#PostPulpit Mailbag: Could the Patriots eye another trade target?

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Josh Sweat #10 of the Arizona Cardinals runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 25, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The first week of OTAs for the New England Patriots concludes on Friday before the calendar flips to the month of June - where an answer may finally come on A.J. Brown's status.

So, let's get into this week's #PostPulpit Mailbag.

Is Josh Sweat a potential trade target for the Patriots? - mathblaster97
Should the team take a run at Josh Sweat? - Arschloch

The Cardinals have reportedly received trade calls on Josh Sweat, as the pass rusher is said to be unhappy in Arizona following the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, who previously served as his defensive coordinator in Philadelphia.

Sweat is just one year removed from signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona in free agency, but the deal becomes much more tradable after June 1 with no guaranteed money remaining beyond this season. For a rebuilding Cardinals team, opting for the draft capital may make sense.

After a strong final season in Philadelphia before reaching free agency, the 29-year-old followed it up with an extremely productive first year in Arizona, posting a career-high 12 sacks along with a 14.1 percent pressure rate. For a New England Patriots team that still needs more talent and depth off the edge - especially with Harold Landry coming off a significant knee injury and rookie Gabe Jacas sidelined - the fit makes sense.

That said, the lingering A.J. Brown trade situation still appears to be the organization's top priority as it searches for one final splash move this offseason. Adding both via trade seems unlikely.

Arizona has been taking calls on Josh Sweat. Given his pass rush ability should he someone the Pats target. What would they have to give up? Thank you. - jpd985

As for Josh Sweat's potential trade compensation, the Philadelphia Eagles' draft-day trade for Jonathan Greenard could serve as a comp - as Greenard was also 29 years old and had multiple seasons remaining on his contract in Minnesota. Philadelphia sent both a 2026 and 2027 third-round pick for Greenard before signing him to a four-year, $98 million contract extension.

Has Boutte reached his ceiling or do you think he will continue to develop and improve as a receiver? He's a draft and develop guy who's on a cheap contract. I am not sure why there's such a rush to get rid of him. - SoDak605PatsFan

I'm in the camp that the player we've seen the past two years is who Kayshon Boutte is. I don't think he's a high-volume receiver, nor do I think the efficiency metrics would hold up with an increased target share.

That said, Boutte is still a good player and deserves credit for the growth he's shown both on and off the field. But the biggest factor here is the upcoming payday entering a contract year. The Patriots should be able to find other receivers capable of producing 30 catches and 500 yards in a complementary role - starting with last year's third-round pick, Kyle Williams.

With the newest NFL trend of lining up in 13 personnel more often do you see the Pats being ready by having the right people on offense or defense? - DarthVrabel

Definitely offensively. Additions in the tight end room with Julian Hill and Eli Raridon - and especially fullback Reggie Gilliam - should allow the Patriots to lean more into those heavier personnel groupings, which we already saw flashes of during Wednesday's practice.

Defensively, things remain more TBD as the depth at linebacker and safety is still a question. It was noteworthy to see some installation of a three-safety nickel package during OTAs with Mike Brown joining Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson.

I'm concerned about AJ Brown's health and age. Could we get a younger, healthier Tee Higgins for a 1st round pick? - ElWid

The Bengals are all-in this season after trading a top-10 pick for veteran defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. I doubt they would then trade Higgins for future assets.

Am I going to have to hear about Vrabel's personal issues" all season? I sure hope not because I'm fed up already. Can the media just leave the guy's personal life alone and focus on football? - BirdStealsTheBall

From this point of view, it matters if it directly impacts the football side of things. Head coaches missing Day 3 of the NFL Draft simply does not happen around the league, which is why that was important when Vrabel was not present. In recent weeks - including during Wednesday's OTA practice - Vrabel has appeared to be his usual self on the field, while players have also noted he has remained the same guy throughout the offseason program.

KJ:
3 questions...
1) Who will the Pats regret letting leave in Free Agency the most?
2) Have the Pats taken a step back with the current roster vs last year's roster?
3) Are there REALLY other suitors for AJ Brown or is it just talk?

1. The biggest potential loss is Stefon Diggs. While the vision is easy to see with Romeo Doubs stepping into that role, there is no guarantee the production - and especially the efficiency - will translate. Khyiris Tonga and Jack Gibbens are other options if Cory Durden and the linebacker depth are unable to hold up.
2. Even with those departures, this year's roster is improved. Just on offense, the signing of Alijah Vera-Tucker and the aforementioned tight end/fullback additions should drastically improve the run game. Add in A.J. Brown on top of that and this could be one of the league's top offenses.
3. Speaking of Brown, I don't see any other suitors currently. Maybe that changes over the next week, but I'll believe it when I see it.

That's all for this week's #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you'd liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following@iambrianhinesand@PatsPulpitas well.