The New England Patriots need a No. 1 receiver this offseason.
That phrase probably came around for each of the last five offseasons, and guess what? It’s still true! Now, finding the right target for Drake Maye is a meticulous process.
Another potential option for New England hit the market Tuesday when the New York Jets released Aaron Rodgers’ favorite target and veteran wideout Davante Adams. The two sides rightfully move on in new directions as Adams begins his path to what would be his fourth NFL franchise.
Adams is among the most accomplished and productive pass-catchers of the last decades. But is he still a No. 1 option in the NFL?
The Patriots need to have that debate and arrive at a decisive answer.
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Adams would immediately be the best wideout on the roster if he were to sign with the Patriots. His production still backs that even entering his age-32 season. He’s tallied five consecutive-1,000 yard seasons. A mere three-yard difference in 2019 (997 yards) is the small difference in that streak of 1,000-yard campaigns sitting at seven seasons. He’s been a true No. 1 and probably has another year or two of that potential.
The question for the Patriots becomes who to invest in as the top pass-catching target in New England. It’s not a bad idea to gauge Adams’ market, but would a trade for Seattle Seahawks star D.K. Metcalf (27 years old) or Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown be more appealing for long-term building for the Patriots?
New England needs to build for sustainability, but Adams still has enough in the tank for another few seasons if the Patriots choose that route.
Featured image via Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images
