Patriots predicted to acquire 20-TD veteran AFC receiver for Drake Maye

The New England Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL, as Mike Vrabel's group sits atop the AFC East with a record of 6-2 and has won five games in a row after starting 1-2.

Though the Patriots have impressed so far in 2025, there are still a few glaring weaknesses on the roster, including at wide receiver. Stefon Diggs has dazzled as a key free agent signing, and Kayshon Boutte has also come to life as a viable second option, but there's no denying that acquiring another productive receiver could take the Patriots' offense to another level.

The NFL trade deadline is on the horizon, so New England will need to act quickly if they want to trade for a receiver. The Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer predicts the Patriots will pull off a trade for disgruntled Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

New England is finding ways for Drake Maye to make big plays with a receiving corps that includes Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs, Demario Douglas, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, there's a void for a true dedicated big slot to produce. Meyers would be the easy, natural fit reuniting with Josh McDaniels.

Meyers' departure from Las Vegas is inevitable. The 28-year-old requested a trade back in August after failed contract negotiations, and recently stated during a press conference that he still wants to be traded.

"I got no control over that [a trade]. If I'm here, I'm here. Oh, for sure [Meyers' response when asked if he wants to be traded]. But I'm a professional at the end of the day. I'm just trying to play good football."

It would be wise for the Raiders to trade Meyers now, as it's nearly a guarantee that he's going to leave in free agency this offseason anyway.

New England should call Las Vegas as soon as possible and try to facilitate a trade for Meyers. The NC State product spent the first four years of his career with the Patriots, tallying two seasons with over 800 receiving yards.

Meyers would be a nice fit in Josh McDaniels' offense and serve as a versatile security blanket for quarterback Drake Maye. New England is also slated to have $54 million in cap space next offseason, so they should have the money to re-sign Meyers in the offseason if he turns out to be a difference-maker.

Overall, there will likely be more exciting options on the market than Meyers, but the veteran has been a productive player for years and would immediately step in as a top receiving option for Maye, along with Diggs. The Patriots should attempt to acquire Meyers from the Raiders, even if it costs a Day 2 pick.

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