NFL roster cutdowns are just a few weeks away, meaning it's crunch time for players and coaches alike as teams around the league look to pencil in the last few players on their rosters. The Patriots had their fair share of preseason stars in Week 1 against the Colts, and players will look to keep showing out in their second matchup against the Eagles.
In years past, the Patriots have taken advantage of cutdown day trades, as teams look to buy low and sell while they still can at the end of August. 2023 was perhaps the best example, when the Patriots made three trades in as many days from August 27-29.
The team didn't make any trades before cutdown day last season, but the tide could change this year, as several players across the league could help strengthen Foxborough's Super Bowl hopefuls.
Three trades the Patriots could make as cutdown day approaches
Adding to the tight end room
NE trades 2027 6th Round Pick to IND for TE Will Mallory & 2028 7th Round Pick
While Jam Miller, Khalil Jacobs, and the cornerback room stuck out as winners for the Patriots in their 13-13 tie against the Colts, Mallory was certainly among the biggest winners on the other side of the ball. The fourth-year tight end made six catches on seven targets for 80 yards on Thursday night, as the Patriots' tight end coverage struggles from last season seem to have bled into preseason.
Mallory was a fifth-round selection by the Colts in 2023 after a five-year career with the Miami Hurricanes. In 12 games during his rookie season, he made 18 catches for 207 yards. Over the last two seasons, he's played in 12 games total, with five catches for 45 yards to his name.
Now in a contract year, Mallory appears to be gearing up to play his best football. The Colts currently roster three tight ends ahead of Mallory: Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, and Drew Ogletree. Mallory could carve out a larger role this season, but the Colts could be willing to deal him for a draft pick given his role and contract status.
For the Patriots, Mallory has shown more as a receiver than any of their third options. The selection of Eli Raridon and Hunter Henry's recent extension make a trade for him less necessary, but it may be a worthy move to make if C.J. Dippre, Jack Westover, or Tanner Arkin can't separate themselves from the pack.
Adding depth to the offensive line
NE trades Conditional 2028 6th Round Pick to PHI for IOL Willie Lampkin
Ben Brown went down with an injury on Thursday, which is quietly a massive blow to the offensive line. He's likely to miss the rest of the preseason, and while his injury could open the door for other players to make the initial roster, the offensive line has struggled with penalties.
James Hudson and UDFA Jacob Rizy will all be vying for the interior backup role, but if they don't stand out over the next few weeks, perhaps the Patriots could gauge the trade market.
After making a high-profile trade with the Eagles in June, the Patriots may go back to Philadelphia, especially if they like what they see in joint practices with Lampkin. An undrafted rookie in 2025, the former UNC Tarheel spent last preseason with the Rams before the Eagles claimed him.
At 5-foot-11, 290 pounds, he's been turning heads as an undersized center, though that isn't where he primarily played in college.
In over 4,100 collegiate offensive snaps at Coastal Carolina and UNC, he played just 22.7% at center, the rest coming at guard, including all 851 snaps in 2024. According to ESPN, 2025 fifth-round selection Drew Kendall remains above him in the depth chart at center, while former Rutgers tackle Hollin Pierce is Tyler Steen's backup at right guard. Steen is notably out of contract at the end of the year.
With Steen a potential departure in 2027, the Eagles may be against trading Lampkin. From the Patriots' perspective, with Brown down and Mike Onwenu in a contract year, moving a draft pick for a versatile interior piece would seem to be good business.
Perhaps a sixth-round selection with play time incentives (e.g., 200+ offensive snaps) would be appropriate compensation for a player who's been turning heads?
Solidifying the front seven
NE trades Conditional 2028 7th Round Pick to PIT for LB Malik Harrison
The Patriots gutted their linebacker depth this offseason, allowing Jack Gibbens to sign elsewhere, releasing Jahlani Tavai, and trading Marte Mapu. While the position has been criticized for lacking depth, there were things to like in preseason Week 1.
K.J. Britt had a ridiculous 96.8 PFF grade in Thursday's matchup, while UDFA Khalil Jacobs also impressed with 50 defensive snaps. The hype around Chad Muma's camp has merit, but we didn't see much from him against Indianapolis.
A move for a linebacker won't be necessary if we continue to see the backups perform, but if their level begins to drop, it could be worth looking at Harrison.
The Ohio State alum just finished his sixth season in the league, and first with the Steelers after spending a half-decade with the Ravens. He managed 41 tackles in 11 games last year, but the 28-year-old is now listed as the team's fifth linebacker.
Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and Elandon Roberts have made Harrison expendable. Seeing as he's likely to be released, a late-round pick with the condition that he plays at least 12 games feels appropriate.
Add us as a preferred source on Google