After securing their franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Drake Maye third overall, the New England Patriots face even more pressure to fix their receiving corps this offseason. The good news is the Patriots have plenty of ammo to do so, boasting the most salary cap space in the NFL, with over $100 million to spend.
General manager Eliot Wolf knows the task at hand: add a weapon or two and fix an offensive line that allowed the NFL’s fifth-most sacks this offseason. With NFL free agency right around the corner, now we’ve learned who two of the Patriots’ potential targets could be.
Related: New England Patriots plan to ‘aggressively pursue’ All-Pro
New England Patriots expected to pursue Davante Adams and/or Cooper Kupp in free agency
The New England Patriots have a young group of receivers brimming with potential. None of them may profile as future No. 1 receivers, but between DeMario Douglas, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker and Kayshon Boutte, the Patriots have several contenders for snaps. While it could change as they develop this offseason, none of those athletes strike any fear in their opponents as of right now.
Adding one or two impact playmakers could be easier than some imagine, and the Patriots are reportedly already monitoring the situations of two former All-Pro receivers.
According to Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, the Patriots are expected to have an interest in signing Davante Adams or Cooper Kupp if the star receivers become free agents.
“[The] Patriots would have interest in [Davante] Adams and [Cooper] Kupp – if they are released. Adams did very well in Josh McDaniels’ offense and any personal issues are overblown.”
BSJ’s Greg Bedard on New England Patriots’ WR plans
The Jets just released Adams, so he’s already free to negotiate with New York’s AFC East rivals if he wishes. Meanwhile, the Rams are still hoping to find a trade partner for Kupp, yet are running into issues due to his $29.7 million cap hit in 2025.
Either way, the Patriots are apparently interested in adding a star veteran receiver to a talent pool that still has a lot to prove.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Who should the Patriots draft?