Patriots trade deadline: Latest rumors, potential targets, biggest needs, and more

Going into the 2026 season, the Patriots had the cards stacked against them, facing a historically difficult opening month and a much tougher overall schedule than in recent years, especially the 2025 season.

Because they were coming off a year that ended with an unexpected Super Bowl appearance, many expected them to play like a good team this season, especially after some of their more noteworthy offseason additions.

But injuries to the offense, in particular, have been devastating for this team, along with turnovers by Drake Maye and an inconsistent defense that hasn't helped the team stay afloat in games.

That makes them one of the top teams considered buyers ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, and they have plenty of spots to address if they want to make moves before they can't anymore.

Plenty of players could be major upgrades for this team, but the question remains whether the Patriots will actually make a move.

1. Latest Patriots trade rumors
2. Potential Patriots trade targets
3. Positions that need upgrading
4. Tradeable draft picks
5. Updated Patriots depth chart

Latest updated: Monday, November 9, at 6 a.m. EST

Latest Patriots trade rumors

Ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Packers, ESPN's Mike Reiss revealed that "fireworks aren't expected with the Patriots" ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, despite their clear need in multiple areas at this stage of the season.

The Patriots' insider revealed a few reasons for their likely hesitation to make a substantial move, which only compounds their limited cap space and the injuries that have already sidelined multiple starters.

"There are multiple reasons, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking, and near the top of the list is the unwillingness to sacrifice significant assets from future Patriots teams."

Eliot Wolf has not made trades this close to the deadline in his career

Because the trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m., the Patriots would need to act quickly if they want to add anyone to their roster for the rest of the 2026 season.

Unfortunately for anyone hoping they will, history shows Eliot Wolf isn't a general manager who makes trades this close to the cutoff, so if that tells us anything, expecting a trade at this point will only be disappointing by Tuesday evening when it doesn't happen.

Potential Patriots trade targets

OLB Khalil Mack

The pass rush was a questionable group going into the 2026 season, and fortunately, over the past 9 games, the duo of rookie Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder has worked out far better than anyone could have predicted.

It has been a tremendous help with Harold Landry on the shelf and Dre'Mont Jones dealing with injuries, but they still need a consistent performer to take down opposing quarterbacks, and it looks like Khalil Mack could be the right fit.

Not only is he a seasoned veteran, but at this stage in his career, the Patriots could get him for a good price that won't hurt their pocketbook. Even if it's just a half-year rental, Mack could be the missing piece on their defensive line to help them down the stretch.

RB Tony Pollard

TreVeyon Henderson's uncertain future means the Patriots need more help at running back, and Tony Pollard could be the perfect answer.

He is having an impressive season with the Titans, so adding that kind of firepower to the offense would elevate them to a new level and take a lot of pressure off Stevenson for the rest of the season.

Trading for him will be a problem, though, since the Titans fired Mike Vrabel nearly three years ago, and rumors suggest Tennessee's higher-ups aren't fond of their former head coach and won't do business with him, no matter which team he's with.

If they like Pollard and make a good offer, working on a deal with Eliot Wolf could let the Titans bypass whatever grudge they have with Vrabel. Regardless, it shouldn't deter New England from making the call if they like what they see from Pollard.

G Landon Dickerson

A season-ending injury to Mike Onwenu and an IR stint for Alijah Vera-Tucker have put the Patriots in a position to find replacements, no matter how long they're out this season.

They could solve one issue by trading for 3-time Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson, considered one of the league's best at the position and expected to be highly sought after before the deadline.

The Patriots have every reason to make a deal, even more so if they don't intend to bring Onwenu back in free agency next year. Or if they decide to move on from Vera-Tucker already. Dickerson could be an immediate and long-term solution, bringing more stability to a vulnerable group this season.

WR Josh Downs

With A.J. Brown missing the last two games and reports suggest he won't return to the starting lineup until Week 12 at the earliest, plus Romeo Doubs still on injured reserve, the Patriots' receiving corps has been depleted this season, to say the least.

Couple that with Drake Maye's college connection to Josh Downs, and you have an example of nonstop trade discussion ahead of this week's deadline.

The connection between Maye and Downs from their days at UNC is something many fans want to see in New England, and it could happen since the Colts are in the midst of a fire sale after moving on from their longtime general manager.

Read more: 9 dream trade targets the Patriots could go all-in for before the 2026 deadline

Other names to watch:

• RB Derrick Henry
• RB Kenneth Gainwell
• RB Jonathan Taylor
• EDGE Josh Sweat
• EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson
• EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
• CB Riq Woolen
• CB Donte Jackson

Positions that need upgrading

Offensive line

The injury bug has been particularly damaging to the Patriots' offensive line this season, as they've already lost Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker to stints on injured reserve. Their backups have also missed games, forcing major changes to the starting lineup.

Because of that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in some reinforcements for the rest of the season, maybe even if the front office isn't keen on re-signing Onwenu in free agency next year.

Although they seem to have hit their stride with the current grouping, they have plenty of reason to make a trade in case the worst-case scenario happens, which has already happened a few times over the past 9 games.

Defensive tackle

The defensive line has been impressive through the first half of the season, yet for some reason, rumors suggest the Patriots are actively shopping Christian Barmore ahead of the deadline.

Because of that, and their arguable need for a nose tackle, it looks like they are in the market for another defender, so it wouldn't be surprising if we hear more chatter over the next few days connecting the team to available players.

Given their current cap space, it's unlikely they'll make a big splash for someone like Vita Vea, but that doesn't rule out acquiring an under-the-radar talent who could immediately boost their current group.

Running back

With TreVeyon Henderson missing time due to illness, the backfield's production falls squarely on Rhamondre Stevenson. Corey Kiner has helped, with a few standout moments over the past few weeks.

But it's still expecting a lot from Stevenson, especially since they like to use him in the passing game too.

A few running backs appear to be on the trade block ahead of Wednesday's deadline, and since Henderson's immediate and long-term future is unclear, trading a mid-round pick for someone to pair with Stevenson would be a smart move.

Tradeable draft picks

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 4
• Round 5
• Round 5 via CHI (Garrett Bradbury)
• Round 6
• Round 6 via HOU (Marte Mapu)
• Round 6 via NO (Ja'Lynn Polk)
• Round 7

Updated Patriots depth chart

QB: Drake Maye, Tommy DeVito, Behren Morton

RB: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Corey Kiner, Lan Larison

WR: A.J. Brown, Mack Hollins, Efton Chism III, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, (Romeo Doubs on IR)

TE: Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin, Cameron Latu

FB: Reggie Gilliam (On IR)

OL: Will Campbell, Ben Brown, Jared Wilson, Walter Rouse, Morgan Moses, Caleb Lomu, Marcus Bryant, Dametrious Crownover, Matt Pryor (Mike Onwenu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Greg Van Roten on IR)

DL: Christan Barmore, Milton Williams, Cory Durden, DaQuan Jones, Joshua Farmer, Leonard Taylor III

LB: Elijah Ponder, Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Dre'Mont Jones, Gabe Jacas, Darius Muasau, Namdi Obiazor, Erick Hunter (Khalil Jacobs and Quintayvious Hutchins on IR)

CB: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Charles Woods, Channing Canada, Karon Prunty

S: Kevin Byard II, Craig Woodson, Brenden Schooler, Jaylen Reed, Mike Brown (Dell Pettus on IR)

Specialists: Andy Borregales, Julian Ashby, Mitch Wishnowsky

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