The New England Patriots are getting more attention from other teams who want to trade for the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Las Vegas Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings both have the desire and the resources to make the trade happen. Both teams are likely interested in LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels according to Graziano.
Graziano explained, “If Washington takes [Drake] Maye and the Vikings and Raiders both want Daniels, all of a sudden that Patriots pick at number three becomes very valuable. Remember, the Vikings have already acquired a second 1st-round pick in a trade a couple weeks ago with Houston. So that gives them extra ammunition to move up if they want to.”
“And the Raiders, they know Jaden Daniels, Antonio Pierce, their head coach, was on Herm Edwards Arizona State coaching staff when Daniels began his college career at Arizona State,” Graziano added. The Raiders and Vikings have the desire and the resources to move up if they want.”
Patriots Have Options With Trading Down
New England could acquire a quarterback later in the draft by trading down with either the Vikings or Raiders. Also, they could get additional draft picks or even a player from either team.
The Vikings have the No. 11 pick and the Raiders have the No. 13 pick. New England could pick up Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, Oregon’s Bo Nix, or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. with either of those picks.
The Patriots have a significant need at quarterback after trading away Mac Jones following a second-straight disappointing season. New England bringing back Jacoby Brissett is seen as a temporary solution with an eye on the future.
In addition, New England's roster issues go far beyond quarterback after a 4-13 season and a subpar free agency period. The Patriots have many roster holes and positions to improve, whether or not the Patriots trade down remains to be seen.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed his desire called for the team to pick a quarterback at No. 3, and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo also stated it’s something to consider. New England officials have also been evaluating the top prospects’ pro days.
Patriots May Have Other Suitors Besides Vikings and Raiders
For now, there is still speculation about other teams being interested in the No. 3 pick as they search for a new quarterback. Additionally, the Raiders and Vikings may not be the only ones interested in that No. 3 pick. Graziano mentioned that these are the two teams showing the most interest at this time.
Minnesota lost Kirk Cousins in free agency to the Atlanta Falcons and replaced him with journeyman Sam Darnold, a former No. 3 pick by the New York Jets. The Raiders released Jimmy Garoppolo amid his upcoming PED suspension, and the team has an inexperienced starter in Aidan O’Connell left.
Other teams that have major transitions at quarterback include the Denver Broncos and New York Giants. The Broncos traded away Russell Wilson, and the Giants didn’t get a strong season from Daniel Jones in 2023.
