After a failed offseason in 2024, which led to the only receiver the Patriots were able to sign eventually being released before the season was over, there was a lot of optimism that this year would reap a much better reward. With so much cap space to use and plenty of quality talent hitting the free agent market, Mike Vrabel and Co. had a good opportunity to sign the kind of receiver the offense needs, even more so to elevate Drake Maye in his second season.

Instead, they are yet to accomplish that through an entire week of free agency, as only one receiver has been signed, and he’s not the caliber of player they have been longing for since Julian Edelman retired in 2020.

According to reports, it wasn’t necessarily due to a lack of effort, though, as it was indicated that the Patriots were making calls about the availability of players like Tee Higgins, D.K. Metcalf, and Cooper Kupp.

Despite their apparent interest, they missed out on the two players who have since been traded, and according to a new report, the reason for that goes beyond just an unwillingness to match the price the trading team was demanding.

The Patriots were not interested in adding any diva wide receivers to work with Drake Maye this offseason

It’s common knowledge that players at certain positions in the NFL earn reputations for various things; some even could fall into the category of stereotyping. That could easily be said about the attitude of star wide receivers, many of whom have been labeled divas due to their demand for as many receptions or touchdowns as possible and even league-high salaries.

That is partly what led the Patriots to back off their interest in D.K. Metcalf and Davante Adams when they were made available during the first week of free agency, according to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran.

“The Patriots were exceedingly wary of the negative impact a demanding veteran wideout could have on Maye. As a result, they weren’t in the game on talented guys like DK Metcalf and Davante Adams.”

To an extent, it makes sense to prioritize the potential working relationship between a quarterback and his top receiver, so ensuring they mesh well is essential. However, it seems presumptuous to assume that guys like Adams and Metcalf wouldn’t have been good fits for Maye when we haven’t even seen how they would work together yet.

On top of that, it will be nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t have that kind of attitude about them, even the ones that the Patriots have been allegedly kicking the tires on. Not to mention, the incoming rookies will exhibit that kind of vibe, too, so it seems unavoidable, no?

Making the situation even more confusing is New England’s possible interest in trading for Aiyuk, who created a lot of drama for the 49ers last season because he wanted a contract extension. Amid that, he also had no interest in being traded to the Patriots because of their quarterback and coaching situation, which could result in a “negative impact” on Maye if he were to eventually be traded to them this offseason.

It might become something they’ll have to either accept to give Maye the receiver the offense deserves or stick to their beliefs and hope that they can find the talent they need who fits their checklist.