Patriots can correct a costly draft miss by landing the player they passed on

"The Patriots' inability to get top-tier wide receivers in the door for the past decade or so remains a topic that lingers going into every offseason, and it's no different in 2026. Although they have assembled their best team in many years, led by Stefon Diggs, there is still room for improvement, particularly given Drake Maye's growth as a quarterback. That leaves many questions about the future of many on the current roster, with Diggs at the forefront,"

"There are rumors that the Cowboys have no intention of letting him go and are leaning toward franchise-tagging him rather than agreeing to an extension, which makes the Patriots' chances of pulling off a trade slimmer, but not impossible. Regardless of whether he becomes a free agent or not, there is a good reason to suggest that the franchise that infamously passed on him in the 2022 draft for Tyquan Thornton can right a longtime wrong this offseason."

The Patriots have assembled their best roster in years, anchored by Stefon Diggs while still needing top-tier wide receiver talent to match Drake Maye's progression at quarterback. Fan and analyst attention centers on major offseason moves to upgrade the receiving corps, with AJ Brown and George Pickens emerging as primary targets. George Pickens posted a career-best season with 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns, increasing his trade and free-agent value. Reports indicate the Cowboys may franchise-tag Pickens rather than extend him, potentially making a trade or costly tag likely. The Patriots previously passed on Pickens in 2022 for Tyquan Thornton.

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