Report: Patriots exploring possibilities of Jerry Jeudy, DeAndre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster
BOSTON -- The Patriots lost a key wide receiver in Jakobi Meyers this week, and they've yet to land a free agent to help fill the void left at the position. But that doesn't mean the work isn't going on behind the scenes.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported that the Patriots have made calls to the Broncos and Cardinals to discuss potential trades for Jerry Jeudy (Denver) and DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona). Both receivers are considered to be available via trade this offseason.
Howe, however, noted that "the price point remains a key component."
Sources: The Patriots have called about DeAndre Hopkins and Jerry Jeudy. They also attended Odell Beckham Jr.'s workout last week in Arizona. They're in the WR market, but the price point remains a key component. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 15, 2023
NFL Network's Mike Giardi reported that the Patriots have "remained engaged" with free agents like Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Likewise, Giardi noted that "money will matter here."
The #Patriots have remained engaged with several free agent wide receivers, including Odell Beckham and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Money will matter here. This isn't the old days. One positive on that front is the money has been less than expected for this position group so far.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 15, 2023
The Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan said the Patriots are focused on Smith-Schuster.
Hearing the #Patriots have serious interest in JuJu Smith-Schuster, the best free-agent WR available.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) March 15, 2023
He caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns last year in a rebound season with Kansas City.
Obviously, free agents are hoping for the biggest possible contract, and teams looking to trade away receivers are searching for the largest possible return package. (Howe said the Broncos are looking for a first-round pick for Jeudy.) But as time goes on, it's possible that prices start to drop. It appears as though the Patriots will be looking to pounce when they do.