Is this a sign that Isaiah Wynn wants out of New England?

The Patriots’ offensive line has gone through a lot this year and it’s only week seven of the NFL season. Throughout the summer, the linemen continued to make headlines due to their lack of protection of Mac Jones and their inability to create gaps for the run game. That continued into the first few weeks of the regular season, becoming one of the most highly discussed parts of the team overall.

Other than the struggle of protecting Jones, who was sacked a total of five times for -39 yards in the first three games, penalties began to pile up and ended positive offensive drives. Although close to all of the linemen have contributed to the collective issues thus far, Isaiah Wynn has become the singled-out player amongst the group, and not for good reason.

The former first-round pick of 2018 has consistently been inconsistent in the first six weeks. On several occasions, his unfavorable performances have led to game-altering moments, negatively impacting an already struggling offense. Quarterbacks have been hit hard and even strip-sacked due to his instability and his carelessness has earned him a total of eight penalties for 49 yards on the year so far.

Because he switched position to right tackle, Wynn received well-deserved leniency at the start of the season. Assuming he was dealing with the growing pains of working on the opposite side of the line, it seemed fair to provide the benefit of the doubt in the first few games. But as the season has progressed and his performance continues to not improve, Bill Belichick chose to sign reinforcements to help make up for Wynn’s lackluster performance.

On September 13th it was reported the Patriots were bringing back old friend, Marcus Cannon. Originally drafted by the team in 2011, Cannon spent the first ten seasons of his career in New England, the last of which he chose to opt out due to COVID-19 concerns. He was then traded to the Texans in 2021 but only totaled four starts before being released a year later.

Starting on the practice squad, Cannon was elevated to the 53-man roster for the week four game in Green Bay. He started the game as an extra lineman/jumbo tight end, but because of Wynn’s continued struggles, Belichick made the decision to bench him and put Cannon in his place.

Over the next two weeks, not much changed in terms of Wynn’s performance. If anything, opponents have made it clear they are well aware of his weakness on the right side. And now it appears the right tackle has made his feelings known by removing all mentions of the Patriots from his Instagram account this week.

This isn’t uncommon when a player is struggling no matter who the player is or what team they’re a part of. But given the circumstances Wynn is under and the rumors circulating regarding Belichick possibly trading him, could this be an indication of him wanting a fresh start somewhere?

There are plenty of teams in need of offensive line improvement and are certainly hoping to make a move before the trade deadline on November 1st. However, Wynn has not only not been showcasing himself as a talented lineman, but he also carries a hefty contract. The Patriots picked up his fifth-year-option worth over $10.4 million, creating a difficult contract to move if they chose to do so over the next week.

Based on what’s been seen so far this season, it appears Belichick is willing to give more chances to Wynn and not just bench him outright. His time with the Patriots hasn’t been the best, but he hasn’t been completely awful either, despite what those on the internet claim. But with his newly scrubbed social accounts and Cannon taking more snaps in his place, are we just waiting for a report proclaiming Wynn has demanded a trade?