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A New England Patriots’ losing streak could prompt some trades

By Lou Scataglia

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 11: Nelson Agholor #15 of the New England Patriots looks on during warm ups ahead of the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 11: Nelson Agholor #15 of the New England Patriots looks on during warm ups ahead of the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots could hit an unfortunate losing streak soon, which could prompt the team to trade some of their players.  The Patriots made huge splashes in free agency last offseason, re-working their roster and setting it up nicely for Mac Jones to operate.

Now in year two, some of these contracts are becoming moveable, and with Mac Jones out the lineup, New England might have a ton of work to do if they want to stay in the playoff race.  The loaded AFC simply might be too much for the team to work through.

For this reason, the team could consider trading some players to get some draft capital back.  Sure, New England hasn’t been the best at drafting, but draft picks are incredibly valuable in today’s NFL, and are still worth trading for.

The trade deadline is not yet here, but I think the team could send a few players away.  One of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne could be moved.  Agholor is a bit inconsistent, and the team could save nearly $10 million against their cap by trading him, according to overthecap.com.

The same could apply for Kendrick Bourne, who appears to be in this weird doghouse with Matt Patricia.  The team wouldn’t save as much by trading him, and I do think he should stick around.  Isaiah Wynn is another potential trade target.  He hasn’t been great to start the season.

Trading him would allow New England to not incur any dead cap all while saving roughly $10 million.  I truly don’t see a ton of trade candidates on the defensive side of the ball.  If the Patriots have a losing season, I think the team could consider shifting the direction of their franchise.

Whether that means trying to upgrade at quarterback, bringing in a new head coach, or something else remains to be seen.  However, I think there could be some movement here in the near future.

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