The New England Patriots hold a pivotal pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the third overall selection offering them either the opportunity to draft a new face of the franchise or to trade down with a more quarterback-needy team. As draft day draws closer, there seems to be a clearer picture of the team’s plans.

New England is well-positioned to benefit from its situation no matter what decision is made. If the Patriots stand pat and keep the pick, either quarterback prospect Drake Maye or reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels will be there for the taking.

On the other hand, it’s the worst-kept secret in the NFL that the Minnesota Vikings want to trade up for a quarterback. Following a recent trade with the Houston Texans, the Vikings hold both the 11th and 23rd overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, amid conspiracies on social media suggesting New England and Minnesota could be trade partners, there’s more definitive reporting from close to the organization.

Will the Patriots trade down?

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots have “not shown an appetite” for moving down from the third overall pick. Multiple NFL teams have seemingly inquired about the availability of the No. 3 selection, but New England hasn’t shown interest in making a deal in recent weeks.

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Breer isn’t just a national reporter, he’s an alum of the Boston Glove and covers the Patriots for NBC Sports Boston. While there were previous reports early in the offseason that New England was open to trading the third overall pick, the feeling around the league has changed.

If the Patriots are committed to keeping the third overall pick, then their decision on who to draft will essentially be made by the Washington Commanders. There remains uncertainty on whether Washington prefers Daniels or Maye, but New England would seemingly grab whichever of the top quarterbacks are available when it’s on the clock in April.