The Patriots have been somewhat active in the trade market this offseason, but more so in the business of sending players away rather than acquiring them. Earlier this offseason, they sent nose tackle Davon Godchaux to the Saints for a day-three pick.
They also traded Joe Milton to the Cowboys for a swap of late-round selections. While they didn't receive a massive haul of draft picks, they did add some late-round selections that could come in handy later in the offseason.
Newly added players always have some allure to their new squad's fanbase, but it isn't always a given that they make their new team's opening day roster. Kony Ealy was traded to the Patriots in exchange for a second-round pick and was released later in that 2017 offseason.
James Robinson was signed to be Damien Harris's replacement, but was a part of the first round of cuts just two years after a 1,400 total yard season. Just because a player has name value doesn't mean they will be valuable to their new team.
Patriots could add this dual threat to the backfield
In a recent article by Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, players whose jobs he feels shouldn't be safe during training camp mentioned two names that stuck out as potential options for the Patriots via trade or free agency should they have a subpar camp.
The first of those names is Javonte Williams.
Williams, 25, is a former second-round pick from UNC. He spent four seasons with the Broncos before signing with the Cowboys in March. He's a powerful runner and sound pass catcher, but he hasn't been all he was hyped up to be. After totaling over 1,200 yards in his rookie year, he's slowed down and has rushed for an average of 497 yards per season in each of the following years.
In the last two years, he's been a particularly impressive pass catcher, with 99 receptions and a pair of touchdowns. Williams isn't starting caliber for a playoff team anymore, but that doesn't mean he can't have a role in the NFL.
The former UNC star's role in Dallas is in jeopardy given his similarities to his competition. Currently, the Cowboys have Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue as two more options with Williams. After a successful season from Rico Dowdle last year, Dallas opted to continue to go the Moneyball route at running back.
Sanders was a star during Philadelphia's 2022 Super Bowl losing season, but hasn't found that same magic again. Blue was instrumental in Texas's success, with 14 all-purpose touchdowns last season. If Sanders and Blue have solid camps, Williams could easily fall to RB3, especially given Blue's catching acumen.
The Patriots have somewhat of a need at running back. Similar to Dallas, they have veterans who have shown they can play, but come with contingencies. Rhamondre Stevenson led the league in fumbles last year, and when Antonio Gibson was given the ball 12+ times in a game, he averaged 3.3 yards per carry.
TreVeyon Henderson will be the long-term difference maker, but Williams could be worth a shot. His experience could offer immediate security over Stevenson: he fumbled just twice last year, and did not have a fumble in his final twelve games.
Adding Williams could add security and experience to a backfield with a lot of potential and a lot of question marks.
There might also be room for the Patriots to consider another wide receiver
Christian Kirk signed a massive $72 million deal with the Jaguars in 2022 and proved doubters wrong in his first season in Florida. He had career highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns, but hasn't replicated that form since. He has also struggled with injuries, playing 20 games in the last two seasons.
He was traded to the Texans for a seventh-round pick earlier this offseason to complement Nico Collins. Through the draft, however, the Texans made some notable additions.
In rounds two and three, Houston selected Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. John Metchie, Justin Watson, and Braxton Berrios also have some experience in lesser roles, making for a packed receiver room. Kirk played just eight games last season and is notoriously unavailable: he's played a full season twice in a seven-year career.
If he continues to struggle to stay healthy, the Texans could cut their losses and opt for a cheaper deep threat in the aforementioned Watson.
For the Patriots, Kirk would likely be a free agent candidate rather than a trade candidate. He was already traded once, and they had their chance if they wanted him. He's got plenty of speed, and the current receivers lack that. Kayshon Boutte is the top deep threat for the time being, and he has been subject to trade talks himself.
Perhaps adding Kirk if he becomes available would be a smart addition as a bridge for a better option. Possibly one they find in the 2026 offseason?
Both Williams and Kirk have experience and have shown they belong in the NFL. Nonetheless, their time with their new teams could already be coming to a close if they don't impress. If either becomes available as a free agent, there's little reason Vrabel and company shouldn't at least be doing their due diligence.