That means there is no team more in position to potentially absorb a high-salaried player in a trade. And wouldn't you know it, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf said Monday that the team would be willing to deal a first-round pick for a player worthy of that price tag,

That’s what Patriots vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden shared when he weighed in on the idea that New England could make a blockbuster trade for a star player. Cowden’s sentiments surfaced some 24 hours after executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the Patriots would consider dealing a first- or second-round pick in an effort to improve in 2025.