The trade deadline is just two weeks away, and while the Patriots need help across the roster, the current sentiment is that they won't make a big move, largely due to their limited cap space.
As we know, that can be fixed in a matter of minutes, and although reports suggest the front office won't pull off a blockbuster move, that can change in seconds in the NFL.
That means the Patriots shouldn't be ruled out of inquiring about some of the best available players at positions where they need improvement. They have a long list of desirable names to pursue, and they likely will, which could elevate this roster to championship level.
We'll have to wait and see what they do, but for now, here is a big board of players they will surely take a look at.
Trade deadline big board for the New England Patriots
Current cap space: Approximately $1.5 million (according to Over the Cap)
EDGE rushers
- Khalil Mack (Chargers)
- Tuli Tuipulotu (Chargers)
- Josh Sweat (Cardinals)
- YaYa Diaby (Bucs)
- Will McDonald IV (Jets)
- Nolan Smith (Eagles)
With Harold Landry on the shelf indefinitely, the Patriots need help in the pass rush. Rookie Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder have risen to the occasion, but the team needs a veteran presence who can consistently get to the quarterback.
The Patriots are fortunate that many players appear to be on the trade block ahead of the deadline, so they should have a fair shot at landing someone if they choose to make a move.
Based on what analysts and beat reporters have been saying in recent days, Khalil Mack seems to be the top contender, given his proven production, his pass-rush win rate matching T.J. Watt's, and his price tag.
Defensive tackles
- Jeffery Simmons (Titans)
- Grover Stewart (Colts)
With a defensive line led by Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, adding another defensive tackle might not be at the top of the list for the Patriots.
However, they need a legitimate nose tackle and more help for the superstar duo, who have been playing better than their stats say, but need reinforcements around them. That puts Jeffery Simmons, a player Mike Vrabel drafted with the Titans in 2019, and Grover Stewart, whom the Colts might move on from during their fire sale, as the top targets.
Linebackers
- Jordyn Brooks (Dolphins)
Wide receivers
The Patriots solved much of their wide receiver woes by signing Romeo Doubs in free agency and trading for A.J. Brown this summer. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't pursue a young star if they can get one at a good price.
They could call about a handful of up-and-comers who could grow and develop with Drake Maye, like his former UNC teammate Josh Downs or Brian Thomas Jr.
It would help round out a receiving corps that has dealt with more than its fair share of injuries, while potentially improving the group ahead of next year's free agency when DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins could sign elsewhere.
Running backs
Because TreVeyon Henderson appears to be regressing in Year 2 and the running game hasn't met the offense's needs so far, the Patriots may be on the hunt for a running back.
That's even more true if Jonathan Taylor is somehow made available, which seems unlikely, but given the Colts' current fire sale after moving on from longtime general manager Chris Ballard, nobody is off-limits, including the 3-time Pro Bowler.
Given that his price will be quite high, Vrabel and Co. could instead pursue a more affordable option, like Tony Pollard, who came off a career game against the Browns last week.
Offensive line
- G Andrew Wylie (Commanders)
- G/C Jackson Powers-Johnson (Raiders)
The part of the Patriots' roster with the worst luck is the offensive line, as the team placed starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on injured reserve after a Week 6 win over the Jets.
They now have a third- or fourth-string right guard, a second-string left guard, and backups have played each tackle position over the last few weeks. That should put them in the market for offensive line help, even with Marcus Bryant and Greg Van Roten eligible to return to the 53-man roster this week.
Because linemen aren't generally traded, and it's hard to find starting-quality players a team is willing to move on from, the Patriots don't seem to have many options. For that reason, they should seriously consider the top players rumored to be on the trade block, or risk leaving their current group vulnerable for the rest of the season.
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