The New England Patriots had a tremendous 2025, but despite their regular season offensive dominance, the freight train slowed down in the playoffs. After a 16-point performance against the Chargers, the offense scored 21 points against the Texans despite five turnovers from the defense.
They scored 10 points against the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, including a touchdown after a red-zone fumble recovery. They managed just 13 points against the Seahawks in the Super Bowl after going scoreless for the first three quarters. In all, the offense averaged just 12.5 PPG during the postseason.
This offseason, there was a conscious effort to retool the offense, with the additions of veterans A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Alijah Vera-Tucker. The team further selected Caleb Lomu and Eli Raridon in the first and third rounds, respectively, to inject youth into the offense.
While the team's future is no doubt bright, they have an incredible opportunity to win now, especially given they went from 4-13 to a Super Bowl appearance in just a year. Ensuring that they give themselves the best chance during that window, however, might require acquiring one more star.
The Patriots could look to add Jonathan Taylor during the season
The Patriots might not need another contributor in the backfield, but Taylor would be an upgrade over both TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. For a team that prioritizes the run as Josh McDaniels does, adding an elite back wouldn't be a bad idea by any means.
Last season, the Colts started 8-2 but finished with seven straight losses after their bye week, after Daniel Jones ruptured his Achilles. Taylor, who had eclipsed 100 rushing yards five times before the bye, failed to do so even once after the bye.
Still, he had a fantastic season, finishing with nearly 1,600 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground while maintaining a healthy 4.9 YPC. He had another 46 catches for 378 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just his second fully healthy season.
In a recent article from CBS's Garrett Powell, it's theorized that Taylor could be on the move by the midseason mark if the Colts are unable to put together a strong first half of the season. While Jones is back under center, the team traded Michael Pittman, putting their faith in Alec Pierce with a massive new contract. There's a good chance there are hiccups along the way.
What would a trade for Jonathan Taylor look like?
2026 will be the final year of Taylor's deal, and if he is to be traded midseason as Powell predicts, the Patriots could have him for as few as eight regular season games. Beyond that, New England would need to extend Taylor, and he'd be looking for a massive extension.
Taylor has the opportunity to reset the running back market by eclipsing Saquon Barkley's deal worth upwards of $20 million per year.
Whether New England was interested in making him a long-term piece or not, they'd have to send a top-100 pick in Powell's eyes. A third round pick may not seem a hefty package for a 27-year-old All-Pro, but considering the contract they'd need to shell out after the season and their lack of a dire need at the position, a third-round pick is a pretty penny.
Alternatively, the team could look to offset Taylor's contract with Stevenson's. Realistically, if the Colts are trading Taylor, the season isn't going as planned, and HC Shane Steichen, who's on the hot seat, could be fired. If that's the case, receiving Stevenson in return doesn't do much for them.
The Patriots could look to trade Stevenson in a corresponding move to the Taylor trade. While they likely wouldn't receive more than a sixth-round pick, the trade could help offset salaries, as dealing Stevenson midseason would save nearly $6 million.
They'd also, of course, add to their cache of draft picks after dealing away a third-round selection.
Making a trade for Taylor while Henderson and Stevenson are on the roster may seem. Still, the Patriots should be doing everything in their power to surround Drake Maye with talent. If the Colts' record really does begin to slip, New England should, at the very least, be making a call about Indianapolis's star.
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