More players the Patriots could ship off after Joshua Uche trade

Patriots' offensive players who can go

On offense, if Maye returns shortly, the Patriots' fortunes will dramatically improve. Even so, underperforming players can be traded without much of a loss. First, Kendrick Bourne seems to attract interest in the league. Bourne has a paltry four receptions in four games since returning from an ACL injury. Take any pick and move on.

One of the Patriots' better players is tight end, Hunter Henry. He's having a solid season with 32 catches for 358 yards and a TD. Yet, he'll be 30 in December. If Maye isn't ready to go right away, the time to move him is now when his value is high. Henry may fetch a decent return of maybe a fourth-round pick. Just do it.

Alternatively, if Maye is ready to go, Henry should stay and the team's other tight end, Austin Hooper can go. Maybe he'll fetch a seventh-rounder. One of the veteran tight ends should be traded and the extra reps should be handed to rookie, Jaheim Bell.

Finally, the Pats' second-round pick in 2021, Tyquan Thornton should be traded if you can fetch even a seventh-rounder. Thornton has been a flop. He was a huge draft reach in 2021 and he's justified that blunder. Only one thing's worse than a whopper of a draft gaffe, it's keeping him around to remind yourself. He and any other receiver than Pop Douglas and maybe Kayshon Boutte should be offloaded.

The Patriots beat the hapless Jets and are 2-6. Several underperforming players can be traded if they can get any draft picks. Even at 2-6 with a glimmer of hope at a playoff berth, if Maye returns soon, trading players like Godchaux, Wise, Jennings, Jon Jones, Hooper, Bourne, and Thornton makes perfect sense.

The Patriots have intentionally or unintentionally tanked the 2024 season due to personnel mismanagement. They had a lousy free agency, poor draft (except for drafting Maye), and neglected to draft or sign any left tackles. The grade was D-/F (D- only because they drafted Maye).

Trading any of the players mentioned won't matter much on the field and draft picks are always welcome if the team can hire someone who can actually use them effectively. The Patriots are in transition. Unloading any or all of the players mentioned for any value will be a plus. Just go for it.

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