Throughout the 2025 offseason, the Patriots remained consistent favorites to land a top-name player in a blockbuster trade, thanks to their league-high cap space and various roster holes. They were mostly connected to DE Trey Hendrickson, who eventually re-signed with the Bengals, and WR Terry McLaurin, who also received a new contract from his team.
The Patriots lost out on every potential trade candidate who could have helped their roster, except for the one player fans have constantly begged for, especially since Mike Vrabel became the head coach, receiver A.J. Brown.
Bill Belichick infamously passed on the talented wideout in the 2019 draft and selected WR N'Keal Harry instead.