FOXBORO, Mass. — A lot happens when you cover the New England Patriots throughout the week.
You get at least three Jerod Mayo news conferences, a presser with the starting quarterback, multiple locker room availabilities, and access to a few practices. Some takeaways become individual stories, while other quotes and nuggets are left on the cutting room floor.
With that in mind, my Patriots notebook publishing Friday for the rest of the season rolls on. These pieces mostly focus on top Patriots storylines and leftovers from each week but also include a non-football thought or two — because I’m a dork who likes to talk about other stuff.
So, let’s get into it.
5 Potential Patriots Trade Candidates After Joshua Uche Deal
The Patriots got a head start on the NFL trade deadline earlier this week when they sent edge rusher Joshua Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round pick. However, multiple reports indicate Eliot Wolf and Co. could make more moves ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline.
“Patriots have told teams they are open for business,” Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi reported after the Uche trade. “League sources expect them to peel off another vet or two before the Nov. 5 deadline.”
With that in mind, let’s look at five Patriots who could be traded over the next week.
WR Kendrick Bourne
Since joining the Patriots in 2021, Kendrick Bourne has repeatedly been named in trade rumors. He was floated in Brandon Aiyuk rumors during training camp and again has been connected to the San Francisco 49ers (his former team) ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
“I’ve been told to keep an eye on the Patriots — who will listen to any proposal — with run-stuffing interior defensive lineman Davon Godchaux and ex-Niners wide receiver Kendrick Bourne among the possible targets,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote last week.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport also wrote about Bourne last weekend.
“While Kendrick Bourne is the receiver who has garnered most of the trade rumors, it would take a large deal to pry him from New England,” Rapoport wrote.
Bourne has long insisted he wants to stay with the Patriots and sang a similar tune last week when asked about trade rumors.
“This is where I want to be,” Bourne told Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald. ” … I want to, because when it starts popping, it’s going to be popping, and so I want to be a part of it.
” … My calling is to be here and help these guys here in this organization here. And I really, like, genuinely saying that. I really mean that. And so I’m excited where we’re at. It’s tough right now. It’s supposed to be tough.”
Ultimately, the Patriots will need to decide whether Bourne is worth more on the roster or as a trade piece.
The veteran receiver missed the first four games of this season after suffering a torn ACL last October. He’s posted just four catches for 29 yards in four games since returning from his injury and struggled mightily in last Sunday’s win over the Jets.
“Man, personally, I just got to play better. I hated that game, I just played so bad.”
Kendrick Bourne felt he played poorly in the Patriots win over the Jets, and acknowledged the receivers can play better after the group combined for at least four drops. pic.twitter.com/2nCYKTnQXL
— Sean T. McGuire (@BySeanMcGuire) October 28, 2024
Still, Bourne is an effective, explosive receiver when healthy. He posted 406 yards and four TDs in eight games before injuring his knee last season and racked up 800 yards and five scores in 2021.
With Aiyuk out for the season due to a serious knee injury, Bourne would make a ton of sense as a trade target for the Niners.
WR K.J. Osborn
K.J. Osborn seems destined for a trade, even though it’s hard to envision New England receiving anything better than a future seventh-round pick.
The former Minnesota Vikings wideout enjoyed a solid first summer in New England and appeared primed for a big role in Alex Van Pelt’s offense. But Osborn posted just seven catches for 57 yards and one touchdown in the first eight weeks and has plummeted down the depth chart.
“A more likely trade possibility as a veteran option is Osborn, who is on a one-year deal and has thrived elsewhere,” Rapoport wrote after downplaying the Bourne rumors.
Osborn also might want to be traded.
After New England’s Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Osborn shared a screenshot of a text exchange with his agent, who praised the 27-year-old for scoring a touchdown after previously being told he’d be inactive for the game. A few days later, Osborn did little to quiet chatter about his future with the Patriots.
“That’s like an alley-oop,” Osborn told reporters when asked whether he wanted to be traded. “This is where I am. This is the place that I signed to be. A lot of things are out of my control. But I like to be where my feet are. Today I’m here. Will just kind of rock with it as it goes.”
As disappointing as Osborn has been, he is still a speedy, experienced receiver who’d be a solid addition for wideout-needy teams such as the 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens, and Buccaneers.
.@MikeGiardi discusses his locker room conversation with K.J. Osborn where the Patriots receiver laughed when asked if he wants to be traded, saying "it's like an alley-oop" 👀 pic.twitter.com/OTkqSKGKOc
— Patriots Coverage on NBCS Boston (@NBCSPatriots) October 23, 2024
CB Jonathan Jones
This is a tough one.
Jonathan Jones hasn’t been named in any credible trade rumors. He is also a career Patriot, a leader in the locker room, and a versatile, consistent corner when healthy. Ideally, he’s someone who would start and finish his career in New England — and he might feel the same way.
But Jones is also 31 years old, will be a free agent next March, and could want one more good shot at winning a Super Bowl. By trading Jones, the Patriots could do right by a veteran while landing a solid return.
“Control what you can control,” Jones said this week when asked about trade rumors. “I just show up to work every day trying to do the same thing I’ve always done. And whatever happens, happens. I just love going to work and playing football.”
"Control what you can control. I just show up to work every day … I've grown up here, like I said being here nine years. Most people don't stay in the place that long."
–– Jonathan Jones on dealing with trade rumors#Patriots #NFL #NEPats pic.twitter.com/daCrtJNW13
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) October 30, 2024
Jones currently ranks 35th among all corners by Pro Football Focus, higher than both Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones. Make of PFF rankings what you will, but the ranking feels about right for a criminally underrated player who’s always been above average at his position.
Jones can play boundary corner, slot corner, and safety. Teams with needs in their secondaries should give the Patriots a call.
DT Davon Godchaux
It’s hard to envision the Patriots trading Godchaux, who’s their best (and only) true run-stuffing defensive tackle. Without him, New England’s porous run defense would be even worse.
Nevertheless, Russini floated Godchaux as a trade candidate, a report that surprised a player who received a two-year extension during the summer.
“I was shocked, but at the end of the day, this is a business,” Godchaux told Kyed after last Sunday’s win. “I mean, (expletive) happens all the time. I’m sure some guys think they could be on the team for a long time, and something happens. This is the business of the NFL. This is what we signed up for.”
Godchaux, a nose tackle, doesn’t offer much pass-rushing upside but is rock-solid against the run. Teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Seattle Seahawks could use someone like him up front.
TE Hunter Henry
The Patriots shouldn’t trade Hunter Henry. He already is Drake Maye’s most trusted target — taking weapons away from the rookie QB would be an awful idea — and he backs up his captaincy with consistent production.
However, the Patriots also could sell high on the soon-to-be-30-year-old Henry, who’s on pace for one of the most productive seasons of his career. In the first eight weeks, Henry posted 32 catches for 358 yards and one TD while topping 40 yards in four of eight contests.
Is Henry as explosive as he was early in his career? No, but he’s tough, surehanded, and remains an above-average receiving tight end.
The Patriots could offer Henry to playoff-aspiring teams who might want to upgrade at tight end; the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos come to mind. The Los Angeles Chargers also would make a lot of sense, as Henry could rejoin his former team while bolstering Justin Herbert’s supporting cast.
Again, the Patriots shouldn’t trade Henry. But it’s not that crazy of an idea.
Latest on Drake Maye’s Concussion
We’ll see what Maye’s practice participation is like on Friday and what updates we get on Saturday. However, if I had to bet right now, I’d say the rookie starts this Sunday when the Patriots visit the Titans.
That’s the vibe I got while watching Maye during the media-access portion of Thursday’s practice. The rookie quarterback, who suffered a concussion last Sunday, appeared to be much further along than most players four days removed from sustaining a head injury.
Before Wednesday’s practice, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said Maye would practice for no more than 30 minutes, indicating he was in Phase 3 of the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Maye wasn’t on the field during the media-access period — which lasted roughly 10 minutes. Later, he was listed as a limited participant in practice, meaning he showed up after reporters left the field. This is just speculation, but the Patriots might not have wanted to burn Maye’s practice clock on stretching and conditioning drills.
However, Thursday was a different story. Maye was on the field and making throws during the media-access period, which again lasted roughly 10 minutes. He moved well and made multiple off-platform throws.
Drake Maye was present during the media-access portion of today's Patriots practice.
Yesterday, when protocol limited him to just 30 minutes, Maye showed up after reporters left.
Could be viewed as a sign he's progressed to Phase 4 of the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/CA6q1N6DFf
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) October 31, 2024
In theory, Maye could’ve left the field after 30 minutes and still could be in Phase 3 of the concussion protocol. But Thursday’s activity indicated he’d progressed at least to Phase 4, thus increasing his chances of playing against the Titans.
Plus, the Patriots on Thursday shared a video of Maye and other players leaving the field after practice. It’s fair to assume he participated for more than 30 minutes.
Ghosts are most certainly real.. 👻 pic.twitter.com/l73ryGvyK6
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 31, 2024
On Friday, Mayo said Maye still was in concussion protocol and would be limited in practice. However, he also said “yes” when asked whether Maye still could start in Tennessee.
If Maye is in Phase 5 of the protocol for Friday’s practice, he’ll be primed to play on Sunday, barring any setbacks. Jacoby Brissett, who led the Patriots to a win against the Jets, would start if Maye is ruled out, with Joe Milton III serving as the top backup.
For what it’s worth, Patriots radio broadcaster Scott Zolak on Friday reported Maye is “trending” toward starting Sunday.
We’ll learn Maye’s official Week 9 designation when the Patriots release their final injury report Friday afternoon.
David Andrews, De Facto Coach?
David Andrews is out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. And though Andrews hopes to play next season, there are real questions about his NFL future.
However, the uncertainty hasn’t prevented Andrews, the top leader in New England’s locker room, from making a difference behind the scenes. Since his season ended, Andrews has become an asset to offensive line coaches Scott Peters and Robert Kugler.
“[Andrews] is one of the smartest O-linemen I’ve ever been around — especially at this level,” tackle Vederian Lowe said Thursday. “When he’s still around, you feel the leadership presence. You just know you have another great mind there who knows the game, who knows what he’s talking about.
“Dave helps us a lot with understanding the defenses. … And it’s just great to have a guy with such a brilliant mind when it comes to O-line play, and understanding defense and understanding techniques.”
Lineman Mike Onwenu was asked whether Andrews’ presence makes it feel like there’s an extra coach in the room.
“Yeah, it definitely feels like that,” Onwenu said. “David’s going out of his way to be here. We’re all thankful. … He helps us a lot, whether it’s game day or when he is at practice. It’s helpful.”
Details of David Andrews shoulder surgery and future in football 🙏 Get well soon, DA
🚨 New episode out now! pic.twitter.com/H80tbYg7cS
— The Quick Snap (@quicksnappod) October 8, 2024
Andrews has been especially helpful in getting newcomer Ben Brown up to speed. Brown joined the Patriots in Week 6 and since has taken every snap at center.
“He’s been great,” Brown told Pro Football Network on Thursday. “He’s been able to answer any questions I’ve had on the field. He’s played a long time. He’s a veteran player, great player.”
Brown added: “He knows the scheme inside and out. He’s got great technique as well. Just an awesome player, and being able to learn from him is great. He’s a great asset.”
Does Andrews profile as a future O-line coach?
“I could see it,” Brown said. “I could definitely see him being a future coach someday. He loves football. He’s a great player, too. I think he’d be successful at it if that’s what he wanted to do.”
Catching Up With Jalen Mills
I chatted with former Patriot Jalen Mills, now a member of the Jets, after last Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. I didn’t get around to writing off our conversation this week, so I’ll use the notebook to share a couple of his more interesting quotes.
On Jerod Mayo calling the Patriots “soft” after Week 8: “Man, listen. I ain’t really paid too much into that. I think this game, for me — it was a little personal for me. Regardless if he feels like they’re soft or not, I’ve been in that building, I know how those guys are.
“And my whole mindset this week was to go out there and play hard, play hard for the Jets. … As far as him calling them soft, however they feel, however he feels — that stays with New England.”
On seeing Bill Belichick on TV so much: “I’ve been seeing him. He’s been talking a lot of noise, man. He’s been talking a lot of noise. But he’s a free agent right now, so he can do whatever he wants right now. … He’s an open book right now. He’s talking noise.”
Props to Kayshon Boutte
It’s hard not to be impressed by Kayshon Boutte.
The 2023 sixth-round pick faced maturity questions before the draft, was benched early in his rookie campaign, and was arrested on gambling-related charges last offseason. He seemed like a roster long shot before training camp.
But Boutte, who’s been a consistently strong practice player since joining the Patriots, worked his tail off last summer to earn a spot on the roster. Along the way, he said all the right things about his legal issues.
The hard work has paid off.
Boutte started the last four games while repping as the top receiver on the depth chart. And though Boutte’s production won’t blow you away — he averaged two catches and 31 yards in his first six games — he’s developed into a reliable possession receiver and willing blocker. Last week, he saw a career-high six targets and delivered the catch of the game.
Kayshon Boutte makes up for his previous mistakes and comes down with a HUGE catch pic.twitter.com/bdRZhuZAKv
— Ben Brown 🌻 (@BenBrownPL) October 27, 2024
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt gave Boutte a rave review while speaking with reporters on Thursday.
“I think the last four weeks his play has been exceptional,” Van Pelt said. “He’s making plays on the ball down the field. Huge play — probably the biggest play in the game in the two-minute drive to catch that post. … Kayshon’s a guy that continues to improve each week, and now he’s becoming one of our most consistent guys.”
Boutte doesn’t speak to reporters often. But when he does, he typically gives great answers and sounds like someone who’s matured a lot since entering the NFL.
“It’s great to hear that,” Boutte told MassLive’s Mark Daniels when informed of Van Pelt’s comments. “It’s not something that’s just being said. I actually take pride coming to work every day and doing my job. I’m just focusing on the meetings, knowing what to do, knowing how to do it, going out practicing, executing.
“If you mess it up, it’s always good to mess it up in practice rather than the game so you can correct it. I’m approaching every day as a great day.”
Boutte was a breakout star at LSU as a freshman in 2021. The next season, he suffered a broken ankle that required multiple surgeries and lingered into his rookie season with the Patriots. Boutte told Daniels that he finally feels back to his pre-injury form.
“I feel good,” he said. “I feel great. I feel faster. I feel better. I’d say one of the worst things to be is in the same place that you were last year. I feel like I improved tremendously from last year.”
Boutte still has a lot of work to do. He occasionally runs wrong routes, and last Sunday’s game saw him drop two passes before redeeming himself late in the fourth quarter.
But the second-year pro has greatly exceeded expectations in his second season. And, most importantly, he’s earned the trust of Maye and the coaching staff.
Patriots’ Plans for Ochaun Mathis
After trading Uche, the Patriots filled his 53-man roster spot with outside linebacker Ochaun Mathis, whom they signed to the practice squad after roster cutdowns. The Patriots clearly believe in Mathis, so much so that they reportedly gave him a two-year contract after promoting him from the practice squad this week.
In Mathis, Anfernee Jennings, and Keion White, New England has three edge defenders signed beyond this season.
Contract note: OLB Ochaun Mathis signed a two-year deal this week when added to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, putting him in the fold through the 2025 season.
Joins Anfernee Jennings (2026) and Keion White (2026) among those who align on edge signed into the future.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 1, 2024
Mathis was active in three of the first eight games as a practice-squad elevation, primarily playing on special teams. But the second-year pro has the size (6’5″, 260 pounds) and athleticism to earn a larger role on defense if he takes to the coaching.
“Remember him coming out of college, that length and that athleticism, that ability to play the run and the pass, those don’t come out of the sky. Those guys are rare,” outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins said Thursday. “To be able to get one of those guys in the building, it’s a credit to our scouting department for finding that guy, getting that guy on our roster, and now we’re looking forward to developing him.”
Wilkins added: “It’s a great sign when the defensive coaches and the special teams coaches are both asking for the same guy to be called up. Because that’s a guy with the right makeup, doing it the right way, that plays great special teams, plays great fundamental defense. … A guy with a ton of potential.”
Non-Football Thought No. 1: Be Nice to Each Other
With the United States Presidential Election set for next Tuesday, you probably will encounter some jerks over the next few days. Some of them might be friends or family members. People lose their minds around elections, abandoning all traces of decency and decorum.
Just don’t feed into it. Go to the polls, cast your vote, and be nice.
Oh, and don’t flood your Instagram or Facebook stories with political reels and memes. Nobody cares.
Non-Football Thought No. 2: Song of the Week
The pick this week is “Aquatic Ambience,” arguably the best song on the legendary “Donkey Kong Country” soundtrack and a popular pick for the greatest gaming song of all time.
Why am I going with a video game song this week? Because Nintendo surprisingly released a new music app containing many of the songs and soundbites from its storied history. The app basically is a Spotify clone with nothing but Nintendo tracks.
From “Pokemon” battle music to old Mario soundtracks to 15-second Ocarina songs from “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” the app has a little bit of everything. You also can change the settings to extend songs by as much as an hour, which probably is what you should do with “Aquatic Ambience.”