The New England Patriots have a chance to make a splash in the offseason.
They've proven the concept now, that QB Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel can do big things (and they aren't done in this season's playoffs), either.
Whenever this ride ends for the Pats, though, they'll have a chance to do something even bigger.
It'll be time to boost the offense around Maye to its highest possible level. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport believes that can be done with a trade for Eagles WR A.J. Brown.
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Brown had a bit of a drama-filled season in Philly, but he's still one of the best receivers in the sport. He also previously played for Vrabel with the Titans, and Vrabel made it clear in the past that he wasn't the reason Tennessee got rid of Brown.
If a deal like this went down, Brown would instantly become Maye's top target.
"The Patriots have shown this season they are legitimate contenders," Davenport wrote. "There's a window open—one that's open a lot wider until the team has to pay quarterback Drake Maye all the money ever. And while the Pats have some skill-position talent and Stefon Diggs has turned back the clock at times this season, the team lacks a true "alpha" wide receiver. What New England doesn't lack is cap space—with $46 million and change per Over The Cap, the team has the financial wiggle room to make a deal happen. It would admittedly be an aggressive move. But those windows don't stay open forever. If you want a ring, you have to take it."
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To be clear, this deal couldn't happen until the new league year began in March.
It could be agreed upon and even reported by insiders before then, but it wouldn't take effect until the offseason was fully underway.
The Patriots still have an opportunity on their hands this season, needing just three more wins to claim the Lombardi Trophy.
But no matter what happens, count on them being big players in the offseason.
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