Reporter updates if Patriots could trade down in 2024 NFL Draft

New England Patriots de facto general manager Eliot Wolf raised eyebrows when he said that the club is "open for business" as it pertains to possibly trading down from the third overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Mark Daniels of MassLive is among those who didn't buy such chatter in March, and Daniels hasn't changed his mind after hearing Wolf's latest comments. 

"Since March, multiple sources have told MassLive that the Patriots are planning on drafting a quarterback," Daniels shared on Thursday. "That was the tune at the NFL Combine, and the NFL owners meetings and remained the same over the past few weeks."

The New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders have repeatedly been mentioned as teams that could move up to pick No. 3 to draft LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye or J.J. McCarthy of Michigan. However, Mark Daniels mentioned on Thursday that sources told him "the Patriots entered the combine liking the top three quarterbacks so much that they were comfortable with taking whoever was there" after the Washington Commanders probably draft a signal-caller at No. 2. 

The Chicago Bears are expected to make USC star Caleb Williams the draft's first pick.

"According to multiple sources, the Patriots' plan at quarterback this offseason was a three-step process," Mark Daniels said. "It involved signing a veteran/bridge quarterback, trading Mac Jones and then drafting a quarterback."

New England signed Jacoby Brissett to serve as a starter this fall, and the club traded Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars. On Thursday, Wolf noted that Brissett "is someone who can support [a rookie] who will be a positive influence on them while competing with them."

Mark Daniels indicated head coach Jerod Mayo and others within the Patriots understand drafting a quarterback at No. 3 "is a no-brainer" for a franchise that still hasn't fully recovered from the departure of Tom Brady following the 2019 season. 

"They are primed and ready to draft a quarterback next week," Mark Daniels added. "Whether it’s [Jayden] Daniels, Maye or McCarthy, the Patriots are better off drafting a quarterback than trading down and getting cute with their draft board." 

Hours after Wolf finished speaking, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Maye as the betting favorite at -170 odds to be the draft's third pick. Mark Daniels sounds more convinced than ever that New England will be the team making that selection next Thursday night.