Even after surprisingly taking down the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, the New England Patriots are still only 2-5 and have just a four percent chance of making the postseason, per the New York Times’ projections model. While the Pats probably won’t fight their way back into the AFC in the mix in 2023, recent reports of a Bill Belichick contract extension confirm New England won’t outright tank.
Instead, the Patriots could be buyers and sellers ahead of the NFL’s Oct. 31 trade deadline. Here are three moves Belichick and Co. should consider before Tuesday.
New England Patriots Trade Deadline Moves
Buy and Sell at WR
Earlier this week, we suggested a trade that would send wideout Kendrick Bourne and defensive tackle Lawrence Guy to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a late-round pick in 2024 and offensive tackle Lucas Niang.
Bourne was a popular name on the rumor mill in 2022, as well. He could be a potential fit for any WR-need teams at this year’s deadline, including the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, or the San Francisco 49ers (his former club).
But the Patriots should also consider taking a chance on a wide receiver lottery ticket. The Carolina Panthers recently gave third-year pass catcher Terrace Marshall Jr. permission to seek a trade, and New England could probably grab the former second-rounder for a late-round pick swap.
Marshall improved in 2022, posting 490 receiving yards while more than doubling his rookie-season yards per reception mark. He’s been marginalized in Carolina, but the Patriots should try to acquire any available young offensive talent they can find.
Trade Trent Brown to the Saints
Trent Brown has spent four of his nine NFL seasons with New England, but the 30-year-old might not be a part of the club’s long-term plans. With few offensive tackle options on the trade market, the Patriots could try to get something for Brown before he reaches free agency next spring.
Belichick has made several deals with New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis over the years, including trades for wideout Brandin Cook and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.
MORE: New England Patriots Depth Chart
The Saints have a clear need for a left tackle. With James Hurst injured, New Orleans hasn’t been willing to put 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning in the starting lineup. Instead, they’ve shifted guard Andrus Peat to the blindside and reshuffled their front five as needed.
Right tackle Ryan Ramcyzk will return from a concussion this week, but the Saints need more options. Brown can play on either side of the line and will only have $833,000 remaining on his contract after Week 8.
Send Ezekiel Elliott Back to the Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said this week that any trade deadline conversations would likely need to be initiated by another club, not the Cowboys.
Belichick should pick up the phone and see if Jones is interested in bringing Ezekiel Elliott back to Dallas.
Signed as a complement to Rhamondre Stevenson, Zeke has been even more involved than expected, posting 60 rushing attempts to Stevenson’s 87 through seven games. Elliott has also been a factor in the passing game, managing 13 receptions on 17 targets.
Conversely, Tony Pollard has dominated running back touches for the Cowboys. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn have mixed in, but Dallas could use an established running back like Elliott, who can succeed in short-yardage and goal-line situations and won’t need any time to acclimate to the club’s offensive structure.
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