NFL trade deadline 2020: Top wide receiver targets for Patriots

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There isn't much time remaining before the 2020 NFL trade deadline on Nov. 3, and the New England Patriots have several roster weaknesses to address over that span.Wide receiver is among the issues for the Patriots. Unfortunately for New England, veteran Julian Edelman has not been consistently productive through five games and second-year wideout N'Keal Harry is looking more and more like a first-round bust. If the Patriots are going to maximize the talent of quarterback Cam Newton, they need to surround him with more playmakers at the skill positions.Let's take a look at some wide receivers who the Patriots should consider targeting ahead of the trade deadline (all salary information via Spotrac).

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1/10

Age: 26

2020 stats: 28 Rec, 455 Yards, 4 TD

You're going to see the Texans a few times on this list. They are really struggling with a 1-5 record and would be wise to use their depth at wide receiver to replenish the draft capital lost in recent trades.

Fuller is the best wideout in Houston and his value might not be higher than it is right now. He's scored a touchdown in four consecutive games, along with two 100-yard performances during that span.

His injury history is a concern, but if teams are looking for a potential difference maker at wide receiver, Fuller is among the best players to target before the deadline.

 

2/10

Age: 26

2020 Stats: 1 Rec, 4 Yards, 0 TD

Westbrook falls into the play him or trade him category. The speedy wideout played in Week 3 against the Dolphins and that's it -- no other appearances in 2020. It's pretty puzzling, especially when you consider Westbrook tallied 66 receptions in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He would bring some much-needed speed to the Patriots passing game. 

 
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3/10

Age: 30

2020 stats: 14 Rec, 146 Yards, 1 TD

Jones has been a productive player for the Lions. He averaged 53.2 receptions, 829.5 yards and 6.8 touchdowns over his first four seasons in Detroit. The 2020 campaign has been a struggle for Jones, but in his defense, the Lions passing attack has been average at best through five games. A change of scenery and playing on a team with legit playoff aspirations could serve Jones well.

4/10

Age: 32

2020 stats: 22 Rec, 215 Yards, 0 TD

Green was an elite player for a long time, but injuries over the last few years have slowed his production and caused him to miss a bunch of games. The veteran wideout has played in all six Bengals games in 2020 and isn't making much of an impact. The hope with Green is a change of scenery and a playoff race would revitalize him and improve his play. Green also will be a free agent at the end of the season, so if it doesn't work out, the Patriots wouldn't be stuck with a cap-burdening contract. 

 
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5/10

Age: 27

2020 stats: 27 Rec, 367 Yards, 2 TD

Here's a familiar name for Patriots fans. Cooks played for the Patriots in 2017 and tallied 1,082 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. They traded him to the Rams in 2018, and L.A. traded him to the Texans in 2020.

Cooks is still a quality player and has shined over the last two weeks with 17 receptions for 229 yards and two touchdowns. His familiarity with Josh McDaniels and the Pats offense is a plus, too.

The Texans are 1-5 and should try to capitalize on Cooks' value. 

6/10

Age: 32

2020 stats: 19 Rec, 156 Yards, 0 TD

The Patriots reportedly have had interest in trading for Tate in the past. Tate has been a quality receiver for most of his career, and his poor stats in 2020 are probably more a reflection of the Giants' awful offense and quarterback Daniel Jones' weaknesses, rather than some decline in the veteran wideout's abilities. The issue with acquiring Tate is his contract, which carries a salary cap hit of almost $11 million in 2021 and a little more than $8 million in 2022.

7/10

Age: 24

2020 stats: 19 Rec, 371 Yards, 1 TD

The Cowboys have so many roster issues, particularly on defense, and should use their depth at wide receiver to address these needs. 

Gallup had a breakout 2019 season with career highs in receptions (66), receiving yards (1,107) and touchdowns (six). He's also just 24 years old and has another year left on his rookie contract. 

The price for Gallup likely wouldn't be cheap, but he's a better option than giving up draft picks for a veteran rental.

8/10

Age: 24

2020 stats: 2 Rec, 17 Yards, 0 TD

Ross has been a healthy scratch several times this season, and according to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, the Bengals wideout's agent went to the team to discuss a potential trade

Ross was the No. 9 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but hasn't lived up to expectations. Injuries have played a large role in that, and Cincy also hasn't been a good team during his short career. 

Ross is in the final year of his rookie deal and worth pursuing at the right cost. He's an intriguing low-risk/high reward target if he's able to stay healthy. Ross has shown flashes of a wideout capable of connecting on big plays with his speed and ability to make tough catches.

9/10

Age: 28

2020 stats: 8 Rec, 104 Yards, 1 TD

Stills has yet to make much of an impact for the Texans this season. He's failed to tally more than three receptions in any of his six games played. Stills has been a productive No. 3 wideout throughout his career and averaged 42.7 receptions per season over his first seven years. He also played four seasons with the Dolphins from 2015 through 2018, so he's familiar with the Patriots and the AFC East. Stills will be a free agent in the offseason, so there's no long-term risk financially in acquiring him.

10/10

Age: 27

2020 stats: 27 Rec, 362 Yards, 3 TD

Cole has already surpassed his receptions and receiving yards totals from last season in 10 fewer games. His three touchdowns also match his 2019 total. 

The Jaguars are 1-5 and would be smart to trade Cole to one of the wide receiver-hungry teams. 

Cole is signed to a one-year contract and will be a free agent in the offseason. He's among the best rental options for the Patriots if they want to go down that route.

 
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