NFL Insider Thinks Patriots Return ‘Unlikely’ in 2024 Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner on April 25, but there’s still plenty of time for surprises.

While the Patriots hold the third overall pick, behind the Bears (No. 1) and Commanders (No. 2), rumors have swirled over the past month that they may be looking to move back into the draft. However, NFL insider Adam Schefter explained why the move is unlikely for New England.

“I’m not going to tell you that they won’t, of course, they would do it for the right offer,” he said on his show “The Adam Schefter Podcast.” “But I think it’s going to be a challenge.”

Not only is the draft only two weeks away, Shefter said, but the Patriots would be at risk of losing the quarterback of their choice — a critical position they are looking to fill. An added complication to a potential trade is the high price of the No. 3 pick.

NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran pointed out last week on his “Patriots Talk Podcast” that a team would have to “give up a lot more” than three first-rounders to lure the Patriots out of the No. 3 seed.

“I think the top three teams will probably stay where they are. And I think in all likelihood it will be Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, New England’s QB pick,” Shefter said. “I think (New England) would have a decision to make on whether to take Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy.”

Maye, the UNC signal-caller who has long been considered a top prospect, visited Foxborough on Friday on a Top 30 visit. The Patriots also hosted Daniels from LSU the following Monday, while Michigan’s McCarthy is expected to arrive next week.

Maye and Daniels will visit the commanders next week, spending the final days of pre-visits in Washington, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.