The New England Patriots got Carlton Davis back on the field for Week 3, but it didn't last long. A neck injury forced him to miss Week 2 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he played only a handful of plays before aggravating it.
Davis is a solid contributor, but his biggest asset is his availability, and he can't seem to stay healthy. Considering that, and with an elite player like Christian Gonzalez holding down the fort on the other side of the field, this team might want to make a move.
While the asking price may be steep, the Patriots should call the Steelers and inquire about Joey Porter Jr. He's probably the biggest name available right now, and he's a perfect fit for their timeline.
The New England Patriots should trade for Joey Porter Jr.
Joey Porter Jr. and the Steelers don't see eye-to-eye on a new contract extension. The team doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get a new deal done, though he'll be a free agent at the end of the season and has done more than enough to secure one.
While getting him would likely require a second-round pick, the Patriots must act quickly before that price goes up. Cornerbacks always have a strong market at the trade deadline, and his ability to stuff the run as easily as he shuts down receivers in coverage will make him a hot commodity.
The former second-round pick has yet to suit up this season. The Steelers say he's dealing with an injury, but it's hard to believe, given his well-documented contract situation and trade rumors.
The Patriots haven't gotten off to the start of the season they hoped for, and their Week 3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars put their usually solid defense in trouble. Trevor Lawrence torched them for three touchdowns, and that won't get the job done against better competition.
It's still way too early to sound the alarms, but the writing is on the wall. Things were always going to be tougher this season, and with Drake Maye and the offense still not at their usual standard, the defense may have to do most of the heavy lifting.
Davis is a very good player when he suits up, but this team can't put all its hopes on hypotheticals. And as stacked as the 2027 draft class might be, Porter Jr. is already a proven star who could solve a glaring issue in Foxborough.
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