The trade deadline is right around the corner, and despite the countless rumors surrounding the Patriots, it's becoming less likely by the day that they make any significant move, whether trading away or for a player.
Based on the number of injuries the roster has suffered so far this season, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in some new talent. But limited cap space and uncertainty about how far the team can realistically go this season appear to be the main factors preventing the front office from making a trade.
They could change their minds if someone like Derrick Henry becomes available, however.
At first glance, trading for one of the best running backs in league history seems like an absolute dream scenario that could only be pulled off in a game of Madden. But the latest intel from NFL insider Dan Graziano suggests Henry could be available before next week, especially if the Ravens lose their Thursday Night matchup against the Jaguars.
Given his connection to Mike Vrabel, the Titans' head coach for six of the eight years Henry spent in Tennessee, and the Patriots' need for a backfield upgrade, they should be in the running if the Ravens are willing to deal him.
The Ravens' frustrating season could prompt some major trades before the deadline
Because the Patriots' running game has struggled for most of the season, with Rhamondre Stevenson carrying the weight of the backfield even more with TreVeyon Henderson sidelined with an illness, they could really use a game-changer for the offense to work with.
The idea of adding Henry to the roster is almost too good to be true, and maybe in reality, it is.
But the Ravens' wasted season could be more productive if they trade some of their best players for solid draft capital, and Henry could be at the top of the list, as Graziano said.
That's why the Patriots should pay close attention to their game this week, and maybe get on the phone with Baltimore's front office if they lose to put in dibs on Henry if he ends up on the trade block before November 10.
"Henry is turning 33 in January. He is scheduled to earn $12 million next year, and none of that money is guaranteed. If he isn't in Baltimore's plans beyond this year, the Ravens could find themselves fielding offers over the next week.
Henry's base salary this year is just $1.255 million (he made the rest of this year's $14 million via bonuses the Ravens have already paid), so he'd be extremely easy for another team to absorb onto its cap.
Not sure how realistic this is, but it's something to keep an eye on, especially if the Ravens lose to the Jaguars on Thursday night."
There are certainly factors about acquiring Henry at this stage of his career that aren't great, mostly his age and the likelihood of declining production over the next few years.
However, the Patriots haven't had a superstar running back like Henry in a long time, if ever, so if the opportunity presents itself, it's not something they can afford to pass on. And with Vrabel in the building, a trade is more likely to happen than ever.
That will be the latest evidence that the current regime isn't all that thrilled with Henderson's performance this season, which was projected to be a typical Year 2 jump. Because that hasn't happened and he may be dealing with the classic Foxboro Flu, a deal for Henry may not be far off.
As Graziano said, the possibility of the Ravens engaging in trade talks for Henry hinges on how they fare against the Ravens on Thursday night. That gives the Patriots something to watch this week.
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