Analyst Exposes Massive Offseason Priority for Patriots

The New England Patriots have one very clear need heading into the NFL offseason.

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. / Maddie Meyer-Getty Images

The New England Patriots are certainly going to have many needs to address this offseason, but some needs are more glaring than others.

It should be obvious to anyone that most of the Patriots' biggest holes are on the offensive side of the ball, and one area in particular in which New England needs help is its receiving corps.

The Pats do have some intriguing young wide receivers, such as sophomore Kayshon Boutte, but due to the Patriots' lack of elite talent, the 5-foot-11 Boutte is being forced to play on the outside when he really should be playing more in the slot.

As a result, finding a top outside threat could be at the top of New England's to-do list heading into free agency, and Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit thinks that finding a legitimate No. 1 receiver should absolutely be prioritized.

"When talking about receivers this offseason, the Patriots should be in the market for an outside receiver who can win on the backside of formations and provide Maye a jump ball target — an area Boutte has rightfully struggled with in recent weeks," Hines wrote. "Get ready for Tee Higgins and Tet McMillan talks."

The Higgins speculation is hardly new, as he has long been labeled as a potential target for the Pats this coming March. McMillan's name has also regularly been floated as a possible NFL Draft candidate for the squad.

But the Patriots will certainly have other options to explore at the position. They should definitely have a Plan B to Higgins, as well. Remember: last year, New England was all in on Calvin Ridley, only to see the star wide out head to the Tennessee Titans, leaving the Pats holding the bag.

The Patriots are slated to have plenty of cap room in 2025, so they should have no trouble handing out a fat contract to an ace receiver.

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