Patriots draft rumors: Franchise dangling #3 overall pick in anticipation of "big trade offer"

The New England Patriots will begin a new era during the 2024 NFL season after making major changes during the offseason. They parted ways with the legendary Bill Belichick after more than two decades with the team. He had been serving as both their head coach and general manager, so new leadership is now in place.

Much has been made about Jerod Mayo being promoted as the new head coach, but the franchise will now have a separate general manager as well in Eliot Wolf. The tandem will have one of their first opportunities to put their own stamp on the roster with the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.

Many around the NFL have assumed that the Patriots will take a new quarterback to replace Mac Jones with the third-overall pick. That may not be the case, as they are now rumored to be interested in hearing trade offers for the pick instead.

Following a recent press conference by Wolf, The Boston Globe's Ben Volin reported that he believes the franchise is shopping the pick. He mentioned that it was his biggest takeaway from the press conference. Volin explained on X:

"The Patriots still want a big trade offer for No. 3, but would be happy drafting a QB if the right offer doesn't come."

Volin suggests that trading the pick for a massive haul would be their preferred outcome, with taking a new quarterback being their backup plan. Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye will be available when they are on the clock, but it's possible that the franchise isn't sold on one of them.

With how valuable quarterback prospects are, they would likely be able to receive a huge return package if they do trade out of the third pick. The fact that multiple other teams could be seeking an upgrade at the position further improves the trade value of their current pick.

Which teams should target Patriots' #3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Eliot Wolf

Several teams may be interested in moving up to the number-three overall pick if the New England Patriots are looking to trade out of it. The opportunity to select Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye may be enough for another team to make a major move.

While the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders are surely candidates to do so, it may be the Denver Broncos who will be the most aggressive.

Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline reports:

"There's talk that Sean Payton is ready to give up a king's ransom to move up and acquire one of the top signal callers available."

The Broncos made a bold move during the offseason when they cut Russell Wilson. Head coach Sean Payton now needs a new quarterback and Pauline believes that the franchise may be proactive in trying to get one in the draft.

If they are willing to surrender a ton of assets, they may get what they are looking for from the Patriots. As to whether they will do that is another story.