Patriots Should Cut Ties With This Receiever If They Get A.J. Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots are the favorites to land A.J. Brown if he is traded, and Adam Schefter revealed on Monday that a deal is considered likely.

The Patriots have already made a major investment in the wide receiver position this offseason by signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal. Adding Brown would give them another starter at the position. Assuming there is no player included in a trade for Brown, the Patriots would have Doubs, Brown, Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III.

That's a lot of receivers to accommodate and get snaps for. Assuming Brown and Doubs play a majority of the snaps, if not nearly all of them, it will be tough for some guys to see the field. Instead, the Patriots could look to trade someone, recouping some of what they give up for Brown and clearing the way for others.

Trading Boutte might be the best move for the Patriots. Boutte, Douglas and Hollins will all be free agents after the season, and the Patriots will be looking to reload the position group. However, Boutte figures to cost the most of the three to retain and has solid trade value. If the Patriots trade Boutte, they would still have Williams, Douglas and Hollins.

Next season, assuming Douglas and Hollins both leave, the Patriots would have a third-year receiver in Williams, and could reload their depth through the draft. The Patriots could also trade Douglas, but may not get much in return.

Regardless, the competition for playing time will be tough behind Doubs and Brown if a trade happens. NFL insider Jordan Schultz has already mentioned Boutte's name popping up in trade talks.

More NFL: Adam Schefter Reports Patriots 'Likely' To Land A.J. Brown In Major Trade Update