Patriots Not Close To Trading For Any Disgruntled Star Player: Report

Patriots not close to trading for any disgruntled star player: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Patriots executive Eliot Wolf might be open to a blockbuster trade but that doesn’t mean one is coming down the pike.

The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini confirmed as much less than 24 hours after New England’s executive vice president of player personnel said he would trade a first- or second-round pick to improve the 2025 team.

A few players who are likely to command such a steep price include Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson and Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, both of whom have requested to be traded given displeasure about their respective contract situations.

“The Patriots — like every other team — are constantly looking for possible ways to improve their roster,” Russini wrote on X on Tuesday morning. “But from conversations I’ve been having, I don’t sense that New England is close on a deal for any of the NFL’s disgruntled stars at this time.”

The Bengals reportedly are seeking a first-round pick and a young defensive player in exchange for Hendrickson. The four-time Pro Bowler, who led the league in sacks last season and was named a First Team All-Pro, has been holding out with guaranteed money being a key sticking point.

“I have a hard time believing that the Patriots are going to seriously get in on this,” Russini said on the “Scoop City” podcast released Tuesday. “Look, I was just with them in Minnesota. Of course conversations about the big stories in the NFL come up, but I didn’t talk to anyone who was like, ‘Tell me more about Terry (McLaurin). Tell me more…’ I didn’t get a sense they’re guys are on the hunt.”

Russini’s insights surfaced after NFL reporter Armando Salguero reported the Patriots were one of the teams who called about Hendrickson. Fellow NFL insider Josina Anderson reported New England considered Cincinnati’s asking price to be “too much.”