This trade plan for Joe Thuney could be perfect for Patriots

The Patriots are planning to trade for a pass catcher and this could solve all their issues.

If we could pinpoint the New England Patriots’ two biggest strength over the course of the last 20 years, it’d easily be the defense and offensive line. That’s not taking anything away from Tom Brady, but if he’s not protected as well as he was and if the running game isn’t flourishing behind a smash-mouth defense, he’s just not a six-time champion.

As we approach the trade deadline, it’s been reported Bill Belichick will be targeting a pass catcher to give Cam Newton some help on offense. After last year’s debacle when he surrendered a second-round pick for Mohamed Sanu, fans might be hesitant about the idea of moving on from draft picks. After all, that’s where the Pats do all their heavy lifting.

So what about this one-for-one swap plus another signing? It could be the perfect move for New England.

• Patriots trade Joe Thuney for Eagles tight end Zach Ertz
• Patriots sign Pro Bowl guard Larry Warford

Trading Thuney sounds insane on the surface, but he’ll be a free agent after this season and it doesn’t look like he’ll be re-upping for the long haul with the Pats. On top of that, Ertz is upset with his situation in Philly after the two sides have stalled during contract negotiations.

Ertz would be a PERFECT target for Newton, who loves to utilize the tight end. The Patriots can then immediately extend him for three years since they have a ton of cap space at the moment and will have even more this offseason.

Some would argue the Patriots need a wide receiver, but there’s no questioning Ertz’s impact will open up the field for guys like N’Keal Harry and Damiere Byrd. Also, the Pats can still trade for a wideout if they want! There are no restrictions here.

To absorb the loss of Thuney? Sign Warford, who became a free agent right before the start of the season because the Saints had to release him to create cap space. And now look how badly New Orleans’ offensive line is suffering at the moment. Warford opted out of this season, but assuming he’s back for 2021, the Pats have an immediate Pro Bowl solution.

If we’re being honest with ourselves, this team doesn’t have enough in 2020 to make a Super Bowl run. But tinkering with the roster right now to better prepare for 2021 and beyond could go a long way, especially with these moves.

Patriots reportedly looking to help Cam Newton at trade deadline

The New England Patriots are reportedly gearing up ahead of the trade deadline to get quarterback Cam Newton some help on offense.