Two weeks before the 2026 NFL trade deadline, the Patriots are considered among the biggest buyers, especially at pass rusher.
Although rookie Gabe Jacas and Elijah Ponder have exceeded expectations, the defense still lacks consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and that won't change unless they make a move.
Harold Landry III was supposed to be the guy for the defense, but an injury has had him on the Physically Unable to Perform list since the offseason. Because the veteran has no clear return date, the Patriots may enter trade talks to replace his production.
Fortunately for them, several edge players are projected to be on the trade market before the deadline, four of whom should be on their radar.
4 pass rushers the Patriots could consider trading for before the deadline
Tuli Tuipulotu
With a 0-6 record through 7 weeks, the Chargers are expected to be big-time sellers ahead of the trade deadline. That means they could be willing to move a player like Tuli Tuipulotu, a 2023 second-round draft pick in the final year of his rookie contract.
There were contract extension talks this past offseason that went nowhere, so, given their frustrating season, it makes a lot of sense for the Chargers to trade a player as productive as Tuipulotu, and it gives the Patriots even more reason to inquire.
The 24-year-old is coming off a career year that ended with 49 combined tackles, 20 for a loss, 23 quarterback hits, 3 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 13 sacks.
Through six games this season, he's on pace to surpass last year's performance in many ways, even if he's only recorded 2 sacks so far, and he could be even better in the Patriots' defense. On top of that, since last season started, he ranks 11th in pressure rate among players with at least 250 pass-rush snaps.
His age and development fit what Mike Vrabel wants on his roster, and his aggressiveness is exactly what the head coach loves. There is a chance he ultimately won't be available, since rumors have suggested Khalil Mack might be on the move, but that shouldn't stop the Patriots from making an offer.
YaYa Diaby
Like Tuipulotu, YaYa Diaby is on the final year of his contract in 2026, so there's a higher chance the Bucs will move him before he becomes a free agent next year.
That makes him more intriguing to the Patriots, even though he's considered a cheaper option given his lower productivity over the last four years. But that doesn't mean he hasn't been a stellar performer or that he wouldn't be valuable to New England's defense.
Diaby has been consistent and reliable, hasn't missed a game in his career so far, and is on pace for another impressive season this year. He's already recorded 16 combined tackles, 6 for a loss, 6 quarterback hits, an interception, 2 passes defended, and 3 sacks, with plenty of gas left in the tank to do even more.
He's another young option for the Patriots to consider, and given their current cap constraints, he might be one of the more reliable targets to inquire about.
Will McDonald IV
Although in-division trades are rare, the Jets might be in a familiar position ahead of the deadline, which could force them to make tough trade decisions, such as moving on from Will McDonald IV despite having picked up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
The 2023 first-round pick has had an up-and-down career so far and hasn't quite lived up to his draft selection, which doesn't bode well for a team that just used the second overall pick on an EDGE rusher who is finally making an impact.
Because David Bailey is starting to wreak havoc, McDonald could be on the move, and the Patriots could be a good suitor. The 27-year-old is coming off a year with 8 sacks, and in 7 games this year, he's already racked up 2.
He has only started one game this season because there's more competition at the position than ever. If they don't see a long-term future for him in the lineup, now is the time to move on, and the Patriots could pull off the trade.
Nolan Smith
The Eagles are generally aggressive in trades under GM Howie Roseman, so it wouldn't be surprising if they decide to move on from Nolan Smith after picking up his fifth-year option earlier this year.
Because they restructured that deal, allowing them to take on just over $1 million in dead cap if they trade him, which is uncommon, they have even more reason to trade him before the deadline and add to their stockpile of future draft picks.
Their 2026 season already looks like a wash after losing Jalen Hurts to a season-ending injury, and a player like Smith would garner a nice return. He was drafted in the first round in 2023, recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks in 2024, and his violent style of play is exactly what Vrabel would want on his defensive line.
He would arguably be the most expensive trade on this list, but he might have one of the best upsides, making him a worthwhile investment.
Others: Khalil Mack, Josh Sweat
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