The New England Patriots are reportedly exploring options to trade for an elite wide receiver this offseason. Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf said Thursday that the team was interested in trading the No. 3 pick to accumulate more draft capital to fix several holes on the roster.

While the Patriots need a long-term solution at the QB1 position, and the No. 3 pick could solve that, it doesn’t matter who New England has under center if they have no one to throw to. Adding a WR1 to the roster is another priority for the Patriots before the upcoming season.

A.J. Brown put a New England Patriots logo on his X profile

As previously discussed in GH, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown caused a stir on social media when he changed his profile photo on X to Tom Brady in a Patriots uniform. Browns’ choice of photo caused some people to believe he was hinting at a trade to New England. Brown denied the rumor:

“AJ Brown has responded to the speculation his social media changes prompted on Thursday, taking to X to explain that he was simply showing some respect to his favorite player after watching ‘The Dynasty’.

“TB12 is my favorite player ever,” he wrote. “I watch the dynasty and it brought back some memories from my childhood. Go look up what he did in 2015 when he was doubted/ disrespected.

“Yeah I see the disrespect. Motivated … yes. That’s it. I Did not think changing my pfp to the greatest qb ever would cause controversy.”

The Patriots contracted the Phone Eagles about Brown

While a trade might not be coming, there is smoke surrounding Brown and the Patriots. Albert Breer with Sports Illustrated confirmed in an appearance on NBC Sports Boston that the Eagles have received calls from teams wanting to trade for Brown. The Patriots were one of the teams that inquired about a potential Brown Trade.

The Eagles have told all teams, including the Patriots, that they have no interest in trading Brown.

There was speculation the Eagles could look to trade Brown after his teammate, DeVonta Smith, signed an extension to stay in Philadelphia earlier this week. But it seems like the Eagles would like to keep Smith and Brown for a pivotal season upcoming in Philadelphia.

The Patriots have other options to trade for

The Patriots cannot trade for Brown, but that doesn’t mean they cannot find another trade suitor. Several pass catchers could be on the market closer to draft night. The most obvious name that comes to mind is San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

Aiyuk’s agent, Ryan Williams, has dismissed several reports regarding Aiyuk and the 49ers trade market. Aiyuk has not requested a trade from the 49ers (and he doesn’t have to). However, that does not mean the 49ers won’t shop Aiyuk in the next week or before the 2024 regular season starts if the team can’t reach a deal with the star wide receiver.

Regardless of the supply market, we know the Patriots are one team in demand for a pass catcher. Can they make a deal in the next week to help a quarterback for the No. 3 pick?