The New England Patriots dropped to 5-4 on the season Sunday, allowing 42 points in three quarters as the Packers embarrassed them at home. The 45-27 final score marked the most points ever scored by an opponent in Gillette Stadium and the most allowed by the Patriots at home since 1970.
While the loss was embarrassing, the Patriots will have a quick turnaround as they face off against another NFC North opponent, the Lions, in Germany on Sunday.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, any additions the Patriots make this week are unlikely to join the team until after their trip to Munich; nonetheless, they could be looking.
While Mike Vrabel's ties to Derrick Henry have made the Ravens' running back an attractive trade candidate over the last few weeks, the Colts' dismal 2026 season has led fans to believe Jonathan Taylor has been expendable for weeks.
While New England would be right to have interest, it seems another team in the Northeast may be willing to extend themselves further than New England.
Patriots could be priced out of a trade for Jonathan Taylor before the deadline
The Patriots' running backs have been very inconsistent. Rhamondre Stevenson has been a solid veteran presence in his sixth season, offering upside as a short-yardage back and blocker.
On the other hand, he averages just 3.9 YPC and fumbled against the Packers on Sunday for the second time this season, not to mention he exited with a knee injury after halftime.
TreVeyon Henderson's off-field health concerns cast doubt on his future, but even on the field, he's struggled. The ex-Ohio State back has seen a sophomore slump, averaging 3.9 YPC without offering Stevenson's upside in pass protection.
Over his last three games, he's totaled just 14 carries, and against the Bears, he tied Corey Kiner for snaps (13).
The offensive line's injuries haven't helped, but naturally, the Patriots have been linked to a move in the running back market. Superstar Taylor has been the player fans have linked to most, but it appears the Giants could be the team willing to pay the most for the former Wisconsin back.
In a recent report by Jordan Schultz, the Giants are the only team to have offered a second-round pick and additional compensation for Taylor to date, but they have since rescinded their offer.
It's unlikely they'd part with second-year back Cam Skattebo, but they could send Indianapolis a late-round pick or a reserve running back. Perhaps Tyrone Tracy, who eclipsed 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of his first two seasons in the Big Apple.
But they have advised the offer they have made will be off the table unless their price goes down.
According to @jayglazer the Giants offered a 2nd and a 5th for Jonathan Taylor.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) November 8, 2026
Glaze says that offer is “off the table … unless the Colts (price) comes down.” pic.twitter.com/E3th3TSL0n
A second-round pick is likely too high an asking price for New England at this point. The team already shipped their 2028 first-round selection to Philadelphia for A.J. Brown, meaning their upcoming draft capital is already limited.
Furthermore, while Taylor being contracted until 2028 is beneficial, running back contracts look worse and worse as players age. Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs have both seen steep drop-offs in recent years, despite being among the best at the position when they were younger.
New England already invested a high pick to acquire Brown, so doing the same with Taylor seems risky. If they can lower the price by adding a player like Henderson or Christian Barmore to the deal, it could be more worthwhile, but unless they can make a deal like that work, Taylor seems out of reach.
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