The tanking Patriots are shopping wideout Tyquan Thorton, Ravens and Chargers could be available to trade for him. According to Jason La Canfora, the Patriots are letting the league know they’re shopping the young receiver for whoever wants him. One of Bill Belichick’s draft picks chosen in the 2022 NFL Draft may soon find a new home after notching just two catches for 27 yards this season. Thornton is struggling to find any rhythm under lackluster quarterback, Jacoby Brissett in his aerial attack among other receivers.
The Patriots are 1-4 after taking a brutal loss against Miami, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone if New England shops more available trade candidates. However, Thornton’s most productive season comes from two years ago in his rookie campaign, but receivers like Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn and Ja’Lynn Polk, have been pushing him down the depth chart. His lackluster season this year will probably deplete his trade value but that doesn’t mean rosters won’t take a look at him in a heavy receiver market. Thornton’s unproductive seasons are bigger than not producing numbers, rather injuries have been hindering him to 12 appearances across 2022 and 2023.
It shouldn’t matter to plenty of teams if they want to add a quick receiver to make an immediate impact. Thornton may not be taking a full-time role but one that can make a few plays in crucial situations. Still, at 24 years old and on a rookie contract, he would be an affordable trade chip. New England moving on from Thornton wouldn’t be the worst idea since they have a slew of receivers they could continue to build around once Drake Maye is ready to take over.
Here is how Tyquan Thornton could end up with the Ravens or Chargers.
Patriots Shopping Wideout Tyquan Thornton, Ravens, Chargers Are Favorites
Final Super Bowl Piece?
The Ravens’ passing game has been better than everyone was expecting. Zay Flowers still leads the pack of Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor to get open for Lamar Jackson. However, Bateman and Agholor tend to get inconsistent when it counts even though they found a way to beat Cincinnati in a nail-biting overtime win. Tight Ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are safety nets for Jackson but they could benefit from someone like Thornton.
Flowers are probably their only reliable receiver to catch anything no matter the situation. The Ravens didn’t add any free agency help this offseason after Odell Beckham Jr’s. absence but they drafted DeVontez Walker. Receiving position may not be the biggest need but they’re one player away from becoming a complete Super Bowl package. Thornton doesn’t need to play a full-time role but something to help create separation and share the snaps alongside Agholor and Bateman.
He could fill the void of being a quick slot weapon for Jackson as he often scrambles out of the pocket.
Immediate Help for Justin Herbert
The Chargers didn’t do much to add reliability for Justin Herbert since losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. He’s missing them the most now since he probably would have been a better quarterback at a healthy scratch if he had them. Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer don’t look like they’ll be around much longer so that leaves rookie Ladd McConkey and DJ Chark. Thornton would easily be their reliable deep threat and make life easier for Herbert.
He doesn’t need to play 100% of the snaps but enough to give McConkey some separation in the slot. Johnston remains one of the most inconsistent receivers so they need someone to catch those deep balls. Thornton could help prevent Herbert from getting hurt in the pocket by becoming open more often.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been playing like his usual self even with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy around. Kansas City was hoping they could rely on tight end Travis Kelce but he’s aging slowing down. After losing Marquise Brown and Rice, the Chiefs need any type of receiver help to assist Worthy. Thornton could easily revive his NFL career behind arguably one of the best offenses in the league.
New Orleans Saints
The road won’t get any easier for Derek Carr if he doesn’t get at least a reliable third man behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Thornton is pure elusive and could make a couple of plays down the stretch in crucial situations like they were hoping in the last two losses from Olave, Shaheed and former receiver, A.T. Perry. However, the Saints released Perry so they’re looking for a quick solution since Dennis Allen and Carr are still on the hot seat.
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