New England Patriots stand firm at NFL trade deadline

The New England Patriots did not make moves at the trade deadline. Their biggest rumored move, Isaiah Wynn, did not happen. Why is that?  It seemed almost a guarantee that the Patriots would have made a move at the deadline, especially on offense.

According to various sources, all of Isaiah Wynn, Damien Harris, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker, and Jabril Peppers came up in trade talks.  Players who contribute very little or very much were apparently desired by other teams.

At 4-4, the Patriots are still in the playoff race, but their lack of clear quarterback and high-end talent is likely going to force them to miss the dance in January.  On Isaiah Wynn specifically, who was the most named player on trade talks on the Patriots, it seems the team wanted to keep him because of their shaky depth and his ability to play multiple positions.

Perhaps Isaiah Wynn could find a new home in New England on the interior.  Mike Onwenu did play well at right tackle, so maybe there’s something there.  I was shocked that the team did not move one of Agholor or Bourne, who have seen limited action.

Damien Harris should have been dealt, in my opinion.  He’s a free agent at the end of the season and likely won’t be re-signed with the emergence of Rhamondre Stevenson.  As for Jabril Peppers, he’s a dynamic defensive back who the Patriots should keep.

Overall, though, no matter which names were in the rumor mill, I am a bit baffled that the team did not make a move.  Perhaps Bill Belichick is trying to convince himself that his team can make a second half push, but I don’t think that’ll happen.

Trading Wynn or one of Agholor or Bourne made so, so much sense to me.  And perhaps that’s why I’m not an NFL general manager.  Overall, it was a very quite deadline period for the New England Patriots.