No matter how the 2024 season pans out for the Patriots, New England absolutely should be in the market for a top-level pass-catcher this offseason.
We know Eliot Wolf and company believe the team needs such a player. The Patriots unsuccessfully pursued Calvin Ridley in free agency and couldn't convince Brandon Aiyuk to green-light a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Not rostering an above-average receiver, let alone one of the best in the game, remains a real concern for the Patriots as they prepare for the shift to Drake Maye behind center.
New England could have another kick at the can in the near future, though. ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday shared an eyebrow-raising report on Ja'Marr Chase, who reportedly believes he was "misled" by the Cincinnati Bengals over the offseason when he vocalized a desire for a new contract. Chase didn't practice at all over the course of the summer but took the field in Week 1.
Schefter's report obviously doesn't necessarily mean Chase is on his way out of Cincinnati. Aiyuk at one point seemed like a lock to be shipped out of San Francisco but ultimately left money on the table to sign an extension with the 49ers. But every situation is different, and as of now, it certainly doesn't seem like Chase and the Bengals front office are on the same page.
This would be a great development for the Patriots, especially since Cincinnati decision-makers have a reputation for an unwillingness to widen their wallet. And if New England values Chase at the same level it reportedly did for Aiyuk, the Patriots seemingly wouldn't have any reservations about giving the 2021 first-round pick a contract he's pleased with.
Again, it's far too early to project where Chase could end up. Bengals franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, who also was a college teammate of the star wideout, probably is very keen on keeping Chase in his arsenal. But there haven't been any positive Chase developments in Cincinnati since the start of the summer, which might have the Patriots licking their chops as they try to rebuild their organization.
