New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye needs a big-time pass catcher, and New England could utilize the trade market to find Maye's go-to guy.
Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer named the Patriots as one of the "best trade fits" for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. The two-time Pro Bowler made his trade request official on Wednesday, so the speculation begins.
"The Patriots need a true to-go guy for Drake Maye and Year 2 and should be considering the draft route more with a shot at Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan," Iyer wrote. "But they also have the salary cap room and capital to give Metcalf a desired richer contract extension."
That extension potential is the key thing for the Patriots to outbid other suitors for Metcalf in trade proposals. While the Patriots have a league-best $125.78 million in salary cap space this year, the team has a projected $264.34 million for 2026, which bodes well for vast cap space next year.
Metcalf has a three-year, $72 million deal with the Seahawks, and he could hypothetically command $26.1 million annually on the open market per Spotrac. His high-level production throughout six years with the Seahawks would likely make the investment worth it for the Patriots.
Metcalf has had 438 catches for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career.
