The New England Patriots enter this NFL season with many questions about their offense. Their passing game was pedestrian at best last season, and even though Mac Jones is expected to take a leap, losing Josh McDaniels was a big blow for Bill Belichick's staff.
Moreover, even though they have a bit of a logjam on their WR corps, only DeVante Parker is a reliable, exciting option going forward.
Pats Wanted To Trade Agholor
With that in mind, PFF's Doug Kyed reports that the Patriots could look to cut ties with Nelson Agholor, who's set to make way too much money to be a backup:
"A source close to the situation expects one of the Patriots’ veteran wide receivers to be traded or released, and that source believes Agholor is the prime candidate," Kyed wrote. "Agholor counts for $ 14.9 million against the salary cap this season. New England would save $ 9.9 million by trading him and $ 4.9 million by cutting him."They May Not Find A Trade Suitor
Nonetheless, that also represents a big hurdle, as no other team has a real incentive to trade for the veteran wideout, especially if they could sign him later as a free agent:
"There’s been speculation wide receiver Nelson Agholor could be traded. The logistics make that unlikely, according to sources familiar with the situation," The Athletic's Jeff Howe wrote. "But there aren’t many teams that want to pick up a $ 10 million cap hit for a No. 2-3 receiver. The Patriots could facilitate a trade by eating some of the money, but then they’d be paying one of their two best receivers to play elsewhere in return for maybe a Saturday draft pick.Agholor Is Making Strides
But as disappointing as his first year was, it seems like he's gotten way better and more involved in their system during training camp, which is why they may decide to hold on to him:
"The team is optimistic about Agholor's progress this offseason after a disappointing first year in the system, however," Kyed added. "The Patriots believe schematic changes to the offense have allowed him to play faster in training camp, and he's been productive through two weeks."He's Not Worried About The Noise
Agholor knows his first season was underwhelming and that he could be traded or cut. However, he's unfazed by all the noise and is only there to prove his worth:
"I’m here for a reason and I love the opportunity that’s given to me: To be a Patriot. To work hard," Agholor said. "And the best part about it is Year 2 in the Patriots system is when guys really get going. I feel comfortable. I’m excited to have my best season with the Patriots and show why I’m here."So, will he make the cut or become another one of Belichick's victims? Stay tuned and find out.
]]>The Inquisitr
