Patriots Executive Explains Challenges In Trading For Star Player

Patriots executive explains challenges in trading for star player originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It takes two — maybe even three — to tango.

That’s what Patriots vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden shared when he weighed in on the idea that New England could make a blockbuster trade for a star player. Cowden’s sentiments surfaced some 24 hours after executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the Patriots would consider dealing a first- or second-round pick in an effort to improve in 2025.

“I think Eliot put in a good sense yesterday,” Cowden said at Gillette Stadium before Tuesday’s practice. “There’s so many layers and complications and little nuances about every deal. Whether that’s a little deal, whether that’s a big deal, whether it’s a backup player or an elite player.”

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson and Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the most popular trade candidates. Both Hendrickson and McLaurin have requested trades as they’re unhappy with their respective contract situations. The two Pro Bowlers play positions where New England could look to improve, and the team’s financial flexibility has prompted plenty of speculation.

Neither would come cheap or be easy to acquire. That’s not to say it’s not a subject of conversation at One Patriot Place, however.

“Our job is to constantly come up with ideas, brainstorm suggestions about players at all levels, and the acquisition of those players isn’t as easy sometimes,” Cowden said. “It takes certainly two sides, sometimes the player has say.

“We have to be really intentional about moves we make because any move we make sends a message to the rest of the football team,” Cowden continued. “I think that’s something that — trust me, we go through scenarios constantly, multiple times a day, to keep everything alive. Because in the end how can we make the football team better? How can we go get wins on Sunday? That’s what we all want to do. So it’s just a constant process that involves a lot of layers.”

As it relates to Hendrickson and McLaurin, the layers are substantial. The Bengals reportedly are seeking a first-round pick and young defender in exchange for the 2024 First Team All-Pro. In both cases, New England would need to trade a legitimate package of assets and then pay a top-of-market contract to a player entering his age-30 campaign.

It might ultimately result the Patriots steering clear. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the Patriots deem the price for Hendrickson as “too high” while The Athletic’s Dianna Russini does not believe New England is close to acquiring either Hendrickson or McLaurin.