The New England Patriots are making waves in the offseason rumor mill, with all signs pointing to a potential blockbuster trade for star wide receiver A.J. Brown. But as any seasoned fan knows, nothing is official until the ink dries—and until then, the Patriots need to have a backup plan ready.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, while the Patriots are seen as the frontrunners to land Brown, no deal is set in stone. The buzz intensified after Adam Schefter reported earlier this month that New England is "likely" to trade for the five-time Pro Bowler after June 1. Add in the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles drafted a receiver in the first round, and the Patriots didn't draft a single wideout, and the narrative practically writes itself. But here's the catch: another team could swoop in with a better offer, leaving the Patriots empty-handed.
If that happens, the Patriots shouldn't panic—because Tyreek Hill is still out there. Yes, the eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro is coming off a devastating leg injury, but his resume speaks for itself. Hill led the league in receiving yards in 2023 and racked up 3,509 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. His 2024 campaign, however, was derailed by Tua Tagovailoa's inconsistency and injuries, and Hill himself suffered a season-ending leg injury after just four games.
The injury was severe: a dislocated left knee with multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, which required surgery in September. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has assured fans that Hill will be ready to play this season, but there's no guarantee he'll return to his explosive form. Hill's game is built on blistering speed, and a leg injury of this magnitude could permanently affect his quickness and impact on the field.
That said, Hill might be willing to sign a short-term deal to prove he's still elite. If he's healthy, pairing him with second-year quarterback Drake Maye could be a game-changer for the Patriots. Maye has a cannon for an arm and a knack for the deep ball—a perfect match for Hill's downfield threat. While the Patriots clearly have their sights set on Brown, Hill offers a compelling fallback option. If the Eagles decide to send Brown elsewhere, don't be surprised if New England pivots to the Cheetah.