There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the Patriots and how they would move forward as a 2-6 team unlikely to get much better the rest of the season. Most have assumed they will be big sellers by the trade deadline, but since that is just hours away and they are yet to make any big moves, it doesn't appear to be in Bill Belichick's plans to make a lot of moves.
That can change, of course, since the deadline to get trades done is not until 4 p.m. However, the number of moves that some fans hope to see will almost certainly not occur.
Maybe a few players will be moved, like some of the more popular names amongst trade proposals over the last several weeks, and perhaps they'll trade for some players since injuries continue to pile up. Because many of those players have been integral to the team's success this year, it wouldn't be surprising to see Belichick attempt to fill the voids with traded players.
The problem he will run into, though, is the limited time remaining before the deadline and their low cap space to take on any significant contracts.
But even if that is true, there are a few trades New England can still get done if they choose to move in that direction, and some of them may be worth it.
Trade for wide receiver Jerry Jeudy
One of the more prominent players connected to the Patriots in recent years continues to be Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. New England was rumored to be heavily involved in trade talks during the offseason when Denver chose to dangle Jeudy to receiver-needy teams to see what they would be willing to offer to acquire him.
Once new head coach Sean Payton realized they would not get the return they were hoping for, he slammed the door shut on any trade taking place for Jeudy, insisting he was part of their future plans.
But that seems to have changed already, as we now hear about Jeudy being available for trade again just a few months later. Because Belichick was so interested in trading for him earlier this year, and since then, they lost out on signing DeAndre Hopkins and just lost Kendrick Bourne for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, maybe it's time to kick the tires about making the trade for Jeudy again.
Although he hasn't played with him since they were both at Alabama, Jeudy has a connection already with Mac Jones, as they were teammates and roommates before heading to the NFL. That could be a significant factor that piques Belichick's interest now that their most trusted receiver and go-to weapon for Jones will not return this year.
If the Broncos are really interested in moving on from the 24-year-old, there's literally no reason not to make the call and see if the price has changed since earlier this year.
They had been rumored to want a first-round pick, which may seem expensive, especially if the Patriots are unsure about their future with Jones as the QB. But it should at least be something to consider because he is a consistent player with a long career ahead of him.
Trade Josh Uche to the Lions for a third-rounder
Among the handful of names rumored to be shipped off by the Patriots, Josh Uche has remained the leading trade candidate until the deadline. There have been some concerns about whether a trade will get done since the linebacker has now missed back-to-back games due to injury.
While that may make it more challenging to move on from him right now, it doesn't decrease his value or his potential, which he demonstrated throughout the 2022 season.
Because he is on the last year of his rookie contract and extension conversations have allegedly not been had, it doesn't seem like Uche is a priority for Belichick to keep on the team long-term. If that's the case, moving on from him when you can get something in return rather than watching him walk for nothing in free agency would make sense.
Even though there's an argument to be made about the need to maintain younger players who have shown they can be contributors and valuable to the team, a guy like Uche, for example, Belichick, is known for letting those kinds of players walk, which ends up being a waste when they could have been traded earlier in the season.
One team that analysts have discussed to ship Uche to has been the Detroit Lions. Uche could join fellow young pass rusher Aiden Hutchinson and become one of the better duos in the league.
Most analysts believe the Patriots could get a third-round pick in return for Uche, which would be significant for a crucial upcoming draft. It will be worth it if they don't plan to re-sign him at the end of the year or if they do but know they won't pay what he will demand.
Trade for Chase Young/Montez Sweat
Much like the Patriots heading into Week 9 of the season, the Commanders are rumored to become big sellers before the deadline later today. Two names that continue to be discussed have been consistent performers for the Washington defense: Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Both players become free agents at the end of the season, forcing the team to decide if moving on from them now would be more beneficial than letting them walk in free agency. Considering how much it would cost to retain both of them, we'll unlikely see them back with the Commanders next season. But that doesn't eliminate the possibility that one will be back with a big-time contract in 2024.
But who that could be is unclear and will need to be decided by Ron Rivera and Co. fairly quickly as the hours dwindle.
It has been reported that a few teams have inquired or made offers for both players, with one offer said to be for a third-round pick, which would become a second-rounder of Sweat signed a contract extension. Insiders have claimed the Commanders want at least second-rounders for either player, which has not been offered to them to this point.
That is a bit steep, but it all depends on how much Washington truly wants to move on from them, knowing they'll get something in return. If they are not hearing what they want for them, they may ultimately change their minds and accept the best offer to ensure they don't walk away with nothing.
In that case, there's no harm in Belichick (at least) inquiring and trying to determine what they'll really go for. The move makes sense even more if he decides to move on from Uche and if Matthew Judon cannot return this season after undergoing biceps surgery.
Young is just 24 years old and, despite the number of injuries that have kept him sidelined for most of his short career, has been on the path to having a standout season this year.
Sweat is a bit older, more experienced, and would undoubtedly thrive in a Belichick defense. The idea of pairing him with Judon and Keion White is a dream come true, but it all hinges on the plan regarding the defense and (of course) Washington's asking price.