if that happens. Stefon Diggs was a huge part of their passing game this season, but he is 32 years old with two more expensive years on his contract if they don’t release or trade him. Dealing for Brown would be a way to ensure that Drake Maye has a dynamic No. 1 receiver and his remaining contract would actually be very team-friendly.”
“Crosby is the biggest star who could potentially be on the move this offseason,” Ballentine continued. “The Patriots have to know that going all-in on Maye’s rookie contract window is the best way to maximize their shot at winning championships. Crosby’s effort and leadership are tailor-made to be a Mike Vrabel player.”
“Deonte Banks is the kind of under-the-radar addition that could help the Pats,” Ballentine added. “He has the tools and draft pedigree to become a starter. Carlton Davis III is a short-term answer across from Christian Gonzalez.”
