The Patriots are coming off a Super Bowl loss, and they’ve spent the offseason loading up. AJ Brown is in the building. Romeo Doubs signed in free agency. The offense looks legit on paper.
But that creates a problem. A good problem, sure, but still a problem. Too many bodies means somebody’s getting squeezed out. And with the draft and free agency in the rearview, a few veterans and young players could end up on the trade block before training camp ends.
Here are three names worth watching.
Demario Douglas Is Running Out of Snaps
Douglas was a bright spot in a dark few years. He caught 66 passes in 2024 and scored three touchdowns. But the receiver room now has Brown, Doubs, Kendrick Bourne, and a bunch of young guys fighting for reps. At 5-foot-8 and 192 pounds, Douglas is a slot-only player, and that role just got crowded.
The Patriots haven’t tipped their hand publicly. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels told Mike Reiss that Douglas needs to add more savvy to his game. Douglas himself said McDaniels believes in him. Todd Downing, the receivers coach, said Douglas has more confidence in Year 2 and is making quicker decisions on option routes.
That’s all nice. But coaches talk up guys they want to trade all the time. If another team calls offering a mid-round pick or a rotational defensive lineman, the Patriots might listen.
Kayshon Boutte Wants Out
Boutte looked like he’d finally arrived. With Stefon Diggs gone, he was locked into the WR2 spot. Then Brown showed up, and suddenly Boutte went from a featured target to an afterthought. He started 23 games over the last two years and put up back-to-back 500-yard seasons. But the NFL doesn’t care about your feelings.
According to Adam Schefter, Boutte has been interested in a trade and expects something to happen this summer. That tracks. The Patriots have bigger needs on the offensive line and at edge rusher. If they can flip a disgruntled receiver for help at a position of need, why wouldn’t they?
Morgan Moses Could Be Odd Man Out on the O-Line
Moses is a 13-year veteran who’s started 14-plus games in each of the last 11 seasons. He hasn’t missed a start in eight of those years. That’s absurd durability. He’s currently listed as the starter at right tackle. But the Patriots just drafted Caleb Lomu in the first round, and the rookie is already turning heads.
Mike Reiss reported that Lomu has taken reps at both tackle spots and even worked in at guard during spring workouts. Coach Mike Vrabel called him a quick learner who doesn’t make the same mistake twice. That sounds like a guy who’s going to play sooner than later.
If Lomu takes the job, Moses becomes a luxury. A valuable one, but still a luxury. Contending teams always need veteran O-line depth, and Moses could fetch a decent pick. The risk is that moving him thins out the Patriots’ own depth. But if Lomu is ready, you make the move and address another hole on the roster.
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