Throughout the day on Monday, we all saw some of the New England Patriots' initial moves in free agency. Names like former Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam and Ravens/Titans defensive end Dre'Mont Jones popped up as new free agents who signed with the team, both on three-year deals.

The Patriots also let names like TE Austin Hooper, LB Jahlani Tavai, DL Khyiris Tonga, and OL Vederian Lowe depart for the free agent market.

A key position that many have had their eyes on this offseason is wide receiver. Could the Patriots add to their arsenal of weapons for Drake Maye now or in a month, come NFL draft time?

Monday morning saw no news in the department. Potential targets like Alex Pierce resigned with the Indianapolis Colts, and although highly unlikely, Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wideout Mike Evans is headed west after signing a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

So, with all this info, who's left going forward as the market remains open for a receiver for the Patriots?

The Patriots still have arguably the most significant trade narrative following them almost the entire offseason. A.J. Brown is still in the mix. However, the Eagles are requesting a ransom-like trade for Brown. The Super Bowl champions of the 2024/2025 season are requesting a first- and second-round pick and another potential player from whatever team is inquiring to make the deal happen.

NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran believes the Patriots are playing the waiting game on Brown, as many have noted, the Eagles are too difficult to trade someone who is potentially unhappy within their facilities.

The Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. has become a bit of a sleeper as well, and a trade for him benefits the Patriots financially. He is only on the books for $4 million in 2026. A deal to trade for Thomas is playing with house money. Even if production decreases with two years remaining on his deal, this would give the team some flexibility to add more weapons alongside someone like Thomas Jr.

With Pierce back in Indy, other names have emerged as realistic landing spots for free agents. 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings is expected to part ways with the Bay Area this offseason, and a deal with the Patriots seems ideal. With the Stefon Diggs release in the rearview, the Patriots could bring in Jennings on a three-year deal around the same cost as Diggs could have been if he were a longer-term wideout.

Jennings brings a physicality that the wide receiver room could use and be a big help in the red zone. An area of the field that Drake Maye struggled with last season.

Other names still on the board are the likes of Packers wideout Romeo Doubs and none other than Super Bowl winner Tyreek Hill. The former Kansas City Chief and Miami Dolphin was released a few weeks back. His veteran status, speed, and versatility, even at an older age, could benefit Drake Maye. Hill is eccentric, though; always has been. You have to wonder whether this would be a culture fit.

Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel have been moving like they're still in rebuild mode based on reports from the NFL Combine. The Patriots will most likely draft someone at wide receiver in a month's time, but who?

On the Patriots Roundtable Podcast this week, Tennessee Volunteer Chris Brazzell II was hopeful for a second- or third-round pick in the show's mock draft. Brazzell had a standout NFL Scouting Combine performance, clocking a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. The Tennessee draft prospect is viewed as a high-upside "X" receiver with elite speed and ball skills, with the potential to explode on the field if the right team gets him.

Other names in the mix are Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., Alabama's Germie Bernard, and All-SEC wide receiver from Texas A&M, KC Concepcion.

The Patriots are looking to see some growth at wide receiver and create opportunities for Maye to build chemistry with a young receiver; it's a move that is key to the QB's longevity.

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