The Patriots need to find upgrades at wide receiver, and the trade market could be an avenue they explore.

New England’s options dwindled when it was reported that the Cincinnati Bengals would use the franchise tag on Tee Higgins. The fantasy of the star wideout in Foxboro, Mass., didn’t die, but it seemed like the Patriots would need to move on to someone like Chris Godwin.

The Washington Commanders reportedly traded for Deebo Samuel last week, so the wide receiver trade market is open. New England could try to work in another Brandon Aiyuk pursuit, and a Patriots insider suggested another potential move it could make.

“Industry sources believe a former (Josh) McDaniels pupil in both New England and Las Vegas, Jakobi Meyers, could also be an option via trade. He’s going into the final year of his deal with the Raiders,” NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry wrote Monday.

Bill Belichick letting Meyers walk in free agency is still considered one of his worst decisions in his final years at One Patriot Place. It would only be fitting if Mike Vrabel rectified that decision and brought back the veteran as part of his rebuild process.

Meyers achieved a career season in 2024, catching 87 passes for 1,027 yards. That was with abysmal quarterback play, so having Drake Maye under center should only retain his status as one of the most reliable pass-catchers the Patriots have had since Julian Edelman.

A Meyers trade shouldn’t be the only move New England makes since the 28-year-old is nowhere near a No. 1 talent. But it could be something the Patriots consider as they try to find ways to help Maye heading into his second NFL season.