Scott Zolak wants Patriots to trade for receiving help after Diggs blockbuster

The Buffalo Bills’ blockbuster deal that sent star wideout Stefon Diggs to the Texans has possibly shifted the balance in the AFC East.

And while the New England Patriots are still facing a steep uphill climb when it comes to clawing back into relevancy, Josh Allen and Buffalo’s offense is seemingly poised to take a major hit in 2024 following both Diggs and Gabe Davis’ exits this offseason.

While it remains to be seen who the Patriots will target in the upcoming NFL Draft at quarterback, New England also has its work cut out for it when it comes to surrounding their next potential franchise QB with playmakers.

Even though New England does have a few options on offense like Rhamondre Stevenson, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, and Hunter Henry, the team has still yet to add a proven, No. 1 wideout to this roster.

And after New England was unable to add Calvin Ridley in free agency, former Patriots QB and current 98.5 The Sports Hub radio host Scott Zolak thinks that the Patriots need to take a page out of the Texans’ book by trading for a proven pass-catcher. 

“You’re not just done until the draft. You could still pull off trades for players,” Zolak said Wednesday on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” show. “Are the Patriots working that avenue at all? For a veteran receiver to come in and help any quarterback who’s going to play.

“I don’t care if it’s (Jacoby) Brissett, Bailey Zappe, Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. Go get the kid one weapon. One. Because right now, you don’t have that weapon. You have a bunch of twos and threes, maybe.”

Even though New England could try to add a potential blue-chip talent via the draft, several intriguing wideouts could still be available on the open market via trade this offseason.

Bengals wideout Tee Higgins has been a familiar name as a possible trade target for New England this offseason.

Cincinnati opted to use its franchise tag on Higgins earlier this offseason, tendering him a one-year offer of approximately $21.8 million. But the Bengals, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, have not engaged in discussions about a potential long-term deal with Higgins — with the talented WR reportedly requesting a trade as a result of those stalled contract discussions.

Higgins, 25, has averaged 921 yards and six touchdowns over his four-year NFL career. The 6-foot-4 receiver could give New England a sought-after vertical threat, with Higgins posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Last month, Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network reported that the Patriots have “looked into the trade market” for veteran receivers.