98.5 The Sports Hub Sunday Kickoff Podcast · 98.5 The Sports Hub - Beasley Media Group

How Patriots Can Address Wide Receiver, Offensive Line Needs // AJ Brown or Alec Pierce - 3-8 (Hour 1)

·45 min·2 clips

The comparison drops Pierce into Mike Evans territory, with Hall of Fame level impact built on explosives, not catches.

1. 98.5 The Sports Hub Sunday Kickoff Podcast focuses on the Patriots’ receiver and offensive-line needs after the Diggs and Bradbury moves. 2. Alex Barth hosts with Cerrone Battle, and Ryan Garvin is behind the glass, which matters because the show is framed as a pre-free-agency Patriots preview. 3. The episode asks how the Patriots can replace Stephon Diggs, Garrett Bradbury, and still build around Drake Maye. 4. Barth says Diggs was a “bridge” option who helped Drake Maye but was never meant to be a long-term answer. 5. Battle says the immediate reactions pointed to Alec Pierce, A.J. Brown, or another unexpected receiver trade. 6. Barth raises the timing question around Diggs’s release coming after news that Alec Pierce could reach free agency. 7. Battle argues the Patriots can still draft receivers even if fans doubt the position, and he compares that skepticism to quarterback development cycles in Kansas City and Buffalo. 8. The hosts say the Patriots could add one receiver in free agency and still draft another, especially if Pierce or Brown gives them a clear top option. 9. A key discussion point is whether the Patriots should chase Pierce because he is 25 and fits a long-term Drake Maye core. 10. Battle frames Pierce as a better value than Brown because the Colts receiver has produced with Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, Daniel Jones, Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco, Sam Ehlinger, Philip Rivers, Nick Foles, and Riley Leonard. 11. One of the most pointed arguments is Battle’s claim that Pierce’s role should not be measured by catch totals alone. 12. He says a receiver can be worth paying for if he produces around 1,000 yards and changes defensive coverage. 13. Battle compares Pierce’s profile to Milton Williams on defense, saying New England bet on upside last year and can do the same on offense. 14. The discussion turns to a Mike Evans comparison, with Battle arguing that high-impact receivers can make the Hall of Fame without being high-volume targets. 15. Barth and Battle also stress that Pierce would need a complementary underneath receiver, because the Patriots should not ask him to be a 100-catch player. 16. The Bradbury segment emphasizes that the trade should clear the way for Jared Wilson at center and open guard as a bigger need. 17. Battle says the line conversation is about getting the right veteran next to Wilson and making the offensive line stable for Drake Maye. 18. The show runs as a live radio debate with caller segments, quick back-and-forth arguments, and roster-building speculation. 19. Fans focused on Patriots free agency and draft strategy would get the most out of this episode. 20. Listeners wanting non-Patriots analysis or a finished roster answer may skip it.

As heard by us

A brisk pre-free-agency Patriots session built around roster moves, Jared Wilson, and the shifting line picture.

Sports Hub Sunday Kickoff opens its pre-free-agency edition with Alex Barth, Cerrone Battle, and Ryan Garvin, and it spends the first hour on Patriots and league moves before turning to what free agency may bring.

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Why you'd press play

If you want the Patriots' free-agency board in plain English, start here.

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