Revisiting Bill Belichick’s history of trading for wide receivers
With a potential Julio Jones trade looming, it’s time to take a look back at how Bill Belichick and the Patriots have done trading for wide receivers in the past.
The Julio Jones saga has hit ludicrous speed this week, and the Patriots seem to be squarely in the middle of the conversation.
Belichick’s wide receiver trades seem to come in waves. He’s picked up six receivers over the previous four years through trades. However, he hasn’t traded for a receiver during the offseason since 2018.
If Bill Belichick can pull off this move, it would be the 14th time he’s acquired a wide receiver via trade since joining the Patriots in 2000. His track record in this area is a sight to behold - there are some tremendous hits, as well as regrettable swings and misses.
Which moves were the biggest booms, and which were the biggest busts? Here’s a look back at all 13 wide receivers Bill Belichick has traded for in his time with the Patriots.
Note: Overall pick values are only given for picks where the exact spot was known at the time of the trade, not for future picks.
Will Julio Jones end up on this list before the offseason is over? We're inching closer and closer to an answer - the window for the Falcons to trade him and open up salary cap space begins on June 1.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
