The New England Patriots’ struggles at wide receiver in recent years is well known. Long gone are the days of Randy Moss, Julian Edelman and Wes Welker. Recent years have seen a collection of players attempt to fill the void left by those legendary names, without success.
That could all be about to change, though, according to respected Boston sports reporter Mike Giardi.
Top Receivers Linked With the New England Patriots
After another disappointing season, the Patriots finished at the bottom of the AFC East once more, ending the season with a 4-14 record. No Patriots player reached 700 receiving yards in 2024, with the most by any Patriot being the 674 achieved by Hunter Henry, a tight end. Three players ended the season with three receiving touchdowns for New England, with no player reaching four.
It’s no secret that the team needs to improve in that department and several big-name receivers have been linked with the team in recent months. A.J. Brown has been strongly linked with a trade, as the Super Bowl Winners adopt a run-first approach with Saquon Barkley. Another player linked with the Patriots is Seattle Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf after it was announced that he had requested a trade away from the team.
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And it’s not just receivers with cool-sounding initials, the team enquired about Brandon Aiyuk in 2024, before deciding against a move. Aiyuk is rumored to be available this offseason as the 49ers restructure their offense to allow for Brock Purdy’s new contract. After the lack of production that New England got from their receivers in 2024, it’s more than possible that the team approaches San Francisco again.
Mike Giardi Reports that the Patriots are “Drivers” in Pursuit of Chris Godwin
With the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots are not in position for a top out-and-out receiver. Travis Hunter, if he falls to pick four, will likely be used primarily as a cornerback, while pick four is too early to take one of the other prospects.
But according to Giardi, that shouldn’t be a problem. That’s because, according to his NFL sources, the Patriots are front-runners to sign veteran slot receiver Chris Godwin.
Per league sources, Chris Godwin will be incredibly sought after, assuming he gets to free agency. Patriots expected to be the driver there. It's gonna cost more money than you would have thought (think in excess of $25 million per) despite the season-ending injury.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 7, 2025
While a move for Godwin would be met with mixed feelings, given the player’s season-ending ankle injury in 2024, the talent is undeniable. Before his injury, Godwin amassed 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns, in just seven games. After years of taking shots that haven’t worked out, the Patriots need a sure thing at receiver and Godwin is exactly that.
The $25 million figure that Giardi estimates may seem like a lot for a player coming off such a significant injury. But at just 29, Godwin’s route-running intelligence and reliable hands should make him a productive NFL receiver, well into his 30’s. The Patriots are on the clock having found their franchise quarterback, so should jump at the chance to bring in a player of Godwin’s caliber, whatever the cost.