3 Players the Patriots Could Trade for Before Free Agency Begins

The New England Patriots need to make some serious changes to their offensive depth chart, with or without quarterback Tom Brady on the roster. The lack of variety in their offensive weapons and uncertainty at the quarterback position could once again prevent New England from making a run to the Super Bowl in 2020. They can begin to retool by trading for one of these three players before the start of free agency.

3. Ravens TE Hayden Hurst

While Hayden Hurst may not have been the top tight end option in Baltimore last season, he still managed to catch 30 balls in a back-up role to Mark Andrews and he remains an excellent blocker. He has remarked he wants a chance to catch more passes, and New England can provide him with that opportunity.

2. Vikings WR Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs' relationship with Kirk Cousins and the Vikings is a weird one to say the least. He started the season demanding a trade after not getting his fair share of catches or yards, then everything was all good when Minnesota was winning and he was producing, but he has since reverted to his old ways by way of posting cryptic tweets every other day. The disgruntled Diggs, who posted a career-best 1,130 yards yards last season, has the separation ability, speed, and big-play potential to thrive as a vertical threat in Josh McDaniels' scheme, as he is a clear upgrade over Phillip Dorsett.

1. Raiders QB Derek Carr

The Patriots have to prepare for the possibility that Brady could leave the team for the first time in his career. If he does, they need to look to the trade market to find his replacement. Who is available on the market that has a Pro Bowl pedigree, is extremely accurate, has plus arm strength, and has the mental makeup to succeed in McDaniels' offense? The one who checks the most boxes is Derek Carr. As unlikely as it may seem, the former Fresno State star could be Brady's heir, especially if Brady decides he wants to play in Vegas.