Patriots Reportedly Showed Trade Interest In Explosive Playmaker

The New England Patriots weren’t content with their receiving corps entering this offseason.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler issued a report on Friday that would lead us to believe that, anyway, as he had the club down as one of many interested offseason suitors for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

“(The Ravens) gave him permission to seek a trade, so he went out on the open market and talked to teams,” Fowler said. “I was told that there were several involved, or had interest — the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers.”

Bateman, who ultimately signed a three year extension to stick with Baltimore, was originally a first-round pick of the franchise but has seen injuries get in the way of reaching his true potential. The Ravens were rewarded for sticking with him in 2024, though, as he finished with a career-high nine touchdowns.

Why would there be interest at One Patriot Place?

New England entered the offseason with a major need at the position, though it is important to note that this interest likely came before they acquired veteran Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams. It’ll remain to be seen which path was best.