Chargers' failed season could give the Patriots chance to add underrated defender

The New England Patriots have had an up-and-down start to the season. After a catastrophic first three weeks that left them dead last in PPG, they managed a three-game win streak to return to the Super Bowl conversation before falling to the Bears on TNF.

The 4-3 squad hasn't been the team many fans expected, but a laundry list of injuries has played a role. While key players like Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Alijah Vera-Tucker remain out, the team has shown real resilience and stayed competitive despite the injuries.

The Patriots have a get-right game against the one-win Dolphins, and they're favored by more than a touchdown. If the Patriots win, they'd move to 5-3 and 3-0 in the AFC East, with wins over each division opponent.

As the weather gets colder, a strong division record can prove incredibly important.

While the team has steadied over the last few weeks, they shouldn't be afraid to add to their ranks as the trade deadline approaches. One particularly talented team has fallen off a cliff after making the playoffs last season and should be among the sellers at the deadline. New England should look to cherry-pick the Chargers' best.

The Chargers are set to be sellers at the trade deadline

The Chargers' disappointing season has drawn plenty of finger-pointing, but Justin Herbert hasn't played well. The result is a winless start, the first time the franchise has started 0-6 since 2000.

Among players who could appeal to New England, Dalvin Tomlinson and Khalil Mack stand out as players L.A. may be willing to deal, given their contract status and age. While each could contribute, a younger option could boost the Patriots' second level in 2026 and beyond.

Former Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley has been highly effective in Los Angeles. After a quiet rookie season, he recorded 147 tackles and a sack in his sophomore campaign, and last year he eclipsed the century mark again, posting a career-high 3.5 sacks.

Against the Patriots in the Wildcard round last season, he made 13 tackles.

Through six games this season, Henley has recorded 36 tackles and recovered two fumbles. If he maintains his six-tackle-per-game average, he'd hit the century mark for the third consecutive season, but that would be in vain given the Chargers' slow start.

With the soon-to-be 27-year-old in a contract year, the Chargers' front office could make a solid move by receiving a pick in return.

Daiyan Henley could be a tremendous addition to the Patriots' second level

The Patriots completely overhauled their linebacker room in 2025. Jack Gibbens was allowed to leave for the Cardinals despite being a restricted free agent, while Jahlani Tavai was released. Marte Mapu, who was also initially released, was traded to the Houston Texans. The team released Chad Muma, the lone non-starter to remain with the team into the offseason, in August.

Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss lead the group, but the team's depth is young and seldom used. Waiver claim Darius Muasau has stood out for all the wrong reasons despite playing just 31 defensive snaps all year.

Rookies Namdi Obiazor and Erick Hunter have played at an All-Pro level on special teams, but they've combined for only 20 defensive snaps so far. Khalil Jacobs, another encouraging rookie, was placed on IR before the season began.

The Patriots are running a two-man system at the second level, which we didn't see last season. Furthermore, the team lacks the depth to absorb an injury to either starter, since the three backups have averaged 7.2 defensive snaps per week combined.

Enter Henley. In a contract year, the former Cougar has every reason to show out, as he's likely to sign for $10 million to $15 million per year in the spring if he manages another 100-tackle season.

If the Chargers come out of the bye and manage a win over the underwhelming Rams, the tide might turn, but getting Henley for a fifth-round pick seems reasonable.

Beyond his strong regular-season production, he's made 23 tackles in two playoff games, exactly when the Patriots will need him if the season goes to plan.

While he'll likely have a rich free-agent market, his sticking in New England would be far from unreasonable. Elliss will be a free agent at season's end. With Spillane set to be 32 when his contract ends after the 2027 season, the unit's long-term future is uncertain, especially given the rookies' lack of defensive impact. Henley could answer that uncertainty.

If the Patriots want to stabilize the second level, whether for the season or in the long term, Henley should be a serious consideration.

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