The New England Patriots had one goal in the 2025 offseason: to add as much help for Drake Maye as possible heading into year two. The Patriots did so both in free agency and the draft.
However, the Patriots could've still added a weapon for Maye in the trade market. But, according to a recent report from Diana Russini of The Athletic, one of the top wide receiver options is no longer on the table.
Landing polarizing wide receiver George Pickens appears unlikely for the Patriots, as the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to retain him for the 2025 season.
New England was likely one of the teams interested in making a move for the electric wide receiver when he was made available leading up to the draft. However, since the completion of the 2025 NFL Draft, Pickens is expected to come off the market.
Fortunately for the Patriots, they have already addressed their wide receiver room. New England added Stefon Diggs in free agency and Kyle Williams in the draft. Both are expected to start outside with Demario Douglas locking down the slot.
The new-look Patriots' starting receivers made it unclear where Pickens would fit in. But with Diggs coming off a torn ACL and Williams a rookie, Pickens' addition would've been a welcome one. Through his three years in Pittsburgh, Pickens has impressed.
Pickens has 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his career and is coming off a solid 2024 season, during which he had 900 yards and three touchdowns. His best attribute is his field-stretching ability, and his fit in the Patriots' offense with Maye would have been great.
With this new report, the chances of Pickens joining New England are all but gone. Although Pickens is unlikely to be a Patriot, the supporting cast around Maye has undergone drastic improvement. Williams and Diggs are a significant upgrade over Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, and Ja'Lynn Polk.
While Pickens would have been a great addition to the wide receiver room, the Patriots' additions of Diggs and Williams make this report of Pickens being unlikely to be traded hurt a lot less than it would if either were not in New England.
