The New England Patriots have reportedly had conversations about adding a wide receiver prior to the NFL's trade deadline at 4pm ET today, as they prepare to make yet another run at the Super Bowl. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Pats are "particularly interested" in the Denver Broncos' Demaryius Thomas, as well as the Detroit Lions' Golden Tate.
Thomas, who has spent each of his nine seasons with the Broncos, put his odds of being traded at "50-50" following Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In eight games this season, the 30-year old WR has just 36 receptions for 402 yards and three touchdowns. "I'll be on a squad. I'll be able to play ball," Thomas said, via NFL.com. "I'll be able to do what I love. If it's the Broncos, I would love it. But if it's not, it's a business. I gotta deal with it."
While Thomas has already heard his name mentioned in trade rumors, Tate seemed surprised to hear that he was being targeted by the Patriots. In response to Rapoport's tweet, Tate responded, "What you talking about Willis?" So far this season Tate has caught 44 passes for 517 yards and three touchdowns for the 3-4 Lions.
The Patriots, coming off last night's win over the Buffalo Bills, are sitting atop the AFC East with a 6-2 record and are just one game back of the Conference-leading Kansas City Chiefs.