5 blockbuster trades Patriots could still make ahead of 2025 season

It's the calm before the storm with New England Patriots players enjoying a five-week break before returning to Foxborough for training camp in late July. However, the front office in New England never sleeps, and they might still seek out opportunities to improve the roster.

The Patriots are in a significantly better position than they were a year ago, but they are still a rebuilding football team with multiple areas to improve. They could go after another offensive tackle, a No. 1 option at edge rusher or another top-tier receiver on an expiring contract looking for someone to pick up the tab.

There are multiple options out there if the Patriots are looking to shake things up. With that said, they already have plenty of young talent on their roster, and they might be content to see what the players look like in Mike Vrabel's first year as head coach in New England.

If not, here are five blockbuster trades the Patriots could still make ahead of the 2025 season:

EDGE T.J. Watt, Steelers

T.J. Watt is playing on an expiring deal and likely seeking a lucrative extension at 30 years old. Some would argue the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider moving on and rebooting their football team.

However, the team signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal, which likely means they're going all in on a potential Super Bowl run. Rodgers admitted that he's "pretty sure" this will be his last NFL season. It's hard to imagine the Steelers bringing the legendary quarterback in just to trade the best player on their team, but crazier things have happened.

WR Terry McLaurin, Commanders

If the Patriots are looking to make another splash at wide receiver, Washington Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin would be a solid option. He is entering the final year of his contract at 29 years old, and he has yet to agree on an extension with the Commanders, despite leading the team in receiving yards last season.

Things have devolved to the point where he skipped out on mandatory minicamp. That doesn't mean the situation isn't salvageable, but it could signal an opening for the Patriots to potentially swoop in.

WR Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

This is the most fun—and most unlikely—option on this list.

The Miami Dolphins would be taking a major risk sending star receiver Tyreek Hill to a division rival like the Patriots. They'd have to face him twice a year, and he'll be on a revenge tour with a promising young quarterback in Drake Maye throwing him the ball.

It would probably take an offer the Dolphins couldn't refuse to agree to such a trade. There's also a chance that Hill's continued off-field antics might eventually give them no other choice.

DE Trey Hendrickson, Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson have resumed contract talks, but that doesn't mean the two sides will get a deal done. Hendrickson is coming off two monster 17.5-sack seasons, and the Bengals devoted a bunch of money to keeping their offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins intact.

That creates an interesting scenario in regards to Hendrickson's contract. The Patriots would greatly benefit from having a legitimate No. 1 pass rushing option on their roster. An elite playmaker like Hendrickson could put the much-improved defense over the top.

TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are desperate to unlock the elite player Kyle Pitts flashed as a rookie in the NFL. He eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in his first season and hasn't come close since. At only 24 years old, there is still plenty of room for Pitts to grow on the right team. Perhaps that could finally happen for the former Pro Bowler in New England with one of the league's most experienced coaching staffs.

Of course, the risk for the Patriots needs to make sense. Are they better off trading assets and potentially handing out a massive extension for Pitts? Or, would it be smarter to continue rolling with the veteran duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, while focusing their assets at another position?

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 blockbuster trades Patriots could still make ahead of 2025 season