Patriots: 3 trades New England can make before deadline to further playoff push
By Jerry Trotta
1. Trade for Jack Doyle
The Patriots have zero excuse not to trade for a tight end ahead of the deadline.
It’s been regurgitated countless times throughout the offseason and across the first month of the 2020 campaign, and it’s unfortunately as relevant as ever: The Patriots need to equip Cam Newton with a competent tight end. The 31-year-old quarterback has clearly exceeded expectations so far, but he simply won’t reach his full potential without having a reliable security blanket to target in the middle of the field.
Since the Patriots’ ceiling is obviously contingent on Newton’s play, it would only make sense for them to bolster the position ahead of the trade deadline. Ryan Izzo is currently getting most of the snaps, but he’s failed to register a catch in each of the last two games.
The Patriots used a pair of third-round picks on Virginia Tech star Dalton Keene and UCLA standout Devin Asiasi back in April. However, the former has yet to be active and the latter has played an average of 14 snaps (or 16%) per game. In truth, many players would serve as an upgrade at TE for the Patriots, but Jack Doyle comes to mind as a perfect fit.
Not only is he signed through the 2022 season, but his annual salary (~$5 million) should appease Belichick as it fits right in his region of preferences. Doyle has taken a step back following Andrew Luck’s retirement, but he was one of the most productive tight ends in the entire NFL with Luck under center. We’re sure Newton can help him out.
Throw in the fact that Doyle would only accentuate the Patriots’ elite rushing attack, and we really see no reason why they shouldn’t trade for him. At 30 years old, he still has plenty left in the tank.
