Patriots Country

Patriots 'Big Splash' Trade for Broncos WR?

According to Bleacher Report, the New England Patriots can make a much-needed "big splash" by acquiring Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton.

Jon Alfano

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The New England Patriots' offseason is coming to a close as training camp is just around the corner, but they are always on the lookout for ways to improve their roster.

That may include a small signing, but according to Bleacher Report, the Patriots are a team in need of a "big splash" before training camp begins. As for what such a move could look like, the suggestion the website throws out is trading for Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton.

"Despite months of trade rumors, Courtland Sutton is still a Denver Bronco, but that could change before Week 1 of the regular season," Bleacher Report writes.

Even with the signing of JuJu Smith-Schuster (who is currently nursing an injury), the Patriots have been searching for upgrades to their receiving corps. New England was a heavily-rumored destination for All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but he instead signed with the Tennessee Titans last week. Now that Hopkins is out of the picture, trading for Sutton could be a viable backup option, with the reported price tag of a second-round pick.

As Bleacher Report notes, the big issue with this proposal is that Sutton hasn't officially asked for a trade out of Denver despite multiple rumors. He's actually done the opposite, reaffirming his commitment to the Broncos after so much speculation. However, the Broncos' other offseason moves could signal his departure.

"He [Sutton] wants to stay in Denver, but the Broncos selected wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. in the second round of this year's draft and exercised the fifth-year option in Jerry Jeudy's rookie deal," Bleacher Report writes. "With Tim Patrick back in the fold after missing the 2022 campaign (torn ACL), Mims could replace Sutton in three-wide receiver sets."

Sutton has been rock-solid throughout his time in Denver, recording 239 receptions for 3,487 yards and 14 touchdowns in five seasons, although he only played one game in 2020. Last season, the 27-year-old had 64 receptions for 829 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos' offense had a rough time in 2022, but Sutton largely pulled his weight.

Likewise, the Patriots' offense also struggled last season, in part due to a lackluster receiving group. That problem remains even after signing Smith-Schuster, as Jakobi Myers, the Patriots' top receiver last season, left in free agency. 

The Patriots won't have the NFL's best receiving corps even with Sutton, but he would undoubtedly help quarterback Mac Jones and the offense as a whole.

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Jon Alfano
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