New England Patriots: 5 Trade targets for the 2020 offseason
4. T.Y. Hilton
The Patriots don’t just need one wide receiver; they need several. More importantly, they need a deep threat who can stretch the field and stop opposing safeties from crowding the box. For the past three years, that field-stretching role belonged to Phillip Dorsett.
Dorsett underwhelmed in his career with New England, as he never surpassed 400 receiving yards or 35 catches in a single season. Due to the Patriots’ lack of depth at the receiver position, he was more often than not their No. 3 option and on the field in 3-WR sets. He played an average of 49 percent of the snaps in 2019.
With Dorsett entering unrestricted free agency, the Patriots have the opportunity to capitalize on his departure by acquiring a true deep threat that has been a No. 1 receiver for multiple years. T.Y. Hilton has been tremendously successful in his career with the Indianapolis Colts, accumulating four 1,000-yard seasons and averaging five touchdowns per season.
Within New England’s offensive scheme, he could be a great outside receiver that can beat single-coverage and take pressure off of the other options in New England. He has a unique skillset, differing from N’Keal Harry’s large frame and Julian Edleman’s short-area quickness, that would give Brady a full arsenal of weapons with which to work.
The Colts, on the other hand, may be inclined to trade Hilton to a contender. With their quarterback situation in flux, the Colts need to discern whether they are building for the present or the future. They have a great offensive line and solid playmakers on defense, but they finished third in their division last year and were hindered by mediocre quarterback play.
Hilton also missed six games last year and is entering the final year of his deal, which pays him $14.5 million. Unless the Colts plan on extending their soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver, there is no reason to keep him on the payroll unless they get a signal-caller who can compete for a title immediately.
Hilton could likely be had at an extreme value, given he is coming off of a career-low 500-yard campaign. The Patriots only need a rental at wide receiver and Hilton could be a perfect remedy for their deep pass game.
If the Patriots want to improve their arsenal for a low price, Hilton could be a No. 1 receiver that they wouldn’t need to pay through the nose to acquire. He fits their system and would be an immediate contributor.
Potential Trade: Patriots trade Pick 99 and Mohammed Sanu for T.Y. Hilton and a 2021 fifth-round pick.