Patriots Trading Receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker?
In case anyone somehow doubted that the Patriots were going to overhaul their offense this offseason, the latest news surrounding their receiver room will certainly put those doubts to rest.
According to the Boston Herald, the Patriots are actively looking to trade veteran receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Devante Parker as free agency begins. Doing so may be easier said than done, though, especially for Smith-Schuster.
New England wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster runs after making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Winslow Townson/AP Images
"Armed with so much cap space, the Pats could use that room to absorb a high-priced veteran they otherwise may not be able to afford in a deal that allows another team to create cap flexibility," the Herald writes. "Or, as mentioned, Parker and Smith-Schuster could be headed out. Between the two, Parker is more likely to earn a late-round pick in return, while trading Smith-Schuster may require the Patriots to attach a draft pick to convince another front office to take on his contract."
Both players are coming off of lackluster seasons, though the Patriots' atrocious offense certainly played a role in their meager stats. Parker caught 33 passes for 394 yards, while Smith-Schuster had 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
Aside from performance, the difference in the two players' contracts also plays a role in Parker being easier to trade. Both players have two years remaining on their current deals, but Parker carries a far more reasonable cap hit of around $6.5 million per year, as opposed to Smith-Schuster who has a cap hit of over $10 million each season.
The receiver trade market looks to be quite robust this offseason, with Cincinnati Bengals star Tee Higgins leading the way. As a result, finding a willing taker for either Parker or Smith-Schuster may prove difficult for New England.
For a rebuilding team like the Patriots, though, getting out of two big contracts would be a huge win if they can pull it off.
