Patriots: 3 huge missed opportunities at trade deadline
The New England Patriots are far from a perfect team. They might look like a playoff contender at the moment, but the jury is still out. One impressive win on the ledger doesn’t thrust you into the conversation.
Though the defense is starting to come together and the offense is doing just enough to keep them in games against superior opponents (for the most part), there’s no question the Pats could’ve used an infusion of talent on either side of the ball ahead of the Nov. 2 trade deadline.
But for some reason, Bill Belichick and Co. stood pat … as did almost the entire rest of the NFL?
There were only a handful of deals made and only one of them caught your attention. Even guys that were supposed to be traded — Marlon Mack, DeSean Jackson — stayed put.
Was this the worst deadline in history? How many teams could’ve sold? To name a few, the Falcons, Giants, Washington Football Team, Lions, Dolphins, Texans and Jaguars are all pretty much out of the playoff picture and none of those teams were able to strike blockbuster-esque deals.
Why didn’t the Patriots give all of those teams a call? Or did they? But still, how did nothing get done?
Here are three missed opportunities by the Patriots at the trade deadline
3. Reunion With Brandin Cooks
With Kendrick Bourne in the dog house, N’Keal Harry still not good, Nelson Agholor certainly not doing “enough,” and Jonnu Smith looking like a massive free agent bust, how did the Pats not go out and get quarterback Mac Jones some more help in the receiving game?
The Texans shipped running back Mark Ingram to the Saints last week, which made it clear they were willing to part with more assets. Was Brandin Cooks not available? He can’t be happy in Houston, right? Why wouldn’t the Patriots seek a reunion with the wideout who spent a successful campaign in New England?
The Pats don’t exactly have receivers that can stretch the field. Cooks absolutely can, and he’s on pace for over 1,200 receiving yards this year. He’s still just 28 years old and his contract really isn’t all that bad. Acquiring Cooks almost would’ve forced Josh McDaniels to let Jones take more shots down the field.
Maybe the asking price was too steep? Then again, a number of former Patriots execs are now working for the Texans. Belichick couldn’t level with them and swing an agreement that worked for both sides?