Despite finishing with a second consecutive 4-13 record, the New England Patriots found a silver lining in rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The No. 3 overall pick took over as the starter in Week 6 and impressed, completing 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns across 12 starts.
However, Maye lacked support from his receiving corps. Patriots receivers dropped 25 passes last season, ranking 15th in the league. Their inability to get open led to a league-worst 34 receptions of 20+ yards and just three completions of 40+ yards—one of which came from backup Joe Milton III. New England’s receivers also struggled after the catch, ranking near the bottom of the league with 1,701 yards gained.
Despite these struggles, Maye still earned a Pro Bowl alternate nod. Recognizing the need for offensive help, USA Today’s PatriotsWire mock draft proposes an aggressive move—trading New England’s second-round pick (No. 38 overall) to the Seattle Seahawks for star receiver D.K. Metcalf.
The two-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro would provide the vertical threat New England desperately needs, but there’s one catch—Metcalf has previously expressed hesitation about playing in New England, calling it “not a desirable place.” However, with no no-trade clause in his contract, he wouldn’t have much say in the matter.
The Seahawks, facing cap concerns, might be open to moving Metcalf, who carries a hefty $31.8 million cap hit in 2025. The Patriots, with over $120 million in cap space, could absorb the deal easily.
While some mock drafts suggest New England could use the No. 38 pick on an edge rusher like Princely Umanmielen or Shemar Stewart, or an offensive tackle like Aireontae Ersery, PatriotsWire sees the opportunity to land a proven star as too good to pass up. If the move happens, it could give Maye the game-changing weapon he needs to take the next step in his development.
