The New England Patriots have been humming along on offense since Julian Edelman returned from his four-game suspension, but they are reportedly still looking to add another difference-making player on that side of the ball ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Patriots have been discussing trading for a wide receiver, and they are “particularly interested” in Demaryius Thomas and Golden Tate.
This does underscore why the #Patriots have had conversations about trading for a WR. They are particularly interested in Demaryius Thomas and Golden Tate. Tomorrow should be interesting. https://t.co/7WHi9dBpIF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2018
As Rapoport notes, it sounds like the Patriots are already losing trust in Josh Gordon. The troubled receiver eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark last week for the first time since arriving in New England, but he is expected to get less playing time in Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills for disciplinary reasons.
If the Patriots feel like Gordon can’t be relied upon, they’re a wide receiver injury away from suddenly being thin again at the position. Tight end Rob Gronkowski also has been battling multiple injuries and missed last week’s game, so acquiring a player like Thomas or Tate might make sense. Of the two, Tate seems like he would be a better fit in New England. The Lions are said to be open to trading the 30-year-old, and the price doesn’t sound all that unreasonable.
