Patriots Reportedly Not 'Close' to Big Trade amid Terry McLaurin, Hendrickson Rumors

Despite recent rumblings that the New England Patriots might be willing to make a significant trade before the start of the regular season, there's no indication they are on the verge of doing anything right now.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Patriots aren't believed to be "close" on any deal for a disgruntled star at this point.

This comes after Eliot Wolf, New England's executive vice president of player personnel, told reporters on Monday the team would be willing to trade a first- or second-round draft pick in the right deal.

The two biggest names still being talked about in trade rumors are Trey Hendrickson and Terry McLaurin. Micah Parsons' trade request is still out there, but there has been no movement on that at all since it came out on Aug. 1.

During ESPN's telecast of Monday's preseason game between the Bengals and Washington Commanders, ESPN's Laura Rutledge said Hendrickson told her the only sticking point in his contract negotiations with the club is over guaranteed money.

Russini noted the Bengals have been engaged in trade talks involving Hendrickson for weeks, with the club seeking draft capital and defensive players back in a deal.

The Patriots have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for McLaurin if the Commanders were to trade him, though it doesn't appear as if Washington is eager to deal the star wide receiver.

McLaurin, like Hendrickson, is also seeking a new contract, and his current team seems hesitant to meet his specific demands. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted the veteran wideout is seeking a deal similar to the $33 million annual salary that DK Metcalf signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Per ESPN's John Keim, one NFL source suggested the Commanders could try to entice McLaurin with a contract that averages $28 million per season.

The Patriots need help at edge and wide receiver as they look to take a step forward with Drake Maye entering his first full season as the starting quarterback in 2025.

Even though the odds of Hendrickson or McLaurin getting traded at this point in the offseason appear low, the Patriots potentially offering a Day 1 or early Day 2 draft pick to make a big splash could open the door for a major move.