MassLive Patriots beat reporter Chris Mason answers reader questions in his weekly mailbag each Friday. Here is this week's highlighted question:
If Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins are off the market, what is the plan for the Patriots at WR? - Adam B.
MASON: This scenario looks increasingly likely given reports about an extension and/or tag keeping Higgins in Cincinnati and Godwin buying more time to negotiate with Tampa Bay.
There’s no sugarcoating it: That’s not great for New England.
The first thing the Patriots should do is call the Jets about Garrett Wilson, who made his unhappiness known last season. However, given the ousting of Aaron Rodgers and their status as AFC East rivals, they’ll likely be rebuffed.
Still, Mike Vrabel and Co. need to do their due diligence and Wilson is the best possible scenario.
After Higgins and Godwin, there’s a precipitous drop-off in free agency. There are no No. 1 wideouts on the market and might not even be a true No. 2 at this stage.
However, that doesn’t mean the Patriots should sit idle. Their wide receiver room was the worst in the league last season. They need upgrades wherever they can get them.
That means turning to Darius Slayton next.
The Giants burner has been saddled with Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Tyrod Taylor and Drew Lock, but he’s still remained productive in New York. Abysmal quarterback play during his walk year likely depressed his market, which would be good news for New England. PFF projects Slayton landing three years and $37.5 million, a deal the Patriots can easily afford. It wouldn’t hinder other spending.
With Drake Maye under center and Josh McDaniels running the show, there’s reason to believe the 28-year-old wideout could find another level in Foxborough. For New England, Slayton is the best option of the bunch after Higgins and Godwin.
There will be bigger names out there — Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen — but given where the Patriots are in their rebuild, they don’t need declining wideouts on the wrong side of 30. Slayton gives them more upside.
One exception: Cooper Kupp, if he’s cut by the Rams.
Slot receivers thrive in McDaniels' offense, and Kupp could show the next generation how to excel in that role, even if it’s not a long-term fit. I don’t think it makes sense to trade for Kupp at this stage. But if he only costs money, why not?
NOTE: To read this week's entire Patriots mailbag - as well as our back catalogue - click here. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want to gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason.
