After not playing in last week’s game, the Patriots’ projected starting wide receivers are expected to play in Friday night’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Fans are excited to see the team’s pass catchers in action, but they won’t be the only ones watching closely.

According to NBC Sports’ Phil Perry, the Patriots “have heard from teams looking to deal for starting wideouts.” Teams with scouts at Friday night’s game include the Ravens, Steelers, Bills, Browns, Dolphins, and Giants.

“The Patriots are viewed as having a surplus of starting receiver talent,” Perry added on the Sports Hub Patriots Pregame Show. “I don’t think the Patriots are sprinting to the phones to get rid of one of these guys, but they are hearing from other teams.”

Phil Perry’s full pregame interview

One receiver Perry doesn’t expect to get dealt is Kendrick Bourne. Bourne’s standing on the roster has come under question in recent weeks after a slow start to camp and his involvement in a camp fight on Tuesday that saw him get ejected from practice. Bourne spent most of Wednesday working with the second unit.

Still, Perry notes Bourne’s contract as an element that “makes him safe” from being dealt. Bourne is under contract for two more years, with cap hits of $6.4 million this year and $6.9 million next year. The 27-year-old’s chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones could also deter the team from trading him.

A player Perry does note as likely to be traded is Nelson Agholor. This is the second time Agholor’s name has come up in trade talks in recent weeks, following a report from PFF last week.

Agholor’s availability may also be tied to his contract situation. He’s in the final year of his deal, but carries a $14.8 million cap hit this year – the fifth-highest by any wide receiver in the NFL. While That’s a steep number for the cap-strapped Patriots, it may be more tolerable for a team with more of a need at the wide receiver position. Despite Agholor being one of the best receivers so far in training camp, Perry states there’s still a chance he could be moved.

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The other receiver identified during the conversation is Jakobi Meyers. Meyers is also in the final year of his deal although he carries a much more manageable cap hit of $3.9 million.

A lack of an obvious replacement at slot receiver could make Meyers tougher to deal. Plus, like Bourne, Meyers has been a reliable option for Jones.

At this point, it seems like the interest is more so other teams calling on Patriots’ receivers than the Patriots actively trying to shop any of them on their own. While their depth looks good right now, that can always change quickly. DeVante Parker has only played one full season in his career (although he’s never played less than 10 games in a season), and rookie Tyquan Thornton, even with an impressive start to camp, is still a relative unknown. Still, it appears the option to move a wide receiver will be there if Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ front office decide to go that route.

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.