Since the heyday of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots have had a hard time building some consistency on the roster. But, a strong Pro Bowl-caliber rookie season from Drake Maye has given fans some optimism.
Now, with a veteran head coach in Mike Vrabel assuming charge, it looks like the team is going to head in the right direction next season. For a team that desperately needs an offensive boost, that begins with a star wide receiver, and one just so happens to be available for a trade.
Cooper Kupp to the New England Patriots?
Last season, Drake Maye finished as the 19th-ranked quarterback according to PFN’s QB+ metric, despite a lackluster receiving core and a terrible offensive line. However, he showed immense potential as a scrambler and the defense for New England was solid.
Building out the protection for Maye is a priority for the Patriots. But, right next in line is adding some playmakers to facilitate the offense.
They finished with the 26th-ranked offense in the league, according to PFN’s Offense+ metric, not finding anything sustainable.
But, Cooper Kupp is going to be traded from the Los Angeles Rams. The former Super Bowl MVP made as much clear in his tweet announcing the intentions of the franchise to the world.
“I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.”
I was informed that the team will be seeking a trade immediately and will be working with me and my family to find the right place to continue competing for championships. I don’t agree with the decision and always believed it was going to begin and end in LA.
Still, if there’s… pic.twitter.com/XWmbGVscGy
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) February 4, 2025
But even with the rather despondent nature of the tweet, Kupp was looking to begin fresh next season. “2024 began with one of the best training camps of my career. Preparations start now for 2025. Highly motivated, as healthy as ever, and looking forward to playing elite football for years to come. Love you guys.”
And, one executive told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN that New England has to be the destination for him. While injury concerns are a factor, Kupp is still productive whenever he’s on the field. Last year, he totaled 710 yards and six touchdowns despite missing five games.
Receiver intel:
*Davante Adams open to West Coast teams if released
–#Patriots would be ‘foolish’ not to pursue Kupp, per league exec
–#Chiefs want Hollywood Brown back, but Mahomes won’t be alone in recruiting https://t.co/D0JZAZYhgv pic.twitter.com/CTG1fEepy8— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 8, 2025
But, as a 31-year-old, he could serve as the perfect mentor to both the young receiving core and the quarterback. The star wide receiver has always been QB-friendly and building a rapport with a potential franchise quarterback in Maye could unlock his full potential.
Concerns about his contract, where he’s earning $20 million next season, exist. But, the Rams will be willing to swallow some of it to get him off the team. And, the Patriots are among the few teams that can digest a relatively large contract.