The New England Patriots will be in the market for offensive playmakers this offseason. So it’s definitely a good thing that two more elite playmaking options could be available for interested teams.
New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams is the first name that comes to mind with the Jets reportedly moving on from legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If the Jets are no longer in win-now mode, it makes no sense for them to keep Adams on their roster.
The 32-year-old receiver would be better off joining a team with a franchise quarterback already in place. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport pointed out that Adams’ $38.3 million cap number would be “untenable” for the Jets, which means he’d have to agree to a new contract to stay in New York.
That likely means his time with the team is done.
San Francisco 49ers’ do-everything wide receiver Deebo Samuel is another player the Patriots should keep an eye on. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the 49ers have permitted Samuel to find a trade partner for his contract.
It would be fun to see all of the creative ways Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could implement a player like Samuel in the offense. However, some major injury concerns would come along with the hefty price tag.
The Patriots have a multitude of different options in free agency with Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin topping the list of available wide receivers. Quarterback Drake Maye’s rapid development has forced a sense of urgency on the Patriots’ front office in assembling the right talent.
There are no excuses to come up empty-handed with multiple available options and the most cap space in the NFL.