Looking at the Patriots' offense now, it differs significantly from how the season began and the struggles they went through. What looked like a loaded roster proved less star-studded than expected, with the running back room becoming the biggest concern.
By all accounts, a room led by Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson seemed more than adequate, even if it lacked depth.
But fumbling issues at the beginning of the season created uncertainty around Stevenson, and Henderson has been in the spotlight in recent weeks for all the wrong reasons, with many already concluding that he is not the playmaker the Patriots needed in the backfield.
As a result, analysts and fans have proposed trades for players the team could pair with Stevenson, who is still their RB1. And while it might be a long shot, given how important he has become to their offense and that he just signed an extension this past offseason, Colts star Jonathan Taylor has already drawn the most attention.
Because they just fired their tenured general manager last week, there is growing belief that the front office may be on the cusp of a fire sale, making a player like Taylor a potential trade candidate ahead of the deadline.
Given that the Patriots aren't seeing the kind of growth from Henderson, especially after his forgettable showing against the Bears on Thursday night, they might want to get on the phone about their next blockbuster trade before it's too late.
A nearly non-existent run game should push the Patriots to call about Jonathan Taylor
After appearing to earn the starting role at the start of the season, Henderson played just 13 of 54 offensive snaps Thursday night. Third-string Corey Kiner appeared to take snaps in his place, with Henderson recording just 3 carries for 9 yards and 2 catches for 14 yards.
If that's any indication of how Josh McDaniels views the running back, we might see him even less involved in the game plan going forward.
He doesn't fit the mold of what the Patriots have typically liked in their running backs, who have usually been dual threats. They like to use them as an additional pass-catcher, which has never been Henderson's strong suit, but he's also not a solid blocker, which is becoming more of a problem as more offensive linemen get injured.
That was apparent on Thursday night, and if it continues, then there's plenty of reason to believe the Patriots should inquire about Taylor sooner rather than later.
The 27-year-old has been a certifiable weapon for the Colts since he was drafted in 2020, leading the league in yards, carries, touchdowns, and first downs in 2021 and 2025.
Taylor has become a superstar who would presumably be off the table for any trade discussion, but after seeing so many untouchable players traded in recent years, most notably Myles Garrett before the 2026 season, Taylor shouldn't be completely ruled out.
The Patriots need that kind of playmaker on their roster. The run game has been an absolute disaster this season, forcing the offense to rely heavily on Drake Maye, which has proven to be a problem more often than not.
Henderson has been particularly concerning, with his lack of vision and inability to break tackles earning him a boom-or-bust label week to week.
That wouldn't be a problem with Taylor, a 3-time Pro Bowler and a reliable dual threat, exactly what Maye needs.
Of course, the Colts will likely only move him if a trade offer is made. The Patriots aren't necessarily in a position to make that kind of deal, especially since they already traded a 2028 first-rounder for A.J. Brown this summer.
However, Taylor could be the missing piece and help round out a struggling offense.
The Patriots might have the means to pull it off at the perfect time
Knowing that Taylor was a second-round pick six years ago, that he just signed a 2-year extension this past offseason, and that he has become one of the league's best running backs automatically raises his trade price to a level the Patriots would have to seriously consider.
According to NFL insiders, teams have already been inquiring about his availability, and given how much help the Patriots' running back room needs, they'd be foolish not to be one of them.
Fortunately, based on the most recent trade proposals, he could be acquired for a future second-rounder, another mid-round pick, and likely a player, maybe even a running back. That means the Patriots could include Henderson in the trade, along with a few picks, which is better than giving up another first-round selection.
That's still a high price, and the Patriots might not want to give up a second-year player just yet. But if a player like Taylor becomes available, you can't sit back and watch another team get him, especially if your running back roster needs improvement.
Pairing Stevenson and Taylor would be a 1-2 punch that the Patriots haven't had in far too long, and they'd have him under contract through the 2028 season.
It would be an investment, and not many teams like to spend a lot of money on running backs, especially those closer to 30. At the same time, they haven't signed any superstars at the position in the last two years, and they might have made a mistake with Henderson, so trading for a proven veteran wouldn't be a bad idea.
It would prove they are trying to build a championship-level roster right now, even if they don't necessarily need to rush it.
And although it might be a long shot, given how invaluable Taylor has become to the Colts' offense, it would be a mistake not to check on his availability and what they might want in a trade, which is something the Patriots shouldn't be doing at this stage of their rebuild/re-tool.
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